There’s No Community Quite Like The Lowrider Community

As Speedhunters, one of a handful of moral dilemmas we find ourselves in is how strictly we adhere to the site’s name.

Post a low car and people are quick to remind us that we failed to hunt speed. Genuinely hunt speed though, and that same group has seemingly lost their internet connection. Sometimes it feels like people would rather complain about a lack of speed content than applaud the speed content that does exist.

But, we’ve all got our own custom-made flame-retardant suits, and appreciate the fact that we need to also adhere to the site’s tagline: Global Car Culture Since 2008.

Going Vertical in Socal - Keiron Berndt - Speedhunters - Lowriders - 11 - 11 - 2018-0614

If we solely focused on speed we’d miss exploring niches of the genre with incredibly rich histories. So at the risk of testing the UL-94 rating of my own flame suit, I am going to go ahead and reiterate the title: There’s no community quite like the lowrider community.

Going Vertical in Socal - Keiron Berndt - Speedhunters - Lowriders - 11 - 11 - 2018-0498

I’ve floated around a few lowrider events over the years, and the diversity, family ties and sense of community is hard to rival. Say nothing of the music and absolutely phenomenal food that more often than not comes as part of the package, too.

When Cars and Culture Collide - Speedhunters - Keiron Berndt - Let's Be Friends-0757

The cars could suck, and you’re still going to have a blast at a lowrider event – if you approach it with an open mind.

When Cars and Culture Collide - Speedhunters - Keiron Berndt - Let's Be Friends-0483

Thankfully the cars don’t suck, and many walk the extremely fine line between car and art.

If you’re willing to put aside the fact that lowriders are not built for any practical purpose, and certainly not any sort of timed competition, then you’re ready to appreciate everything they have to offer. You want to talk attention to detail, panel gaps, cleanliness and preservation? Lowrider enthusiasts live it.

When Cars and Culture Collide - Speedhunters - Keiron Berndt - Let's Be Friends-0429

The grouping of cars above might not be what you’d typically associate with ‘lowriders’. They don’t have wires or loud sound systems and the steering wheels are not made of chain, but they’re the predecessors of the cars you are likely familiar with.

If you look close you’ll see carefully placed, highly sought after accessories, show chrome, and subtle pin striping.

When Cars and Culture Collide - Speedhunters - Keiron Berndt - Let's Be Friends-0485

Keiron is a lot of things, but one thing he isn’t is a lowrider guy. But he’s also not that guy to say no to any type of car event. After attending Love 4 The Streets’ ‘The Take Over’ show in Anaheim, California, he knew the photos needed to be showcased here. “Dave, we should do something on this event… but I’m not sure what”.

Going Vertical in Socal - Keiron Berndt - Speedhunters - Lowriders - 11 - 11 - 2018-0565

While he’s not a diehard lowrider fan, I most certainly am. I think the best way to present lowriders here is with genuine passion for the cars.

majestics-toronto-bbq-2018-29
breaking-down-lowrider-hoppers-dave-thomas-17

No angles, no clickbait, just a lowrider fan going full fanboy.

Over the course of a few posts I am going to share my love of lowriding and general appreciation of everything that surrounds this community. There are definite reasons why parts of this community have transcended into practically every other genre of car culture.

DSC02776

Those same reasons are also why lowriding’s influence has also become global. Lowrider-inspired levels of fit and finish are universal, and more importantly there are lowriders basically everywhere. You just have to know where to look.

Rub a Dub Dub - Speedhunters - Keiron Berndt - Let's Be Friends-9887

But if you can’t look yourselves don’t worry, because Keiron and I have you covered. We’re going to kick things off with classic lowriders – or bombs – before transitioning to the cars on wires you all know and love, and concluding with an offshoot of lowriding that’s sure to set the comments section on fire.

Stay tuned, but more importantly, stay low.

Dave Thomas
Instagram: stanceiseverythingcom

Photos by Keiron Berndt
Instagram: keiron_berndt

Lights, Camera, Action
Going Vertical in Socal - Keiron Berndt - Speedhunters - Lowriders - 11 - 11 - 2018-0428
Going Vertical in Socal - Keiron Berndt - Speedhunters - Lowriders - 11 - 11 - 2018-0498
Going Vertical in Socal - Keiron Berndt - Speedhunters - Lowriders - 11 - 11 - 2018-0503
Going Vertical in Socal - Keiron Berndt - Speedhunters - Lowriders - 11 - 11 - 2018-0683
ADVERTISEMENT

Comments



Comments are closed.

