The late-MANUEL ARTECHE, who p***ed away in 1999, was one of the R&C Industries b-e-s-t upholsterer's who used the customs he built as "rolling showcases" for his magnificent interior work. Since 2000, the Arteche family has presented the "Manuel Arteche Memorial Award" at the Sacramento Autorama in his honor, as shown in the photo above, and showcased their exhibit displaying his '41 Ford Custom. Many have forgotten Manuel's importance in the R&C Industry: He was a superb upholsterer, a wonderful family man, one of the early members of the West Coast Kustoms, worked with Joe Bailon on the great show they put together...and died way too soon at the age of 52. NOW, IF YOU'VE LOOKED AT THE '61 BUICK that's my Avatar by now you probably know that it's my personal car that was originally owned & built by Manuel. BUT, before he built the "INVICTA", Manuel had put together that beautiful, radically customized, chopped & sectioned 1941 Ford, that was initially painted "Black Cherry". HOWEVER, in a chance meeting with GENE WINFIELD, Manuel decided to let Gene re-paint the car...a shimmering, vibrant, Gold. ACCORDINGLY, WHEN GENE AND I GOT TOGETHER for another of our Interview Sessions at the 31st KKOA Lead Sled in Salina, Kansas, I wanted Gene's story on how his involvement with that remarkable '41 all came about, and what happened during the process of getiing this rare work of "rolling sculpture" on the right track for Manuel. And, a very cool story it is as you'll hear for yourself by simply Clicking-On This Link: http://www.legends.thewwbc.net/gpage182.html Enjoy this true piece of R&C History from Gene Winfield...and if you have any stories about Manuel, or memories of him, his cars, and his work...please feel free to post 'em here. Many thanks, Jonnie www.legends.thewwbc.net
'Mo, You're welcome, my friend...thanks for your kind thoughts. Gene...always the best, and a true gentleman, as well as an R&C Industry Legend. Manuel...the same as my above words about Gene. My only regret is that I never had the pleasure of meeting him. BUT, I don't want his work and devotion to the Industry to ever be forgotten. That was my promise to his family when I acquired his INVICTA. http://www.legends.thewwbc.net/gpage182.html Thanks again, Jonnie www.legends.thewwbc.net
born in the wrong era... Glad you enjoyed it ! Gene is amazing and the job he did on Manuel's Ford was truly one of his best ! Better yet is his story about what he had to do to get that PPG Experimental paint that perfect...plus, his thoughts on the methods he uses to get his results on every car he paints are spot-on... http://www.legends.thewwbc.net/gpage182.html Jonnie www.legends.thewwbc.net
Tim... Thanks for the eMail...and you're right, Gene has traveled to the Mooneye's event as well as the Canadian one he talks about in the Interview. Very cool ! Jonnie www.legends.thewwbc.net
The Jalopy Journal
