The Art of Modifying Cars, A Way of Life and Expression: Lowriders

Owning a classic, lowered car that has undergone meticulous restoration and enhancement to create a unique, personalized, and striking vehicle has been, for the Mexican-American community, a form of resilience, a way to become visible, build community, and reinforce their identity.

Known as Lowriders, the members of this group have turned the art of car modification into a cultural expression that resists discrimination and stereotypes—and they have managed to captivate.

Standing next to his blue 1976 Monte Carlo, Sergio Calleres, the son of Mexican parents and born in the United States, says that fixing these cars is more than a hobby; it’s a way of life.

At the annual Lowriders convention in Las Vegas, Nevada—the most iconic event for these types of cars, attended by hundreds of fans—Abel Acosta, a member of the Colors of Success club from Los Angeles, California, proudly shows off his green 1969 Chevrolet Impala with a 327 engine. In an interview for El Heraldo USA and El Heraldo Televisión, he says the transformation was completed in just 10 months, thanks to the support of other club members, who have become more like family than friends.

Fighting Stereotypes

Abel has been part of his club for 30 years, which now boasts a collection of 16 cars—gems on wheels, relics worth several thousand dollars. However, beyond their commercial value, these cars reflect what characterizes Mexicans: their passion, dedication, and solidarity.

Just like their cars—colorful, shiny, and adorned with murals that tell stories—lowriders have their own codes. They like tattoos, baggy pants, and a tough appearance, and they are often judged for it.

Having clubs, he adds, is a good thing. “We help the community with food baskets, gifts, with everything we can,” and aside from their passion for cars, they are united by their love of helping their own. “That’s just how we Latinos are,” concludes Abel.