Like many lowriders, Lupe Garcia was introduced to the culture at an early age. Born into a large family, the youngest of the Garcia brothers was fascinated by his older siblings' lowriders. Each of his brothers had one, and Lupe spent countless hours as a child watching them build their amazing machines. Though he was very young, Lupe still remembers when his oldest brother bought a 1968 Chevy Fast Back. His brother made a masterpiece in his eyes, lowering the car with Astro Supremes, installing side pipes and dressing the interior up with Diamond Tuck upholstery, a color bar and organ pipe speaker covers. Lupe loved the car, and would soon follow in his brother's footsteps and build his first lowrider.
Lupe's first car was a 1954 Chevy 2 door sedan that his older sister purchased for him when he was just 13 years old, with the hope that it would keep him busy and out of trouble. By the time he was in the 9th grade, he had the 1954 Chevy lowered on True Spokes and two way knock-offs. Friends and classmates that would come over to Lupe's house after school couldn't believe their eyes. Not only did their friend Lupe have a car, he had a lowrider!
That first car was the start of Lupe's lowriding career that has spanned over 32 years. Over the last three decades, he has built about 25 project vehicles, and has owned over 60 vehicles in his lifetime. His interests are not limited to certain body types or models, as Lupe's collection has been diverse, encompassing everything from Impalas to Bombs. As of today Lupe is down to two cars, a 1954 Chevy Wagon and the 1938 Chevy Master Deluxe you see featured here.
Lupe bought this car from his brother Charlie, who found it on a ranch in Sacramento, California. Charlie had planned to restore the Master Deluxe, but lost interest in finishing it, so he sold it to Lupe. Thanks to some assistance from his brothers, Lupe performed the restoration and assembly in his garage. Charlie Garcia did the bodywork, and Lupe and Jaime Peralta did the paint. TJ Parra and Lupe installed the Pro Hopper set up, while the interior and audio was masterfully handled by Jason Jaramillo of the Bomb Shelter.
Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, Lupe got to experience the lowriding scene throughout the Valley, including the legendary cruises at San Fernando Mission Park, before the authorities outlawed cruising. He also took part in the Sunday night gatherings at the San Fernando Mall. Lupe's dedication to the culture has given him a lifetime of memories and experiences in the sport that he cherishes. He fully appreciates the history he shares with other Lowriders in the Valley, and still continues to be a part of the scene to this day.
These days Lupe is a family man. His wife and kids not only support him and his lowriding lifestyle, but they are also a part of it. It is not uncommon for Lupe's wife, Mary, to help him work on the car, or for his children to get the car ready for show appearances. Lowriding is truly a family affair for Lupe and his family, as they attend shows and outings with the other members of Pachuco Car Club.
El Pachuco
Owner: Lupe Garcia
Vehicle: 1938 Master Deluxe
City/State: Mission Hills Califas
Engine/Drive train: Engine 1954 Chevy 235 tranny and rear end - all original
Body/Paint: Body work by Charlie Garcia; paint by Lupe Garcia and Jaime Peralta
Interior: By Jason Jaramillo from the Bomb Shelter
Sound System: By Jason Jaramillo from the Bomb Shelter
Set Up: Hydraulic system is a Pro Hopper installation by Lupe Garcia and TJ Parra
Tires/Wheels: Firestone white walls with the accessory rim covers OG caps. Tires purchased from Performance Tires in Long Beach CA