Mexico City is not only the capital and largest city in Mexico, but also one of the largest cities in the world. It's so large in fact that it encompasses one large city that has slowly engulfed others to create what is now classified as a "megalopolis." Aside from its sheer size, Mexico City is popularly known for its famous landmarks such as the Zocalo, the main central square with a mixture of Spanish-era cathedral styling fused with the Palacio Nacional and ancient Aztec temple ruins.
So when it came time to photograph Joe Cano's '64 Chevy Impala, it was a must that we include some of the scenery and monuments that are specific to Mexico City. With the Impala being landscaped by an Aztec temple, it makes for the perfect tandem of all things classic. While each contain their own significant artistic properties and historical importance, the one thing which remains true about each is that they represent Latino culture, pride and artistry at their very finest.
At its lowest stance, this '64's custom side-exit, stainless steel exhaust system sits just inches off of these sacred grounds. The orangish color of the paint strikes a glaringly eloquent contrast for the shoot, but what really sets this vehicle apart from the many Impalas that we've featured is the fact that it's a four-door. Readers and fans of Lowrider already know that two-door coupes have dominated our pages and national shows, so every once in a while it's good to get a breath of fresh air.
Originally, this vehicle was purchased for just $800. "I found the vehicle in a junkyard in Honolulu, Hawaii," says Joe. "I've been a lowrider fan since I was 15 years old and it's been my dream to build this ride and make in into Lowrider Magazine."
With that said, Joe's dreams have definitely come true, but not without a lot of hard-earned money and patience. "El Coche Naranja" ("the orange car") has a good $47,000 invested into it and the process took roughly five years to become realized. It was a journey which only true lowriders know about and a process which is as grueling as it can be discouraging. For most common folk, customizing a vehicle means slapping a set of rims and tires onto a new vehicle, but for true lowriders, they understand and appreciate the fact that they're not only building a car, but a legacy that can literally be handed from generation to generation. Along with the vehicle, Joe can also be proud to know that he's received the top five awards in Mexico by Maxi Tuning Magazine, as well as Best of Show at nine of the 10 events that he's attended.
For Joe, this is more than just a vehicle of artisan proportions, but rather a way of living that represents the true passion, spirit and humility of a true lowrider. Even more significant is that Joe is from Mexico City. In L.A. and Texas, lowriders are all around us in different conditions and at times we take that for granted. From fixer-uppers to project vehicles, all we really need to do is drive a few miles to find one, but in Mexico City, lowriding is a rarity afforded by very few. Joe gives the credit to his wife and Mexico City's Master Experts in Electronics.
So what's next for this badass four-door? Well, according to Joe, future plans include the installation of a plasma TV in the trunk and to have it all linked up to an onboard computer system and GPS unit. And while that might sound as twisted as putting an elevator in an Aztec temple, you know that if we could, we would do the same damn thing.
El Coche Naranja
Owner: Joe Cano
Vehicle: '64 Chevrolet Impala
City/State: Mexico City, Mexico
Club: Speed Race Club
Engine/Drivetrain: A 283-c.i.d. with matching numbers, and billet pulleys, valve covers and intake manifold with engraved flames was built by Ted's Machine Shop in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Powerglide transmission was polished by Mike's Polishing Shop and the stainless steel exhaust system was fabricated by Ponce Industries in Mexico City.
Body/Paint: Seven Auto Body in Hawaii performed all of the bodywork, including shaving the locks. The vehicle was then painted by West Side in Hawaii. Cromadora Delgado in Mexico City was busy with all of the chrome plating found on Joe's '64.
Interior: Joe utilized some of Mexico City's finest on the interior of his '64.
Sound System: Elvis Monterubio at Speed Race in Mexico City installed a Boschmann CD/DVD system featuring four 15-inch subwoofers and a multitude of monitors.
Suspension: An AIM Industries air suspension kit was installed by Super Street in Hawaii and features Firestone airbags, two pumps, two 6-gallon tanks, eight switches, eight air valves and three Optima yellow top batteries.
Tires: Whitewall
Wheels: 13-inch 100-spoke Pinnacle