Lowriders — not to be confused with low-rise jeans — are custom cars known for cruising close to the ground at a leisurely pace, allowing spectators to admire the intricate paint job, impressive suspension, and of course, the driver flaunting their style.
The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles will be hosting an exhibition next month that delves into the rich history and background of lowrider cars. The event will showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of the Chicano and Latino youth communities that propelled lowriders to popularity in Southern California in the late 1960s.
While lowriders originated in L.A. and the West Coast, they played a significant role in shaping the custom car scene nationwide and internationally. Today, lowrider communities can be found not only in the Southwest, Chicago, Kansas City, and New York City, but also in countries like Japan, Brazil, Thailand, and France.
Museum director Terry L. Karges expressed excitement about the upcoming exhibit, calling it the most comprehensive lowrider showcase in the museum’s history. The display aims to highlight the impact of lowriders on the automotive industry, culture, and the history of vehicle customization.
Highlighted in the exhibit will be iconic models such as the famous 1964 Chevrolet Impala “Gypsy Rose,” renowned for its appearance on the TV show “Chico and the Man” in the 1970s and its induction into the National Historic Vehicle Registry in 2017. Other notable vehicles featured will include the influential 1954 Chevrolet 210 Sedan “Sphinx” from the Japanese lowriding community, the award-winning “Twisted Toy” bicycle, as well as motorcycles, bicycles, and artwork. The exhibit will also showcase cars designed and driven by women within the lowrider culture.
Scheduled to open on May 11, the exhibit “Best in Low: Lowrider Icons of the Street and Show” will run until April 2025. For more information, visit Petersen.org/exhibits.
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