This '67 Chevy Impala called "Black Magic" is one of the joys of Benny Miranda's life. Growing up in the lowrider lifestyle, Benny was introduced to it by his older brother and dad, "Avie." Benny got to watch and help as the two restored their cars for some boulevard cruising. But Benny was given a bike to build to get his building chops warmed up. In 1982, at the age of nine, Benny started Techniques Bike Club and so another lowrider was born.
Benny purchased this '67 for $5,000 at the world famous Pomona Swap Meet and immediately knew the first thing that he was going to do. Benny wanted to be able to ride low and slow with wire wheels tucked behind a set of skirts. The only way for that to happen was to shorten the rearend. A call was made to Joe Del Toro who took possession of it and made that happen.
The body was in need of some TLC and it received all that and then some from the In House Auto crew in his hometown of Baldwin Park, California. There's something magical about black and the '67's lines look sweet draped in tuxedo black paint. After the paint was completed, the car was handed off to Primo's Restorations in Rancho Cucamonga, California, to be color sanded and buffed into a mile-deep reflection pool.
Frank and Gilbert then proceeded to reassemble the entire car, including some custom-made bumper guards and Techniques Car Club emblems made by Joe Soto of La Puente, California, but not before the talented Japanese artist Yasu threw a hex on the trunk. Yasu placed three gorgeous voodoo priestesses in his "Black Magic" mural with one of them holding a voodoo doll of Benny. The car came together much the way Benny envisioned it and after finishing the car Benny took it out on its maiden voyage and cruised it on the streets of Baldwin Park.
At its first car show, the '67 made Benny proud of the time, money and effort spent with a first place trophy for Best Mural and, at a subsequent show, a Best Paint award. Whenever the car gets ready for a show or cruises, it's a family affair. The next generation of lowriders, Benny's son's "Rambo" and "Lil' Benny" always make sure that the car gets shined up and prepped. At the photo shoot they could be found putting the finishing touches on the car.
As if the lowriding tradition wasn't enough, the Baldwin Park station arch that we shot at was dedicated to Benny's great-grandfather, Cruz Baca. He arrived in Baldwin Park in 1910 with his family from Mexico. Being a businessman and a community-driven individual, Benny's grandfather was always helping friends and neighbors. From his great-grandfather to his father, who encouraged Benny to finish Black Magic before he passes the car to Rambo and Lil' Benny who will keep the passion and tradition alive, there really is something magical about Benny and Black Magic.
Black MagicOwner: Benny MirandaVehicle: '67 Chevrolet ImpalaCity/State: Baldwin Park, CaliforniaClub: Techniques C.C.-L.A.
Engine/Drivetrain: The '67 Chevy 327-c.i.d. engine was connected to a Turbo 400 tranny and shortened dual glass-pack exhaust by Joe Del Toro.
Body/Paint: Frank Ledesma at Unique Sunroof Tops installed a 44-inch moonroof. In House Auto took care of the bodywork and tuxedo black paint. Yasu of Japan did the "Black Magic" mural on the trunk. Primo's Restorations in Rancho Cucamonga, California, color sanded the car and buffed the finish.
Interior: Mike Perez at Blindman Upholstery in Whittier, California, installed an OG kit from CARS, Inc.
Sound System: A JVC head unit, DVD player, 6-inch monitor and a set of Pioneer 6x9 speakers were all installed by Leno Candeleria of Baldwin Park.
Suspension: Stock
Tires: P155/80-R13 Firestone
Wheels: 13x7 O.G. wires