The February cover of Lowrider magazine represents an icon of an automobile. The year of its production style reflects the times that were, when this classic was in dealership condition. The Supremes and Diana Ross were coming out with hit after hit in those days-just like Chevrolet. The new style change in body dynamics also included the popular "three taillights" in pairs. It was also a time when the skateboard and super ball were being introduced as the popular new toy. We still think that James Bond in Goldfinger would've looked slicker in a '65 Impala instead of that little silver Aston Martin. This body-styled vehicle was being introduced for the first time with a more slanted-type windshield than the Impala designs before it. While the Beatles were the first band to play at a sold-out concert in Shea Stadium, New York, Chevrolet also brought in the crowds in sales with a record in the automotive industry of 1 million, which still stands today. The revamped style of a fastback roof line became an attractive seller. Or, if you had to have it your way, the fold-down canvas top was another sporty idea that couldn't be refused, especially in the right weather conditions.
This super classic flashback on the cover belongs to Premier Car Club's Jose Barba. His '65 convertible is displayed through the following pages as an immaculate fashion statement that demonstrates to the hot-rod and muscle car worlds how Impalas really became famous. Besides the lowrider-styled paintjob, hydraulics and concrete allow the body lines to become more magnified. Sleek and low is the only way to go. Just think, without lowriders there wouldn't be a million old Chevys around today. That's right-lowriders are Chevrolet's claim to fame.
This issue also brings out a new series of Lowrider departments-Lowrider Image and Lowrider Original. Our old friend Carlos Carbajal, a Groupe Car Club member and lowrider happening show promoter, reminisces with us about his dazed and confused lime green, flaked Camaro. From both the perspective of a judge and a gentleman he tells it how it was, is, and will always be. Flanked right next to him in the Original series segment is the inspirational painter known as "Doc," who's shown us through his colorful history that the best paintjobs are the ones sprayed from under a tree. This man's one-of-a-kind style as a graphic painter also brings out his personality, which is another one of his talents.
Lowrider Garage goes hard-line when it comes to tube bending because there is always something being shaped or formed in there, whether it be underhood or in the trunk. Lowiders have been making tube bending the latest quality trend since World War II's usage in the aircraft industry.
Put on your suit and drop a formal visit into the spotlighted Hall of Fame event coverage where over 400 "dressed to impress" family members, club members, and friends for life supported the Class of 2008 inductees at the Long Beach Hilton.
Be sure to check out our extended car show coverage too because the Imperials got together at their annual Hawaiian Garden's show with over 1,000 supported lowrider entries. Tecniques Car Club also revealed the best in lowrider character with a bone marrow car show fund-raiser that brought out the faith, hope, and charity in all of us, and the bomb squad, aka Viejitos and Pharaohs, each threw their own festival events as well.
Until the next trip,Joe RayEditor
By Joe Ray
Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!