1955, '56 and '57 T-Bird custom & mild custom

'56 T Bird - Gene Winfield
What do you do when youve decided to restore a vintage Thunderbird, but want the finished product to be something very different from the rest of the crowd? How about handing it over to expert metalsmith and customizer Gene Winfield? The result is this jaw-dropping 1956 Thunderbird custom, a traditionally-styled full custom that screams Thunderbird in Winfields unique SoCal drawl.




The story goes that they sent this fairly good-looking Bird to the sandblasters shop and what they got back looked like a Thunderbird made of Swiss cheese. No matter, because the guys at Winfields shop know more about shaping, welding, and restoring metal than just about anyone on earth. So they scored some NOS rocker panels, fresh door panels, and a whole bunch of panels from the guys at Bird Brains, and proceeded to put the car back together with almost entirely new parts, and infinitely more care than any other Thunderbird in history. Up front, the headlights were modified to use outrageous stacked units from a 50s Lincoln Continental, the bumpers were fared into the body, and the hood got a custom scoop. In back, custom fender flares, rocker panel extensions, and a hand-made continental kit were added, then it was all block sanded to perfection by Genes team. Sizzling Electric Blue paint has a traditional look, and contrasting scallops, pinstripes, and other graphics in white, silver, and light blue make it look like the trick machines that cruised Hollywood in the early 60s.




The interior makeover is just as dramatic, starting with a two-tone bench seat that looks appropriate in the vintage Bird. But then you notice the wrap-around dash that has been finished in simulated burled walnut. The main speedometer hood is gone, but the two flanking pods remain, and auxiliary gauges from VDO line the center of the dashs engine-turned trim. Theres a matching Grant GT steering wheel, a billet shifter for the automatic transmission, as well as a tilt column and oddly enough, cruise control. And yes, its signed by the man himself, which is a cool piece of documentation that remains with the car. The stock trunk was given a simple finish and holds both the full-sized spare and remote-mounted battery. Theres also a very trick white convertible top that fits snugly and looks remarkably like a Carson lift-off job, completing the vintage custom look.




Power is simple, thanks to a reliable 5.0 liter Ford V8 from a mid-80s Mustang GT. Topped by a 4-barrel carburetor, this MGM Motoring engine belts out more horsepower and torque than the original 312, making this custom a legitimate party to drive on the street. It also includes power steering and brakes, as well as a sweet-sounding dual exhaust system with glasspacks for a traditional note. A custom front clip that includes tubular A-arms and rack-and-pinion steering gives it a modern feel on the road, while out back the stock 9-inch rear handles the power delivery. With a slammed stance, this custom looks right and handles beautifully. Even the chrome reverse wheels with baby moon hubcaps look right, especially with 205/75/15 whitewall radials filling the fenders.

1957 Ford Thunderbird (custom roadster)


--Show-winning custom roadster
--All hand-formed steel of ’57 T-bird with body modifications
--High-performance 351-CID Ford V8 engine
--Diamond-pleated white Naugahyde vinyl interior
--One-off custom show car
--1961 Chrysler glass dome gauge cluster
--Interior features finished in 14-karat gold paint

MotoeXotica Classic Cars proudly presents this one-of-a-kind, one-off custom show car with this award-winning 1957 Ford Thunderbird custom roadster and its nickname “Roxanne.” This is one far-out car that portrays the futuristic fantasy vibes of the late ‘50s. It is all-steel construction with all components welded in and skim coated smooth — an amazing feat!

The body is all hand-formed steel of a ’57 Ford Thunderbird with a variety of body modifications. Tom Culberston of Culberston’s Customs (Indianapolis) originally built Roxanne. The inspiration for this radical custom came from the show cars built by Ed “Big Daddy” Roth and George Barris in the ’50 and ‘60s. Finished in a brilliant gold metallic paint, this custom roadster definitely plays off a golden motif. The large rear tailfins give the iconic cult look, helping this car look like a rocket ship! Other exterior modifications to this roadster include 1959 Lincoln headlights, 1959 Buick taillights, shaved door handles, custom grille and tail panels and a chopped windshield. There is a hairline stress crack inside the right headlight, barely noticeable but there. This astounding custom sits on four five-spoke wheels wrapped in whitewall Dimension All Season tires measuring P205/75R14.

A striking feature is the fully-custom white Naugahyde vinyl seen not only on the interior but also the wheel wells, engine bay and even the hood pad! These details set apart a show car from a cruiser. This vinyl encases the seats and is also diamond-pleated. The seats show no wear or tear as is expected from a show-winning vehicle. Another custom feature is the Chrysler glass dome gauge cluster. This bubble dome appears as if it came right out of a science fiction comic book from the same era. The steering wheel is a ‘60s Plymouth Aero wheel; there is also a custom shifter and — surprisingly — a retro rotary phone attached to the center of the floorboard. The trunk has been equipped with a restored 1950s Admiral TV and matching accessories, and according to previous accounts, the interior features have been finished in 14-karat gold.

Under the hood, this show car features a high-performance 351-CID Ford V8 engine mated with a Ford C4 automatic transmission — both were rebuilt before installation. Even as a show car, Roxanne runs fantastically. Known issues are the horn and speedometer are currently inoperable. This engine sits in a show-prepared engine bay, and there is a custom air cleaner and Mickey Thompson rocker covers with T-bar fasteners and gold detailing. The car comes with a custom-made toneau cover but has no hard or soft top.

This custom car is unique and will serve well as a show car for any collection. Awards for Roxanne include: Oakland Roadster Show, Sacramento Roadster Show and Lead Sled East among more in the radical custom class.