What is a lowrider?
Now this may seem like a no-brainer, but trust me, there's a lot more to it than just a car that's "low". Lowriders are typically cars and trucks from the 1950's that have a modified suspension making the them as low to the ground as possible. They will often have a hydraulic suspension that allows the car to be raised and lowered by the driver. The Chevy Impala, Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac are some of the more popular Lowriders, although most any make from the 1940's to 1960's will generally look great.Exterior
Lowriders are all about the bling! We're talking lots of gold and silver accents and generally a nice shiny paint job consisting of multiple layers of colors, pearl, pin stripes, flames and other custom graphics. The wheels are also an important piece to the puzzle, these are most often gold or silver spoke wheels occasionally combined with white wall tires. Neon lights, custom doors, and anything gold or silver are some of the add-ons that are used to give a lowrider its look.
InteriorThe customizations don't stop with the exterior, lowriders are often just as crazy on the inside!Completely customized interiors consisting of leather, wood panels, and even velvet are used on some of the more extreme modified lowriders. More commonly, lowriders can be seen with custom steering wheels, interior neon lights, and the iconic fuzzy dice hanging from the mirror. Some of the more extravagant lowriders will even have customized swiveling seats for easy entry/exit (but mainly for looks).
Hydraulics
Hydraulic systems can range from crazy competition style, to a more subtle use of suspension control. Lowriders with hydraulic systems installed can be tilted to lower the front of the car, the rear, or any side or corner. These make for some pretty sweet show cars.
Culture
Lowriders are rooted in the Hispanic and Chicano community of Los Angeles. It's all about taking it easy, having a barbecue, and hanging with friends. Just remember to ride that baby "low and slow."
