When LRM photographer Saul Vargas was strolling the aisles at the Arizona State Fairgrounds during the Phoenix, Arizona, Lowrider Tour kickoff event earlier this year, he noticed a kinda blue, kinda purple but totally cool '66 Chevy Impala sporting a Techniques C.C.-Arizona plaque posed dramatically with its rear end slammed to the ground and its nose up in the air. Saul was impressed with the car's clean lines and extreme stance, and quickly arranged a photo shoot with owner Vicente Valles of Tempe, Arizona, for the next day at nearby Papago Park.
Everything was in place at the photo location when Saul realized that he had been partially tricked by "Shorty's '66." The car looked as good in the Arizona sun as it did the previous day at the show, but it didn't have hydraulics. That dramatic pose at the show was achieved with a floor jack. No problema, Saul said, this '66 is more than clean enough inside and out to merit a photo shoot, and he proceeded to capture the car with his Canon 1DS Mark II.
Vicente tells us that the '66 was built to be a "neighborhood car," adding, "it was supposed to be a street cruiser. I've had it about three years. It originally had white pearl paint, but I just kept adding to it." He also thanks Techniques C.C. of Arizona, the Valles family and "Big Dogg" for their help. And as for hydraulics, he assures Saul that installing a hot setup is next up on his to-do list for the car.
Shorty's '66Owner: Vicente VallesVehicle: '66 Chevrolet ImpalaCity/State: Tempe, ArizonaClub: Techniques C.C.-Arizona
Engine/Drivetrain: Stock 283 cid
Body/Paint: "OG Mando" of Phoenix, Arizona, applied the multiple-shade graphic finish, which was further enhanced by Phoenix pinstriper "Chavo." Royal Plating in Tucson, Arizona, tended to the chrome and gold.
Interior: Larry at Ciadella in Tempe sewed up the white interior with the original stitching.
Sound System: Paul Ponzetti scores points as Vicente's audio installer.
Suspension: Stock with lowered coils
Tires: P155/80-R13
Wheels: Galaxy wires