Lowriders have been a part of American car culture since the 1950s. Interest and attention in the subculture have increased in subsequent decades to the point that lowriders aren't just found in the U.S.; they're found all over the world.
The essence of a good lowrider hasn't changed over time, but the interpretation of one has become far more sophisticated in recent memory. There are many different avenues that now come in building the perfect lowrider. But if there's one thing that hasn't changed, it's the choice of cars among those who want to get in on the fun. These 10 cars have long been favorites in the lowrider community. Years can pass, but you can be sure that these rides will remain near and dear to the heart of people who make this subculture as fun and vibrant as it is.
Updated April 15, 2023: The lowrider genre is a unique niche embraced by specific car lovers. However, it is one that all classic and modern automobile lovers can appreciate. The original ten classics can still be found on this list, as well as a few more to give you a wider variety of options in your search for the perfect car to convert into the perfect lowrider.
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Is A Classic Among Classics For Lowrider Conversion
The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is a go-to classic if you're looking to have some lowrider fun. It's one of the most popular models of its time. Its ostentatious appearance — it featured chrome headliner bands, chrome fender spears, and a Ferrari-inspired front grille — has contributed to its stature as a classic among classics. It also helps that the Bel Air boasts a massive V-8 engine that can be customized in several ways.
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Specifications
| Engine: | 4.6-liter V-8 engine |
| Horsepower: | 220 horsepower |
| Torque: | 300 pound-feet |
| 0 to 60 MPH: | 7.8 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 120 mph |
| Curb Weight: | 3,456 pounds (1,568 kilos) |
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS Coupe Is A Race Ready Lowrider Conversion
The car many people affectionally refer to as the "64," the 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS personifies the lowrider lifestyle better than any car in history. Its unique body style and lowered stance mean you don't have to go overboard with modifying the vehicle to make it stand out. That said, there are different ways to dress up the Impala to make it stand out more than it already does.
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS Specifications
| Engine: | 5.4-liter V-8 engine |
| Horsepower: | 340 horsepower |
| Torque: | 420 pound-feet |
| 0 to 60 MPH: | 6.6 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 120 mph |
| Curb Weight: | 3,400 pounds (1,542 kilos) |
1990 Chevrolet Caprice Is A Bounce Ready Lowrider In Waiting
If you've ever seen a car with a hydraulic setup that allowed it to bounce up and down like nobody's business, chances are it was a 1990 Chevrolet Caprice. No car in the '90s epitomized the lowrider scene like the third-generation Caprice. You could dress it up in outlandish colors to go with all the suspension upgrades required to create a proper lowrider.
1990 Chevrolet Caprice Specifications
| Engine: | 5.0-liter V-8 engine |
| Horsepower: | 170 horsepower |
| Torque: | 255 pound-feet |
| 0 to 60 MPH: | 8.8 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 120 mph |
| Curb Weight: | 3,693 pounds (1,675 kilos) |
1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Is A Leading Choice For Lowrider Conversions
From the long body to the partially covered rear wheels, the 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is one of the most popular models of the lowrider community. Mind you, the Monte Carlo also comes with one of the biggest engines you'll ever see. Sure, the Monte Carlo is a big and heavy car, but essential modifications can help cut some of that weight off and turn the long sedan into the ultimate pimp ride.
1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Specifications
| Engine: | 7.4-liter V-8 engine |
| Horsepower: | 270 horsepower |
| Torque: | 390 pound-feet |
| 0 to 60 MPH: | 10.3 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 117 mph |
| Curb Weight: | 3,604 pounds (1,635 kilos) |
1947 Cadillac Series 62 Is Unique Enough To Make Into A Classic Lowrider
The 1947 Cadillac Series 62 is one of those classic cars that have become popular in the lowrider community, not because of how high it can bounce into the air with a proper hydraulic setup, but because of how different it is to see a Series 62 that sits closer to the ground than it already does. The Series 62 classifies more as a provocative classic car, but some examples get the lowrider treatment.
1947 Cadillac Series 62 Specifications
| Engine: | 5.7-liter V-8 engine |
| Horsepower: | 150 horsepower |
| Torque: | 274 pound-feet |
| 0 to 60 MPH: | 13 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 90 mph |
| Curb Weight: | 4,454 pounds (2,020 kilos) |
1941 Pontiac Torpedo Is A Classic That Creates A One-Of-A-Kind Lowrider
The 1941 Pontiac Torpedo falls under the same category as the 1962 Cadillac Series 62. The Torpedo is already one of the most desirable cars in the classic car market. It was the biggest car Pontiac had created at its launch. From how it looked to how it was built, the Torpedo's notchback styling is as timeless as the covered wheels the model came with.
1941 Pontiac Torpedo Specifications
| Engine: | 4.1-liter inline-eight engine |
| Horsepower: | 103 horsepower |
| Torque: | 190 pound-feet |
| 0 to 60 MPH: | 18.9 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 90 mph |
| Curb Weight: | 3,900 pounds (1,800 kilos) |
1964 Buick Riviera Can Be A Muscle Car Or A Lowrider
People in the lowrider community hail the Buick Riviera's weight and performance capabilities — lighter than most Buicks of its time but still had the same amount of power — as two key factors contributing to its status as a favorite in lowrider circles. The pointy front end and other notable design characteristics gave the Riviera a new identity as a go-to model among tuners and riders alike.
1964 Buick Riviera Specifications
| Engine: | 435 CID engine |
| Horsepower: | 340 horsepower |
| Torque: | 465 pound-feet |
| 0 to 60 MPH: | 7.2 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 115 mph |
| Curb Weight: | 4,191 pounds (1,901 kilos) |
1958 Chevrolet Del Ray Delivery Is An Affordable Lowrider Project
Outside of its looks, the forgotten Chevy Del Ray Delivery is a favorite in the lowrider community because it effectively gives prospective owners a blank canvas on how they'd like to customize it. Having the freedom to customize and turn a car into a lowrider is a big part of a culture that's grown exponentially in recent years. If you're looking for a suitable ride that won't cost much money, the Chevrolet Del Ray Delivery is for you.
