C-Notched Frame

Benny Furtado's 1948 Ford Convertible. This early Gene Winfield custom showcases his emerging style before he became a household name. Built at Windy's Custom Shop, Gene's humble operation in a chicken coop behind his mother’s house at 1309 Figaro Avenue in Modesto, California, Furtado's Ford was one of his first customer builds. Benny, a dairyman, bought the car new and drove it stock for a year before bringing it to Gene for a chop in 1949. The roof was lowered, the rear fenders were molded, and a padded Carson-style top from Hall Upholstery completed the look. To drop it even further, Gene C-notched the frame, and later, a 1948 Cadillac grille was installed. This Ford stands as an early example of Winfield's craftsmanship before he became one of the most innovative and respected customizers of his era. Photo courtesy of Orvel "Speed" Reichert.