![]() The majority of the customs in those days were lowered but the Mexican/American kids seemed to embrace the concept and take it to a whole new level, which is to say a lower level. But there did seem to be one constant that stood out on these cars and that was the lowering of the vehicle's ride height above the road. In every aspect the Mexican/American's cars were pretty much like the rest of the custom cars seen cruising the streets. And a few went an even more radical route and chopped the top. More elaborate body modifications such as changed head and tail lights and the removal of the door handles were often seen as well. A few after market accessories were often incorporated too, most notably dual spotlights and fenderskirts. ![]() These vehicles would be modified with the same modifications seen on other custom cars of the day shaved hood and deck lid, fancy hubcaps, modified exhaust, a custom stitched interior and paint in some color other than the original that had come on the car. Early on they seemed to favor Chevrolet automobiles in particular. Inevitably these Mexican/American kids would bring their own ideas and point of view to the custom car game. Though these Mexican/American youth were also attracted to other forms of the automotive hobby, such as hot rods, racing and motorcycles, the available evidence points convincingly to the fact that they had a particular interest in and affection for the custom car. There was now money for nicer cars and even for the custom modification of them. Meanwhile in Southern California WW2 and the booming economy that followed allowed a better life for those who had immigrated north from Mexico. 6 Where Does the Term "Low Rider" Originate From?.3 Jim Logue and his Fabulous X54 - The First Hydraulic Lifted Car.2 African-American Car Clubs in Los Angeles." These cars had become truly a culture unto themselves." Custom car and early lowrider historian Howard Gribble remembers growing up in a time when high school parking lots were filled with customs and rods in various stages of completion. By the early 1950s this new youthful auto culture was a part of everyday America, and the interest was so widespread that nearly every young male either drove or aspired to own and drive, a hot rod or custom car. This information was soon being put to use in other parts of the country with distant locales contributing their own unique ideas and traditions to the mix. By the late 1940s nationally published magazines began to feature hot rods and customs and the word of what was primarily a Southern California phenomenon began to spread across the United States. ![]() This included sports cars, racing, hot rods and, of course, custom cars. Īfter WW2 there was increased interest in all aspects of what was then known as the automotive "hobby", what we would call the car culture today. The depression years nearly put a stop to the custom coach built luxury vehicle but the average person, working on a standard passenger car, continued to build sometimes very creative and elegant looking vehicles. By the 1920s and 1930s an increasing number of young people were applying custom touches to their everyday transportation and small shops were being established to supply the same work for those who didn't have the time or skill to do it themselves. Either way, the end result was what is referred to as a "custom" car. The cost of this was considerable and a few brave souls undertook the work themselves. ![]() In the beginning, a customer would have the original builder or a specialty shop perform the modifications necessary to meet his or her particular needs and wants. Most car owners were satisfied with their vehicles as they came from the manufacturer but for a few, there was a desire to enhance the appearance and/or performance of their automobile to suit their personal tastes. Ĭustom cars have been around almost since the first motorcar took to the road. er: a customized car with a chassis that has been lowered so that it narrowly clears the ground.San Diego Lowriders: A History of Cars and Cruising (American Heritage)
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |