I’m not into Lowriders

Joined
Jun 5, 2003
Messages
32,010
Location
Apple Valley, California
In the past I didn't like them at all. Now that I'm older I can appreciate the amount of work that went into building one, the perfect paint etc. Still don't care for the goofy tires and wheels.

Saw some going to a car show Wednesday. One caught my eye. A beautiful red 66 or 67 two door impala.

What caught my eye was the 427 badge on the front fenders. I have always wanted to own a big block car.
 
In the past I didn't like them at all. Now that I'm older I can appreciate the amount of work that went into building one, the perfect paint etc. Still don't care for the goofy tires and wheels.

Saw some going to a car show Wednesday. One caught my eye. A beautiful red 66 or 67 two door impala.

What caught my eye was the 427 badge on the front fenders. I have always wanted to own a big block car.
The majority of art in any form doesn't exactly match my taste but I can usually appreciate the effort and craftsmanship involved. The paintwork on a show quality lowrider is extremely high end. Hard not to admire.
 
My friend Simon Martinez and his brother Jose "All Nighter" Martinez started "Low Conspiracy", the most exclusive club (like 15 cars) in East San Ho. Jose was the premier painter/builder in the area. Legends.

From Wiki
Low Conspiracy is a historic East San Jose lowrider club established around the late 1970s, deeply rooted in the "King and Story" cruising era. Founded by Jose and Simon Martinez, the club is a prominent member of the United Lowrider Council of San Jose. They are known for custom, classic lowriders and are celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2026.

Simon's Grand Prix was featured in National Geographic in a series on East San Jose. Jose's '64 Impala looked stock, but was flawless. One of the 1st side-to-side cars.

The cars are rolling works of art. Stunning. The patience and talent is one thing, but the vision... OMG.
Interestingly, Jose and Simon became close with the San Jose Police Department to deal with the image. No drugs, booze, etc. They worked together.
I don't know where Simon is, but Jose sadly died a few years ago. The club is much bigger and different now.
 
I "always thought" low-riders were a natural development within Socal as cars last longer there, affording one with a supply of affordable, worn out old cars. Still, these cars' vulnerability -even on California's perfect roads- is a waste of effort.

Of course the craftsmanship, like anything else, is to be admired. It's just not what I prefer.

I believe "ZZ Top styled" cars are called Street Rods.
What's so revealing about them is the preponderance of GM small blocks and transmissions used throughout the hobby...even in Fords.
 
In the past I didn't like them at all. Now that I'm older I can appreciate the amount of work that went into building one, the perfect paint etc. Still don't care for the goofy tires and wheels.

Saw some going to a car show Wednesday. One caught my eye. A beautiful red 66 or 67 two door impala.

What caught my eye was the 427 badge on the front fenders. I have always wanted to own a big block car.
Never was or will be in my wheelhouse.
 
I enjoy watching Texas Metal - they take vehicles up or down - and really love building custom suspensions …
Can’t say I want one - but certainly appreciate their skills & knowledge …
 
I like to view the artwork on lowrider but wouldn't want to own or maintain one. As far as the big blocks I had a Camaro and an Impala and both of them had 396 engines. I also had a Monte Carlo with a 454 and all were original and factory OEM BBC engines in those vehicles. I always wanted something with a 427 in it but they were always kind of rare and our paths never crossed.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 4wd
Dad had a bright red 1966 Impala 2 door hardtop, that he bought new after he saw what the '67's looked like, LOL.

First car I can remember him owning. Since he was married with 2 young kids, it wasn't fancy. Bright red, black interior, 283 V-8 engine, AM radio with a rear seat speaker, power steering (for Mom), full wheel hubcaps, but no A/C. First car that was stolen from him as well. It was found abandoned the next day, in the next town over, with some body damage and someone else's license plates on it. His plates were in the trunk.
 
I'm not sure if this counts a true low rider since I don't know if it has hydraulics but it was gorgeous and had amazing paint. I was very surprised to see the 409 badges but the guy had a ton of money in this car so no expensive spared. I'm sure it at least has airbags for how terrible the roads are around here.

Impala.webp
 
Back
Top Bottom