28 comments

by Oldest
by Best by Newest by Oldest
1

I don't remember ever seeing a lower limit to whatever speed to hunt, so I suppose speeding in a kid's electric toy car will do too hehehe.

Just fanboy over whatever segment of car culture we like and be at peace with the rest.

2

I come here to see stories about cars and what people do with them,. The time and commitment involved let alone the craftsmanship whether it's fine detail like the lowriders or purely functional is what makes this hobby more interesting. I have respect for the projects and people behind them and look forward to seeing a variety of them. I hope you keep up the variety.

3

Lowriders are phenomenal. They absolutely ooze pride. You can tell that every lowrider has someone behind it that's dedicated a good part of their life to building their version of the perfect car. Give me deep dives into people who actually love their cars over some mainstream JDM car with every expensive bolt on you can buy, regardless of which one's faster.

The people who are going to be upset in this comment section are probably the same people who modify their cars just to get instagram likes.

4

100%. Well said, exactly why I loved the recent article on the white civic as well. Also if a lowrider bouncing down the street does not give you a huge smile, you have grown up too much.

5

Always loved the detail (the paint especially) on lowriders, but I still don't understand how their chassis stay straight after bouncing like that :)

6

That is a great point! when it comes to swaps and additional power added to a chasis im always thinking about bracing and structural integrity but never once (sadly) did this matter ever occur to me. Now I gotta go back and read the other article Dave linked. Gotta know more now, thanks for planting that bug in my head Coconut lol.

Author7
8

ahh thank you so much:)

Author9

I'm really glad you liked that white Civic article as well. It's up there among my favorites because it was just so honest.

10

It was a great read. Really brought me joy to go through it. Which for me, is honestly really hard to find in automotive writing anymore. Much more interesting than a story in which the individual just shells out cash for every name brand part and hot topic item that's currently trending. Its much more realistic and relatable. Tells the story of a real car person. The people that were negative just because its a Honda crack me up. Focusing on what type of car it was is missing the whole point. Keep up the great work!

11

Let the bombs drop :)

Author12

In the middle we stay calm and just drop bombs! They're coming

13

I will honestly say this it's not my style but there's more to the Lowrider Community than meets the eye
It's some time to get to know them and it's good to appreciate different cultures within the car community especially Lowriders and the art

14

YES!! I love these lowriders!! Please feature more of these in the future!

15

Absolutely great post and pics. Lowriders have always been a guilty pleasure of mine, and I love the paint.

16

Posers

Author17

What, exactly are they posing at?

18

For me, lowriders are kinda like Transformers. One moment they are drivable vehicles. Next moment they are "transformed", strutting at their masters' bidding.

i just love the idea!

19

There was once on youtube series about lowrider comunity. Called Lowrider Roll model.

Stories of those pople was so amazing and style how lowrider comunity helps them/saves them/ furfill them. is just beautiful. Worth watching

Author20

Lowrider Roll Models is an incredible series, perhaps one my favorite Youtube series out. I really enjoy the family aspect of it all.

21

I'm just here for those awesome paintjobs

22

I honestly love every lowrider post that speedhunters has ever done! Please do more as I have gotten so much inspiration for airbrushing, custom painting and the all round cleanliness and perfection that goes into the cars, the family culture and attitude towards lowriders. to be able to see the gypsy rose at the Peterson motor museum is on my bucket list for 2021-2022, keep up the great work. Been reading since 2008! I've also learned more on speedhunters about various forms of motorsports and events from across the globe than any other platform on the web, magazines or articles. If speedhunters did a small print or a magazine, I'd subscribe. Thanks again dudes for all the content!

Author23

Ah, yes, Gypsy is on my bucket list as well. It's such a rich culture.

24

Hey what's up speed hunters, I suffer from severe depression and lowriding is thee only way that I can feel good about myself by myself, by cruzing and listening to lowrider music. So far I've attempted to completely restore two vehicles for lowriding and the cops took both of them each time. Once in California and once in Detroit. Now I can't even find another vehicle to restore. Well I hope to find another for sale soon if not I'll just watch everyone else have fun. Thanks, Damon.

25

What a great article. The passion and artistry that goes into these cars is amazing.

26

More lowrider posts please! I love the attention to detail and history the cars have.

27

Oftentimes the name you chose for a thing in the beginning is irrelevant shortly after. It's just a name and we're all car guys here :)

28

Finally some solid content about true car culture and hostory, and not just some zip tie mobile with a big turbo and bolt on overfenders!

OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS