Yea, you are still on PRIME. Although our focus is styling of 90’s Japanese cars, a distraction is always welcomed for us especially in the form of lowriders. We love cars from different eras, some even beyond our cultural reference. Growing up in NYC, we didn’t get to see some of the lowriders that California has been blessed with but when we get a glimpse of one, we usually are not able to take our eyes off of it.
The bling of the chrome, the luster of the paint and the unnatural ease of motion for these American classics is the appeal to the outsider but for many within the community, what draws individuals into lowriding is the sense of camaraderie and family.
Lowriding is more than being the lowest or the flashiest; it has much to do with the shared experience of cruising with friends and family. Stunting in the street and there is a common respect for each other’s ride and the work that it took to get it to look and work like it does. This isn’t any different from other automotive hobbies.
That is one aspect of car culture which many of us can understand and that is one aspect which we often try to develop. Although shows may help push the envelope when it comes to builds, it is the street cruises and meets that really form communities.
The images in this feature were sent to us by Shun of FOCAM. The images above were from his first night out with a group of lowriders. When shooting groups from subcultures the first night is often a time where you are just getting your feet wet and getting to know your subjects. Shun was later invited to a cruise where some of the participants really flexed on the street. I don’t think someone could witness such an event unless they were in California. For a number of years, lowrider enthusiasts built their own rides but many have also imported show cars into Japan. It’s comparable to how we import JDM cars stateside. It was in the second part of the lowriding session that Shun really captures the street scene.
The Police Impala/Caprice is probably my favorite.
I’m a sucker for wagons and pickup trucks so naturally this El Camino did it for me.
Looking at these images reveal a staggering amount of Chevy’s from the 50’s well into the early 70’s. Imapalas are the natural favorite.
Although the chassis is Japanese, the paintwork, hydraulics, and wheels are styled as a lowrider. Late 80’s Legend coupe!
Some other Japanese rides with lowrider looks.
Loved these!
Rear engine Corvair lighting it up.
How often does a street scene like this happen?
And the tourists and bystanders couldn’t be happier.
Serious three wheel motion.
What’s a night of driving without the authorities?
Let’s be real for a second and you probably haven’t seen anything like this coming out of Japan. What is truly amazing is the car culture that seems to be exported out of the US and onto Japanese soil both literally and figuratively. Regardless of how you feel about lowriders, we appreciate the dedication these individuals put into their mobile works of art. Let the street be center stage and the public be the judges. Until next time!!
