Take A Little Trip: Lowriders in Elysian Park

In the 1800’s, the Native American tribes of the plains began to brush up against the beginnings of American expansion into the West. Although having little interest in the “civilization” offered by the white man, they were eager to adopt the technology that civilization brought along with them. In particular, the rifles and firearms of the white man were important acquisitions. These weapons improved the tribes’ ability to hunt, as well as attack the very same civilization so intent on displacing them.

The tribes understood all too well the irony of this situation, and uncomfortable with using the tools of the enemy, took steps to give the weapons of the white man a character and soul more befitting their own civilization. The weapons they procured were altered and customized, decorated with beads, leather, and other items, until the spirit of the machine was Indian, and no longer white.

So what does any of this have to do with a lowrider car show? Quite a lot. Artist and hotrodder Robert Williams points to the example of the Indian longrifle as one of many instances of humans’ interaction with, and need to transform, the impersonal products of the Industrial Revolution into something more relatable, more human, something with a soul. Hot rodding and car customization are a part of this long history, too. Perhaps the most perfect example, in fact.

The history of the lowrider in Hispanic culture is long and storied, and parallels neatly with the history of hot rodding, sometimes intertwining, and sometimes traveling far afield. (My friend Iowahawk has done a far better job writing about this unique history here.)

I love these cars, and the culture around them. To me, they represent everything that is beautiful, crazy, and wonderful about L.A.

Comments

[Boogie Man]

That kicks ass! Thanks COOP

[iowahawk]

That Vega is the shit!