The World loses an Icon and friend to all… GENE WINFIELD
We all knew this day was coming. The day when our legendary icon in the car world GENE WINFIELD would move on to the greatest of all Car Shows. And the sadness worldwide would be tremendous. But like Gene… there was always a silver lining.
I first met Gene in the late 70’s and he was one of the most enigmatic, excited and talented people in an industry that I soon would call home. I was a teenager and was floored by his ability to multitask as a builder, stay cool under pressure and smile the whole time in that skinny body. I thought, “What the fuck, this guy is magic.” But the energy that exuded from his lean machine was the most powerful thing I had ever seen. He was already a legend in my mind. Living Folklore…
And over the next nearly 50 years, I would get a chance to watch Gene flourish, hear Star Trek Stories in his home and build with him on shows like Monster Garage. Even Jesse James was nervous when Gene and Daryl (Starbird) came over. But being along side him, not as a builder but as a Conceptualist who loved ideas, Gene would find the best car out there that would represent the direction he wanted to go… and then start from there. “If the best is that… then we’re gonna do THIS.” Oh hell yea, I love this guy.
I learned a lot about Automotive Hollywood Business and ideas from Gene, but the single greatest gift he gave me was the importance of being kind, no matter to whom. “When life gives you lemons… I go build a car,” he told me once. He taught me that a single smile could break down walls… a kind gesture could melt away pain… and an unexpected compliment could change someone’s life… for good. And I never forgot that.
Thank you, Gene. Thank you for being my friend. And a friend to everyone and even the prickly ones. And thanks for allowing us to tag along on your journey. All of us…
But as we wrap up Gene’s Epic Chapter, it’s now up to us to ensure that Car Culture grows and prospers. It’s what Gene would have wanted. And you know this because right now… he’s smiling at you like a silly skinny kid sittin’ on the chrome capped wheel in the shop… in overalls.
Join me in Gene’s Legacy to make Car Shows the place where we’re blessed to share stories, smile, laugh and love. Be like Gene… and be happy no matter what.
We’ll miss you, Grandmaster G…
Even at 96, Car Builder GENE WINFIELD still likes to COLOR
A few years ago, Fireball did the Official GENE WINFIELD Coloring Book as part of his extensive Collection of Automotive Books (All at Barnes & Noble HERE), and as cool as they are, they become cooler as kids of all ages COLOR THEM! And this includes Master Car Builder, GENE WINFIELD. Even is the ripe old age of 96!
Gene was born on June 16th 1927, so join us in a couple weeks as we celebrate his 97th Birthday! In fact, if you color one of his pages and shoot it to Fireball, you could WIN something cool outta the Garage! In fact, you’ll get to PICK IT YOURSELF!
Famous for so many cars, Gene and Fireball (along with Daryl Starbird) designed and built the INSANE 54 from MONSTER GARAGE together as episode 86. Did you see it?? But Gene’s master skill over the years has been perfected to an art and he’ll go down in history as one of the greatest builders of all time. For that… and for COLORING. 😉
McQueen’s JAGUAR and GENE WINFIELD tells a Hollywood story
Back in the 60’s, STEVE McQUEEN could be seen racing around L.A. in this amazing Classic 1956 JAGUAR XKSS. In fact, many Angelenos have stories of seeing him… passing them! Now, the actually car can be seen at THE PETERSEN!
Today’s Fireball SKETCH is that exact car with Fireball’s unique style… Check out the MUGS, PRINTS and more, and get ta slurpin!’ Want YOUR CAR or FAMILY CAR on a Gift Mug? REACH OUT NOW! askfireball@fireballtim.com
Today’s EPISODE is below! GENE WINFIELD tells the tale of how he broke into HOLLYWOOD!
Fireball 2024 MOVIE CAR CALENDARS are available NOW!
Today’s Featured Coloring Book is GENE WINFIELD!!!
Our Books are back… and today it’s the Official GENE WINFIELD Coloring Book! You can get this 20-page book filled with Gene’s Greatest Builds and Color them in YOUR OWN TAKE! Available at Barnes & Noble!
Official GENE WINFIELD Coloring Book is out!
An amazing Coloring Book filled with GENE WINFIELD’S best cars! Makes an awesome gift for those that love KUSTOMS! Get it here on Amazon! https://tinyurl.com/fireballcolor
FOUND! Gene Winfield’s ROBOCOP 6000 SUX Movie Car!
For today’s BEST OF SHOW from Gene’s shop in the Mojave, Fireball spots the 1987 Robocop SUX Movie Car… but gets it WRONG. It’s been sittin’ in the sun for a very long time as so has he…
The Story of the Gene Winfield REACTOR…
Fireball reveals the start of the Gene Winfield Reactor Movie Car Career for today’s BEST OF SHOW. This was “THE REACTOR” that got him many jobs including BEWITCHED!
Fireball BACK TO THE FUTURE at the Gene Winfield Show!
For today’s BEST OF SHOW from the Gene Winfield Car Show, Fireball spots the rotting BACK TO THE FUTURE 2 Police Car!
SPOTLIGHT! The Official GENE WINFIELD Coloring Book…
Today’s Coloring Book is all about the man… GENE WINFIELD! WATCH!
Fireball hitting DONUT DERELICTS Saturday with epic GENE WINFIELD Coloring Book!!
If you’re in the OC on Saturday, stop by DONUT DERELICTS and look for Fireball and M.C. Ken Vela! They’ll have a few copies of the all-new GENE WINFIELD Coloring Book and a few other cool things. Watch for a massive 2021 CHEVY SUBURBAN!
