Lowriders are special cars that are customized to ride very low to the ground. They move slowly so that people can see their beautiful paint jobs, amazing suspension, and the driver’s style.
Next month, the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles will have a special exhibition all about lowriders. It will celebrate the artistry and skill of the Chicano and Latino youth who made lowriders popular in Southern California in the late 1960s.
These cars have a fascinating history and have influenced custom car culture far beyond California. Today, you can find lowrider communities all over the United States, from the Southwest to New York City. They are even popular in other countries like Japan, Brazil, Thailand, and France.
Terry L. Karges, the museum director, is excited about the upcoming exhibit. He says, “The lowrider displays are always a fan favorite, and we are excited to open the most comprehensive lowrider exhibit in the museum’s history.”
One of the stars of the exhibit will be the famous 1964 Chevrolet Impala called “Gypsy Rose.” This car became famous in the 1970s TV show “Chico and the Man” and was later recognized as the first lowrider to be included in the National Historic Vehicle Registry.
Other highlights of the exhibit include the 1954 Chevrolet 210 Sedan “Sphinx,” which is important in the Japanese lowriding community, and the “Twisted Toy” bicycle, which has won the Lowrider Bicycle of the Year award three times. There will also be motorcycles, bicycles, and artwork on display. Plus, visitors can see cars that were designed and driven by women.
The exhibition opens on May 11 and will be available for viewing until April 2025.
