Arte y Estilo : The Lowriding Tradition

Lowriding evolved into a full-blown car culture in the years following World War II, when members of the Los Angeles Mexican American community found in lowriding an outlet for self-expression and cultural pride. In the late 1940s enthusiasts began turning cars into works of art. Affectionately nicknamed ranflas, carritos, or carruchas, the car's became highly ornamented symbols of identity, representing both the individual car owner and his or her culture. Many lowriders began to organize car clubs in the 1960s, the same period in which hot rodding and cruising became popular among predominanty Anglo youth.

Lowriders distinguished themselves from hot rodders by driving "low and slow" - "bajito y suavecito" - sometimes dragging the body of their cars so low to the pavement that they created dramatic sprays of sparks. Lowrider customizing began to incorporate creative painted murals with historic and religious themes, featuring figures such as la Virgen de Guadalupe, Aztec warriors, as well as images from pop culture. Lavish additional features -- sound systems , upholstery, glass etching and hydraulics - amplified the lowriding experience. Like other automotive hobbyists, lowriders spend considerable time, money and skill on perfecting their rides.

In the 1960s, cruising on Whittier Boulevard and at other urban locales was an important form of public display for lowriders, but a ban on cruising in the 1970s turned the car show into the key locale for lowriding culture. Whether the cars are found on the street or in the showroom, the lowriding tradition remains a vibrant phenomenon expressing arte y estilo.