We changed the spark plugs while the transport truck was waiting, I'm happy and honored to say I cut my hand on the exhaust shield, I may have even left a spot of blood on the exhaust manifold.
Going, Going, WRONG! The blue plates were produced from 1969 to 1981. Sent from my SM-J700T1 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
So, it's headed to Mr. Winfield's shop out here in Mojave? With Gene's annual show coming up in October, odds are it will be out for everyone to see before it goes in for refresh. At least I hope that's how things will go. Neat-o-mosquito!
Its one thing to see history like this at shows or in photos. Must have sent shivers up and down your spine to actually see it run and drive. I got that feeling just seeing someone behind the wheel.....
Looks like I'll be hanging around Gene's place, with my camera, to get some before , during , and after shots. IF, I stay out of Gene's way and be like a fly on the wall!
I don't know what you are saying is wrong? The vast majority of 1969 cars in California had black plates...I suppose at some point maybe late in the year they switched to blue and yellow. The plates the Idol is wearing are from the time period I stated. I simply added that for trivia reasons so the picture and the variation of the Idol could be dated. Here is a something I found on the net in 2 minutes. It backs me up. I was using my personal experiece to date the plate....as far as my future trivia additions.....Going...Going....Gone! Now back to the Idol....
I've talked to Gene many times about this car. I just love this car. Gene did not do the current paint.
It's like one of my old mags came to life! What a thrill, too not only See it, but experience it In Motion. The icing on the cake will be The Fade. Thanks Pete
supposedly, John D' Agostino and Gene did some trading ? I don't know the entire story, but it involved the Royal Tahitian that John build and there was a trade involving the Idol. Does anybody have knowledge on this?
I found this: (I added the bold) "n 1983, D’Agostino commissioned Bill Reasoner to build his new project, a 1953 Mercury Two-Door hardtop coupe, which was an already very stylish car in stock form. Eventually known as the “Royal Tahitian”, this custom was frenched, lowered, shaved. The front sheet metal of a 1950s Pontiac was seamlessly grafted to the Mercury body and matching side trim was added. On the rear, 1950s Packard tail lights were modified and fit to the Mercury quarter panels. The car was fitted with an eye-catching candy red paint job. Rear fender skirts were added, along with spotlights, a custom chrome plated grille insert and front bumper, while the original faux hood scoop was dechromed. Following completion, the car was displayed on the California show circuit in 1986, capturing "Best of Show" at the popular West Coast Customs show at Paso Robles. After it was displayed at the 1987 Sacramento Autorama, D’Agostino traded the “Royal Tahitian” for the Jade Idol of celebrated customizer Gene Winfield. Power for the custom was supplied by a 350 Chevrolet V8 engine coupled to a GM automatic transmission."
glad it was sold. keeping this car hidden for 30 years from all but a few close friends is really a shame. all custom car fans would love to see any historic custom. i hope the new owner shows it for all to enjoy.
thanks Sancho, I have read that same information. Not that I am doubting it, but was anybody around at this time that can confirm this? I suspect that Winfield was not the owner of Idol when JD traded for it. I am fortunate to be the current owner of Royal Tahitian, hence my curiosity and quest of confirmation
Did Gene Winfield build a second version of that car or am I wrong? I remember a documentary about the man from some years ago that showed him cruising in what looked like the Jade Idol.
I don't read that statement as saying Gene owned the car at the time of the trade just that it was the "Gene Winfield Jade Idol" like the "Hirohata Mercury". Bob obviously doesn't still own the car but it's the name that will be forever linked to it regardless of ownership.
good point K13. Does anybody know who owned the Jade Idol at the time of the trade with John D' Agostino in 1987?
Rik Hoving has Bob Page as the last know owner before John but doesn't say whether that is who John got the car from. Bob was apparently the owner who painted it in it's current configuration. https://www.customcarchronicle.com/cc-builders/gene-winfield-customs/winfields-jade-idol-sold/
great research and history. thank you! not trying to hijack the thread, but this is what the Royal Tahitian looks like today. And that makes me want to take it for a spin!
Gene Winfield tells part of the story of the Jade Idol in Episode 12 of the Bomb City Podcast: http://bomb-city.com/2016/12/27/episode-12-gene-winfield/
The Jalopy Journal
