Renowned car designer Gene Winfield, known for his work on films like “Blade Runner” and “Robocop,” passed away on March 4 at the age of 97. His obituary on Legacy.com confirmed the news.
Winfield earned the title of the “King of Kustoms” for his work on some of Hollywood’s most iconic cars. He established his first custom shop in the 1940s, launching a career that spanned over eight decades. Throughout his illustrious career, Winfield became the go-to person for Hollywood when it came to crafting cars, particularly futuristic ones.
One of his notable creations was the “Super Car” featured in a 1967 episode of “Bewitched.” This car, known as the Retractor, made appearances in “Star Trek: The Original Series” as Jupiter 8, as well as in an episode of “Mission: Impossible” and as Catwoman’s Catmobile in “Batman.” Winfield also designed the vehicle used in “Get Smart” and customized a Piranha for “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”
His custom vehicles were showcased in films like “The Last Starfighter” and “Robocop,” but perhaps his most iconic creations were the flying cop cars, known as “spinners,” in “Blade Runner.”
Born in Springfield, Missouri, Winfield was the youngest of six children of Frank and Virginia “Ginny” Winfield, according to HotRod magazine. His passion for cars began at a young age when he purchased his first vehicle, a $75 1928 Model A coupe at age 15, which he customized with dark blue paint, dual antennas, and foxtails, despite lacking a radio.
Throughout his career, Winfield received accolades from the hot-rod community, including the National Hot Rod Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
