History of Lowriding

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By Todd C. Ruzicka
eHow Contributing Writer

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Lowriders and lowriding have become recognizable terms in pop culture. Books, magazines and even pop songs have extolled the virtues of the suspension-enhanced lowriding car and the lowrider lifestyle. These sleek--often vintage--vehicles never fail to turn heads when they cruise "Bajito y Suavecito" (low and slow) down the street. That is the point. Yet, how and where did this subculture begin?

Origins of the Subculture

The term "lowrider" did not come into modern parlance until the 1960s. However, the lowrider tradition began in Mexican-American barrios in the late 1930s, and it was part of the "zoot suit" style popular with teenagers. These "pachucos," or zoot-suiters, wore slicked-back hair and highly-polished shoes. The first lowrider cars were usually restored Chevys, sometimes lowered just in the back by sandbags placed in the trunk, or lowered all around by shortening the springs. Suitably lowered, the pachucos would slowly cruise the streets. According to Lowrider Magazine, this could be an extension of a time-honored Mexican tradition called the "paseo," in which the young men would slowly walk the street in an attempt to attract the attention of the young girls.

Growth of the Subculture

During the Great Depression, most lowrider enthusiasts were not capable of spending much money on their vehicles. However, after World War II, the thriving U.S. economy allowed hot-rod owners to spend money to extensively (and expensively) modify their vehicles.

One of the most important modifications was hydraulics. In 1956, Ron Aguire "installed the first hydraulic system in a '56 convertible. With a flip of the switch, the car could be lowered or raised." The hydraulic parts were actually surplus from World War II, and they became essential to the lowriders. They allowed the drivers to alternate between riding as low as possible or at normal height within seconds.

Subculture Since the 1970s

In the 1970s, hydraulics were improved to allow the cars to "jump." This led to jumping clubs that held competitions. In the 1980s, hydraulics had advanced to allow the cars to rock from side to side and even turn completely around. By the 1990s, the lowrider had become an important part of urban culture, especially in the hip-hop community, a trend that continues to this day. Lowrider culture now embraces diverse ethnic groups and vehicle styles, but it remains an important part of Chicano culture.

Vehicles

Perhaps the most popular lowrider is the 1964 Chevy Impala, although 1958 to 1963 Impalas are also popular. Other sought-after cars include the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Buick Regal, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and the Pontiac Grand Prix.