Unlike muscle cars, low riders don’t focus on power and speed. As such, you may not see a full-size Pontiac Catalina entering the lowrider scene.
Instead, the Buick Riviera provides a more upscale option for low-rider enthusiasts. Its flat body also provides a blank canvas to show off eye-catching aftermarket parts.
Looks
If you’re interested in buying lowrider cars for sale, look beyond the vehicle’s performance and consider its looks. After all, the eyes of a lowrider attract many enthusiasts. These vehicles often feature fancy paint jobs, including glitter, gloss, and elaborate murals that are complimented by lots of chrome trim.
While some may view this attention to detail as excessive, it gives the Lowrider its unique look and appeal. Some vehicles also have slide-away steering, allowing riders to get in and out more quickly. While muscle cars are often the preferred choice for lowrider builds, plenty of classic models can be turned into one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
For example, the Chevy Impala is a popular model that can be built into a spectacular lowrider. Specifically, the 3rd generation Impalas are particularly revered due to their long, flat paneling that provides lowrider customizers with a blank canvas.
Another excellent option for a lowrider is the Ford Thunderbird, which offers a distinct look that’s perfect for customizing. While this car may not be as suited to hydraulics as the Impala, it is still an excellent choice thanks to its sleek curves and dramatic front end. For those who want a little more luxury, there’s also the Buick Riviera, which offers a stylish exterior perfect for turning into a plush, eye-catching Lowrider.
Performance
A lowrider isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a statement on the street and a symbol of cultural heritage and pride. While some communities have banned lowriding, others welcome it as a form of automotive art and personal expression. If you want to own a lowrider, our classified listings page features a curated selection of cars that will make a statement wherever they go.
When a car gets the lowrider treatment, stock accouterments like nondescript factory paint jobs and urethane steering wheels fly out the window. Loud candy paint jobs flecked with metallic specks and floor-to-ceiling velvet carpeting are typical, and chrome finishes are de rigueur. In the engine bay, enthusiasts often plunk down larger power units that can double or even triple a vehicle’s original output.
Many classics suit lowrider conversion, but some models are better suited. For example, the Chevrolet Impala is a top choice for lowriders thanks to its long lines and naturally low profile. It also boasts a rugged chassis well-suited to air and hydraulic suspension systems. The Buick Riviera is another popular lowrider candidate because it’s lighter than other Buicks of its time and boasts a pointy front end that sets it apart from its contemporaries. Its sleek bodywork makes it a perfect canvas for aftermarket parts, including brightly colored wheels that showcase the car’s lines.
Value
Lowrider cars are a cultural symbol, and owning one can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, they’re not your average car and require personalized care to maintain their unique appearance. If you’re looking for a classic car that will turn heads, check out our classified listings page to find a curated selection of lowriders for sale.
There’s no doubt that lowriders are a sight to behold, and their sleek designs and intricate hydraulics systems make them true works of art on wheels. However, if you’re in the market for a new vehicle and aren’t prepared to spend thousands of dollars on a custom lowrider, consider buying a stock model that can be customized with a few simple modifications.
For example, the iconic Chevrolet Impala is a staple among lowrider enthusiasts because of its long lines and naturally low profile. Another popular choice is the Ford Thunderbird, which offers a distinctive silhouette and features like slide-away steering, making it easy to climb in and out.
Aside from enhancing the look of your vehicle, lowrider accessories can also boost its value. For example, a well-done paint job and high-quality hydraulics can increase the value of your car by up to 20 percent. In addition, some lowriders can be purchased at a fraction of their retail price, making them an excellent investment for any car enthusiast.
Safety
The Lowrider is a car customized to the extreme for an eye-catching effect. It’s all about showing off, and many of these cars can be hopped to reach very high speeds in front of large crowds.
Lowriders evolved from Chicano culture in the 1930s as Mexican immigrants used older American-made cars to impress women. They chopped the suspensions and lowered them to be more visible, forming a unique style now an enduring part of car culture.
Early lowriders cut coil springs and used bags of cement mix or sand to weigh down the cars, but a customizer created the first hydraulic system, hiding pumps, airbags, and valves in the trunk to raise and lower a vehicle as needed. It became the trademark of the subculture, which eventually embraced everything from air-brushed murals to velvet interiors and massive sound systems.
Its design was the perfect solution for street races, but today’s lowriders don’t need to be fast to turn heads. Most are equipped with enormous engines that give them two or even three times the power of original vintage vehicles.
While the Lowrider is still an essential part of the automotive culture, it can be challenging to maintain and repair due to its extensive modifications. It’s also important to follow local laws regarding alterations such as hydraulics because failure to do so could result in fines or a ban from participating in certain events.