1958 Chevrolet Del Ray Delivery Specifications
| Engine: | 3.9-liter inline-six engine |
| Horsepower: | 147 horsepower |
| Torque: | 292 pound-feet |
| 0 to 60 MPH: | 13.7 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 110 mph |
| Curb Weight: | 3,442 pounds (1,561 kilos) |
1984 Cadillac Coupe De Ville Is A Top Luxury Model With Lowrider Potential
The Cadillac Coupe de Ville was one of the best-selling models of its time, and it's easy to see why. Back then, Cadillacs were still considered the crème de la crème among American luxury cars. The De Ville, in its numerous forms, was a popular choice among buyers looking to show off their sense of class and style on the road. These days, the Coupe de Ville holds a special place in the hearts of a different community: the lowrider community.
1984 Cadillac Coupe de Ville Specifications
| Engine: | 4.1-liter eight-cylinder engine |
| Horsepower: | 135 horsepower |
| Torque: | 200 pound-feet |
| 0 to 60 MPH: | 13.1 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 105 mph |
| Curb Weight: | 3,935 pounds (1,785 kilos) |
1979 Lincoln Mark V Can Turn Some Heads As A Blinged-Out Lowrider
Of course, this list would have the Lincoln Continental. No other model has turned customers' knees weak with excitement and anticipation quite like the Continental. Old-school models, in particular, are favorites to get the lowrider treatment. Throw in some bling rims, add some graphics or liveries, and inject some hydraulics, and just like that, the old, mild-mannered Lincoln Continental has turned into a body-bumping, come-see-me attraction.
1979 Lincoln Mark V Specifications
| Engine: | 6.6-liter V-8 engine |
| Horsepower: | 159 horsepower |
| Torque: | 315 pound-feet |
| 0 to 60 MPH: | 14.6 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 109 mph |
| Curb Weight: | 4,656 pounds (2,112 kilos) |
1994 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham Combines Luxury And Power
The Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham is one of the most modern picks for lowrider conversions because it is large, comfortable, and full of luxury. These things make a great project car for a lowrider guru, especially when you add in the fact that the V8 engine had plenty of power to push the car down the road, even though it weighed over 4,000 pounds.
1994 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham Specifications
| Engine: | 5.7-Liter V-8 engine |
| Horsepower: | 260 horsepower |
| Torque: | 330 pound-feet |
| 0 to 60 MPH: | 8.5 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 108 mph |
| Curb Weight: | 4,410pounds ( 2,000kilos) |
1962 Pontiac Catalina Is A Muscle Car That Can Be Tuned Down For Lowrider Use
In 1962 the full-size offering by Pontiac in the muscle car wars was the Catalina Super Duty. Since most lowrider enthusiasts are not after raw racing power and torque, that version will be skipped over for the more basic one with a 389 under the hood. The Catalina makes such an excellent lowrider because even though it is a full-size car, it is relatively light and nimble due to some design changes for the 1962 model year.
1962 Pontiac Catalina Specifications
| Engine: | 6.4-Liter V-8 engine |
| Horsepower: | 348 horsepower |
| Torque: | 430 pound-feet |
| 0 to 60 MPH: | 6.3 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 117 mph |
| Curb Weight: | 3,950 pounds ( 1,790kilos) |
1960 Ford Galaxie Began The New Decade In Style And Grace
In 1960 Ford restyled all its full-size cars to offer a more aerodynamic vehicle. Not only did this help the car power down the road faster, but it also made the cars look so much better. That is why so many of the '60s classics make such great lowriders. The Ford Galaxie came standard with a six-cylinder, but some were ordered with a V-8. Those came with tubular shocks within live rear axles, semi-elliptical leaf springs, and independent front suspension.
1960 Ford Galaxie Specifications
| Engine: | 4.8-Liter V-8 |
| Horsepower: | 185 horsepower |
| Torque: | 238 pound-feet |
| 0 to 60 MPH: | 8.7 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 108 mph |
| Curb Weight: | 3,730 pounds ( 1,692 kilos) |
1970 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Makes The Perfect Lowrider
The minimal interior may not look like much compared to some luxury cars today, but back in the day, people enjoyed being at home the most. The bare interior reminded them of being at home, just on wheels. However, the car's main selling point was not the interior. Instead, the exterior was a one-of-a-kind look that still turns heads today, especially after it is made into a plush eye-catching lowrider.
1970 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Specifications
| Engine: | 7.7-Liter V-8 engine |
| Horsepower: | 375 horsepower |
| Torque: | 525 pound-feet |
| 0 to 60 MPH: | 8.1 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 130 mph |
| Curb Weight: | 4,648 pounds ( 2,108 kilos) |
1963 Ford Thunderbird Is Style That Creates A Unique Lowrider
The Ford Thunderbird was perhaps one of the most luxurious and beautiful classic cars to ever come out of a Ford production plant. For 1963 the Thunderbird received some interior upgrades that improved the looks even more, offering the buyer simulated wood grains that made the car a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Once the Ford 390 was slid under the hood, you had a muscle car with looks, which is why it makes a perfect lowrider.
1963 Ford Thunderbird Specifications
| Engine: | 6.4-Liter V-8 engine |
| Horsepower: | 340 horsepower |
| Torque: | 430 pound-feet |
| 0 to 60 MPH: | 7.1 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 131 mph |
| Curb Weight: | 4,354 pounds ( 1,903 kilos) |