It’s been a long, hard sell, but Rigo Reyes believes there is finally a better understanding of just what the lowrider car culture is all about.
Reyes, along with Victor Ochoa, a professor of cross culture studies of Chicano and Mexican history, spoke at the San Diego Automotive Museum last Thursday, March 16. The museum is featuring an exhibit of many lowrider creations through March 27, “Bajito y Suavecito: Lowriders of Southern California.”
A member of the Amigos Car Club, Reyes has championed the cause that depicts an expressive art celebrating the pride in culture and heritage of the Latino community. He has represented all the clubs in the San Diego Car Club Council since 1979.
The stigma or stereotype has been a long misunderstanding, Reyes feels, when people portray what is seen on television and films, the action of law enforcement agencies and opinions of community leaders. The portrayal is that of gang members and drug dealers.
“About 30 years ago, I wouldn’t be talking to you,” he said, alluding to the major dividing lines in those days. “There are 25 clubs in the county, usually with between 10 and 25 members. After World War II, interest spurred anew. The evolution has expanded and there are even groups in Japan and England.”
Cruising is a form of expression, allowing the driver to show off his work of art and see other works as well.
“A lowrider is defined as a car or truck which has had its suspension system usually hydraulically modified to be lower to the ground,” Reyes said. “It took eight years for me to develop the 1929 Willys Knight I currently own. It’s not an overnight thing.”
He previously owned a 1957 Chevrolet Impala.
“These long-range projects are not cheap, usually costing from $20,000 to $100,000,” said Reyes, who is involved with community development programs at the border. “The trend is toward cars from the ’20s to the ’40s.”
These cars can be seen again in a free show at Chicano Park on Saturday, April 22.
Main attractions will include car hydraulic-hopping, competition for the best looking ride, interiors and best stereo systems ” all on 13-inch wheels.
With its roots in the subcultures of “pachucoism” and the “cholo” image, the popular culture of lowriding has been present since the early 1950s.”Pachucos” refer to Mexican-American youth in the 1940s known for wearing zoot suits with broad shoulders and baggy pants that were tied at the ankle.
The San Diego Automotive Museum is located at 2080 Pan American Plaza in Balboa Park. For information call (619) 231-2886 or visit www.sdautomuseum.org.