What kind of idiot wakes up early on a Sunday morning to go to a museum? This idiot, why thank you. My motivation wasn’t to visit any old museum; I was off to the Petersen Automotive Museum —Los Angeles’s answer to an automotive temple of worship. For the past few years, Pete has been hosting a series of themed cruise-ins, which attract cars from all over. Not all of them appeal to me, for I get plenty of car candy at my local meet-ups. But the lowrider scene is different. See, although you may find this shocking, this white, suburban mother of two doesn’t always get a chance to mix and mingle with the people that populate the lowrider scene. So I embraced this meet up with the vigor that only a culturally deprived WASP could, I arrived with bells on. And the event did not disappoint:
The View From Above:
It Looks Better On The Ground
Of course, there was a fat Lincoln Continental. I told you this was legit:
The cars rode low, but where they got cool was the detail work:
Many forget that the art of the lowrider extends beyond the car. Interiors are key–now that’s some purple tufting, people. Some would even say it’s “Sweet!”
Hydraulics + sparkles heaven.
Caution: Pun Approaching
Orange you glad I showed you this one? Here’s one more:
Equal Opportunity Lowriding
Even the Germans had some fun.
Then There’s That Gold Grille
A gold grille? Makes me rethink all of my automotive choices to date. How have I never had one?
Then We Step Inside
However, the most significant source of excitement was actually inside the Petersen, where the nationally registered Gypsy Rose is on display until spring. If you’re in LA, go! This may be the most fantastic car you’ve ever seen. Here’s my little video walk-around/tease:
The following example, created by Albert de Alba, Sr. in El Rey (2011), depicts an image of his father-in-law. Who doesn’t want to be honored like this? When I kick the bucket, put me down for one Impala with pinstripes, 100%.
Lowriders Are For Families Too
There’s also this 1950 Chevy Sedan titled “Our Family Car” by Gilbert “Magu” Lujan:
The Belle of the Lowrider Ball
But my personal favorite is the pinata version of the gypsy rose, which just says it all:
What this exhibit and the cruise in capture is something real — the lowrider is more than just a car for Angelinos. It, like us, is multi-cultural, constantly evolving and complex. Those who think LA doesn’t have inspirational art forms are looking in the wrong places. Our streets are a great place to start.
The exhibit is sponsored by BMW of North America (nice!) and will be on display until July of 2018. Go here for more information.