Lowriders At The Petersen
Petersen’s "Lowriders and Customs Vault Display" opened on March 11, 2022.
Of all the jaw-dropping cars that go on display at the world-famous Petersen Automotive Museum, it’s the Lowriders that bring the biggest crowd.
By Glenn Oyoung
Mon, Apr 4, 2022 12:18 PM PST
Images courtesy The Petersen.
These days, lowriders are universally loved from LA to Tokyo. How could they not be? These rolling works of art are low, slow, rolling canvases that combine ornate custom paint jobs with intricate and ingenious suspension systems. Petersen’s "Lowriders and Customs Vault Display" opened to the public on March 11, 2022.
These slammed cars and trucks are what Vice calls the “beating heart of Chicano culture in the Southwest,” a gift of Latino culture born right here in Los Angeles in the 40s and 50s.
Lowrider fans will flock to see one of the most influential lowriders ever, the 1964 Chevrolet Impala known as "Gypsy Rose" in person. This famous lowrider was featured on the opening title sequence of the 1970s hit television sitcom “Chico and the Man,” has been on display at the National Mall, and was the first lowrider inducted into the National Historic Vehicle Registry. Hot Wheels Redline Club collectors who were lucky enough to score a limited Gypsy Rose die-cast no doubt will enjoy seeing the 1:1 scale inspiration in person.
The pinnacle of modern lowriders, the 1963 Chevrolet Impala "El Rey," which was Lowrider Magazine’s 2011 Lowrider of the Year will also be on display along with other notable customs inspired by lowriders include the 1948 Cadillac Sedanette "CadZZilla" built by Boyd Coddington for Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, the innovative two-tone 1964 Chevrolet El Camino "Blind Faith" with its rear-mounted V8 owned by the originator of Hot Wheels design Harry Bradley, and the beautiful 1960 Buick LeSabre "Lectrified" built by JH Restorations and Customs.
"Lowriders and Customs Vault Display" is located in the Legends Gallery in The Vault presented by Hagerty. For more information, visit Petersen.org.
About The Author
Glenn Oyoung is a marketer based in Los Angeles. Glenn’s lifelong passion for cars is rooted in playing with Hot Wheels, and has continued into 1:1 scale. He’s the former marketing director of American Racing, author of ‘vehicular alphabet books’ “C is for Car” and "P is for Petersen" in collaboration with the Petersen Automotive Museum. His passion for cars extends to his role as the founder of the monthly car meet Carcadia at Route 66, the most diverse car meet in the San Gabriel Valley.
