The San Gabriel Valley lies East of Los Angeles California, the birthplace of Lowriding. The area is vast and rich in history with many firsts. The first freeway in the United States, the Arroyo Seco Parkway opened in the Valley. The first Tournament of Roses Parade was presented in Pasadena. The first In N Out Burger opened in Baldwin Park. The first chapter of Classified Car Club was also started in the San Gabriel Valley.
In 1985 Ray Pinon and a group of fellow Lowrider enthusiasts came together to start Classified. The idea behind the club was to bring people who had the same interest in Lowriding together and not only help each other with the building of their rides but also cruise the local spots and car shows as one.
For a number of years Classified was a one chapter club, until they decided to branch out and seek other members in other parts of Southern California. The East LA chapter was born in 2001 and in 2007 another chapter referred to as the Los Angeles chapter was started.
Each chapter has a President, and Vice President who work with their chapter as well as the other chapters to keep the club's by-laws in place. The club has about 20 active members right now and is in the process of expanding each chapter as well as expanding their bike club. Club founder Ray Pinon is still active in the club as an honorary lifetime member. Since 2001, the East LA chapter has produced an anniversary banquet to celebrate the accomplishments of the club, and it's members.
Classified considers their cars to be street rides. The cars are built to be driven but can still hold their own at car shows. You will see just about everything in the club from a 1936 Chevy Master Deluxe to a '94 Cadillac Fleetwood. A few members of the club have more than one car with the Classified plaque displayed in the back window. Right now, there are no plans to build a "Lowrider of the Year" contender. The clubs prefer to "lay and play".
They gather and attend many shows and cruise nights in the Southern California area, and travel to surrounding Central California areas too, like Oxnard and Ventura. Community involvement is also a huge part of the club. Each year the club supports the City of Montebello's September 11th tribute at Montebello Park, and because of their continued support, both the city and the mayor have honored the club. Honors like this keep the club motivated and also helps to show that everyday people have a positive side in our culture.
As with the other clubs that have been featured in this well represented section, family is a huge part of the club. The wife and kids are up at 5am to go to the shows, attend the club's meetings and help out whenever and wherever they can. The club holds several family theme events throughout the year including a trip to the beach, an outing to the river and even to the mountains so the kids can play in the snow. The club members agree that without the family, the club could not be successful, because to have commitment there has to be support within.
What does the club have planned for 2009 and beyond? They plan to strengthen and build each chapter and continue to add members. With a rich history in Lowriding, we have no doubt that Classified will continue to be a part of the Lowriding scene and culture for a long time. That's why they fit in the category as Classified!