Mariagabriela Gracia y Darwin Silva
Lowrider cars are a cultural construct of the Chicano community that has gained many followers in other cultural groups living in the United States, such as African-Americans, Latinos and Americans themselves. In fact, there are museums that exhibit some of the most famous lowrider cars of all time. Truly, these cars are true works of art.
If you are interested in knowing which are the most famous lowrider cars of all time, stay here with us because we are going to show you all of them.
1. Gypsy Rose Is Undoubtedly One of the Most Famous Lowriders of All Time
In 1974 the American television network NBC began broadcasting the comedy show Chico and the Man. In this television series appears for the first time a 1964 Chevrolet Impala 1964 pink with flowers painted on the sides that became known as Gypsy Rose. It was impossible for this car to go unnoticed, it immediately became a fundamental piece of the television series, and a very desirable object for the viewers.
The success of the Gypsy Rose is so great that it has been featured in every lowrider car show that has been held in the United States. In 2007 it was the centerpiece of the Petersen Automotive Museum and in 2017 it was displayed on the National Mall in Washington DC, the grand center where several of the most important events in US history have been hosted.
The Gypsy Rose, one of the most famous lowrider cars of all time, is named after a famous exotic dancer from the 1940s. This fantastic car was the first lowrider to be added to the U.S. National Historic Vehicle Register, becoming something akin to a U.S. heritage site.
This iconic vehicle was created by Jesse Valadez, after his death in 2011 it was inherited by his son of the same name.
To learn more about the history of the lowrider click here.
2. Impala 1964 of Shaq and his tribute to Kobe Bryant
We all know the legend and NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, but what does this man have to do with lowrider cars? The answer is a lot, because Shaq received a 1964 Chevy Impala as a birthday present from his friend Anthony “Chicago” Hall.
Shaq entrusted the restoration of his car to the Overhaulin’ team (a TV show that features a team of mechanics and designers transforming old vehicles). The Overhaulin’ team had to modify the Impala so that Shaq, at 2.16 m, could sit comfortably and handle it smoothly with his huge feet.
With the help of a former NBA basketball player named James “Shaq Stopper” McIlvaine, whose height was similar to Shaq’s, Overhaulin’ mechanics decided to move the driver’s seat further back and extend the steering column about six inches so Shaq would have more legroom and also be able to reach the steering wheel without any problems.
In order for Shaq’s huge feet to operate the pedals comfortably, the floor platform had to be lowered by about 5 centimeters. In addition, the designers built a pedal model that would give Shaq’s feet enough room to step on the accelerator and brake pedals smoothly.
Shaq’s Impala was fitted with an LS3 engine mated to a 4L60-E transmission under the hood. This was to ensure a powerful machine that would allow Shaquille O’Neal to go on the road wherever he wanted.
The car was painted dark gray with some red stripe accents on the side moldings and wheels to match Shaq’s Superman theme. Apart from that, the Impala was fitted with special badges that pay tribute to Kobe Bryant and refer to Shaq’s time with the Lakers.
3. So Hood is a must when talking about the most famous lowrider cars of all time
In 2009, Claudio Molina bought a 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood from a friend that needed some TLC. The new owner poured his heart and passion into his new car.
So Hood has a modified suspension system. The paintwork features House of Kolor’s sweet blue-green with suede leather accents. The bodywork has sharp curves and sharp edges that will surprise anyone. Airbrushing gives it that unique touch that makes it unmistakable.
The interior of the car is lined with Buckskin leather, teal suede and ostrich. The dash was wrapped with fiberglass and a custom rear deck featuring 4-6×9 speakers and side pillars to draw attention.
The So Hood engine is a beauty, every bolt and metal part was chrome plated, and the plastic parts were painted in colors similar to the body. Finally, the suspension components received a triple chrome treatment, no nook and cranny were spared from this application.
So Hood is famous for closing local events in Miami and has won several awards thanks to the details of its interior and its spectacular stage presence.
4. But I’m still the king of the lowriders
The King is a 1963 Chevrolet Impala convertible. The body is decorated with multicolored candy paint, with mural portraits on the trunk lid.
The car’s interior features custom digital gauges, seats with extended bases, molded and painted hard backrests, beautifully decorated top and side panels, German cloth headliner with remote control operated rear window.
The engine of this car is a 1996 Corvette LT1 with great power. The suspension is equipped with airbags and switches for height adjustment.
El Rey won several awards at the 2011 Los Ángeles Lowrider Super Show Tour and has impressed car fans at the Las Vegas Super Show.
If you want to know about the lowrider movement in Sandiego click here.
5. El Muertorider, in honor of the Day of the Dead.
The Muertortorider is a 1968 Chevy Impala designed by Artemio Rodríguez and John Jota Leaños. This car is a tribute to the history of cruising and lowriding in California. In addition, the artists did this work to commemorate the victims of Hurricane Katrina, as well as the lives lost in the war.
This artwork features an LCD cinema screen playing four animations from the New Media Ópera, Imperial Silenceque, as well as radio programs from “¡Radio Muerto!”, a radio station that broadcasts content from California artists and creatives who are not part of the big American entertainment corporations.
The Muertorider is undoubtedly one of the most famous lowrider cars of all time.
6. The Our Family Car, a car full of humor and chicane traditions, is undoubtedly one of the most famous lowrider cars of all time.
In 1980 Gilbert “Magu” Luján bought a 1950 Chevrolet Sedan. This artist decorated the car with fine stripes made with brushes and lacquer-based textile crayons.
Luján combined, with a lot of creativity and good humor, the aesthetic components of the street rods with symbols of Chicano culture. Its multi-colored flames extend from the hood to the sides, all on a yellow bodywork that never fails to catch the eye.
Today the Our Family Car is owned by Dunlap, a passionate collector of Chicano art, especially Luján’s creations.
The late Chicano artist Gilbert “Magu” Luján was riding with his family in the Our Family Car, so this work of art was seen rolling through the streets of Los Ángeles.
Now that you know 6 of the most famous lowrider cars of all time, tell us which one is your favorite.
If you liked to know 6 of the most famous lowrider cars of all times, then you can’t stop reading Lowrider Car Shows in California and Cruising Nights You Won’t be Able to Take Your Eyes Off the Lowriders!
