The History of Lowriding
"Lowrider" is a term that means not only flamboyant paint jobs and custom hydraulic suspension to lower the profile of vintage or contemporary vehicles--it also speaks of a lifestyle originating in the Latino neighborhoods of Southern California, where cruising, having a girlfriend and driving an exceptionally lowered car or truck means status and a coolness not found elsewhere.
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History
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Los Angeles was the birthplace of the lowrider as Mexican-American servicemen returning from World War II sought a niche in their community to earn a good living in automotive repair, be active members of the community and to own and drive a car uniquely different from standard automobiles. Early car clubs like Dukes So. Cal, founded by Julio Ochoa Ruelas, helped promote the mystique of the lowrider.
Function
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The lowrider is a cruising car not designed for speed but to be admired for its low-slung body that almost touches the ground, chrome wire-rimmed wheels, and intricate, multi-layered paint job.
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Types
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Acuras and Toyotas have become popular, but the 1964 Chevrolet Impala remains today the most desired lowrider, while 1970s models of the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and Chevrolet Monte Carlo also are favored.
Features
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The more customized the lowrider, the more it is desired, with its plush interiors, re-designed suicide or gull-wing doors, and custom murals that often feature exotic Aztec goddesses against a Mexico-themed backdrop.
Identification
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Any car or truck equipped with custom hydraulic suspension to raise and lower it is considered a lowrider, with the 1948 through 1954 fastback Ford Mercury and vintage Chevrolet trucks occupying instant cult status.
Geography
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Southern California's Mexican-American communities were once the exclusive domain of the lowriding culture that was eventually adopted by African-Americans and popularized through Hip Hop culture and music, ultimately spreading worldwide.
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Resources
- Photo Credit General Motors
