Information & Education on Lowrider Cars

A parked lowrider

Lowriders were first introduced in the 1930s when they appeared in Mexican-American neighborhoods, or barrios, as part of the "zoot-suit" sensation. According to "Lowrider Magazine," Mexican-American zooters, also known as pachucos, modified old Chevys to create lowriders as a form of rebellion against the mainstream. Over the years, lowriders have become interrogated into popular culture through magazines, television shows, music and movies. Modifications over time have helped to shape the lowriders of today.

Early History

Weights were used to lower cars in the 1930s.

Although lowrider cars had a major increase in popularity in the late 1970s, the origin of such cars can be traced back to the late 1930s. Heavy weights or sandbags were used in the 1930s to lower the back of cars. In other cases, according to "Lowrider Magazine," the springs were chopped--shortened by cutting the top coils--or heated until they compressed, which created the same effect. Lowrider cars merged the California car culture with that of the Mexican culture. According to JustCustomz.com, in the 1960s, lowrider cars were recognized as an official classification in terms of customizing cars.

Modifications

Chevys were popular cars to modify.

The Chevrolet was a popular car to modify in the 1950s, in part because they were cheap to repair and had a more stylish look than cars produced by Ford or other companies, according to JustCustomz.com. Cars modified to be lowriders were often fitted with fender skirts as well as twin side pipes, two spot lights and two aerials. While other cars of the 1950s were modified to increase power, lowriders were modified to represent comfort, style and class.

Types

Lowrider cars come in three different classifications: the bomb lowrider, the traditional lowrider and the Euro lowrider. Bomb lowriders are lowriders made from the 1930s through the 1950s. Traditional lowriders are lowriders made from the 1960s through today. The Euro lowriders are lowriders related to import vehicles, such as Acuras and Hondas, according to JRank.org. With the proper equipment, any car can be modified to be a lowrider car.

Hydraulics

Hydraulics play a big part in lowriders.

Lowriders typically have their suspension systems altered to help give the vehicle a lowered look. However, the hydraulic system could also be modified, giving lowriders the ability to raise and lower off the ground, according to JRank.org. The altered hydraulic systems allow the car to be raised and lowered from a specific corner, from the front or back or from the side by various controls within the car. "Pancaking" is a term used when a lowrider car is completely lowered to its farthest point.

Popular Culture

Magazines help promote lowriders today.

In 1975, the band War released the song "Low Rider" on their album titled "Why Can't We Be Friends." Also in the 1970s, the television show "Chico and the Man" featured lowriders, bringing the customized car into the national spotlight. Since then, publications such as "Lowrider Magazine," first published in 1977, have continued to promote the art of lowriders, as well as the culture surrounding it. Films, television shows and car shows continue to keep lowriders in the mainstream culture.

References

• Just Customz: The History of Lowriders
• Lowrider Magazine: Chapter 1 Lowrider History Book
• Paige R Penland: The History of Lowrider Magazine

Resources

• JRank: Lowriders