Cars Made To Be Lowriders
Lowriders are more than just customized vehicles; they are rolling canvases that display a rich cultural heritage and artistic expression. And it's no surprise that certain vehicles have become must-haves within the dedicated lowrider community. This is primarily due to their design, adaptability, and historical significance. So, here are 20 vehicles known for their transformation into stunning lowriders.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
1. 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
The 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS symbolizes the culture with its sleek lines and expansive body. Its design allows for extensive customization, including intricate hydraulic systems that enable the car to perform the iconic "bouncing" movements associated with lowriders.
2. 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
This vehicle stands out with its long, sweeping body lines and distinctive rear wheel covers. Introduced as a personal luxury car, the Monte Carlo's long hood, short rear deck, and broad quarter panels serve as an ideal canvas for custom artwork and metallic flake finishes.
3. 1984 Buick Regal
As part of the G-body platform, the 1984 Buick Regal has become a staple in the lowrider community due to its boxy design and rear-wheel-drive configuration. Its squared-off body allows for the installation of flashy rims, and its relatively lightweight structure makes it ideal for hydraulic setups.
4. 1960 Buick LeSabre
The 1960 Buick LeSabre has a sturdy frame that houses complex hydraulic or air suspension systems. Artists often use the full-length body for colorful murals and flake paint that dances in the sunlight. It’s a less common but highly respected canvas builder.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
5. 1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
As one of the most popular G-body vehicles, the 1982 Cutlass Supreme offers retro elegance. Balanced proportions allow for even drops on hydraulics or airbags without sacrificing ride quality. Its V6 or V8 can be swapped for 350 small blocks or LS motors.
6. 1976 Chevrolet Caprice
The '76 Caprice’s full-frame body supports heavy hydraulic setups without structural compromise. During transformation, the original 350 or 400 cubic-inch V8s are retained, although fuel injection upgrades are common for reliability. The large trunk is ideal for showcasing polished hydraulic systems and multi-speaker audio setups.
GPS 56 from New Zealand on Wikimedia
7. 1949 Mercury Eight Coupe
With its bulbous fenders and flowing curves, the 1949 Mercury Eight Coupe lends itself perfectly to smooth paint jobs and chrome-heavy detailing. Lowrider enthusiasts often favor rear-hinged doors, Frenched headlights, and custom grilles to give it that true vintage flair.
8. 1980 Chevrolet El Camino
Combining the practicality of a truck with the flair of a coupe, the 1980 El Camino makes a dramatic and functional lowrider. The flatbed provides space for intricate setups, and its strong frame makes it compatible with complex suspension systems.
Big Block 1980 El Camino (SOLD) at Coyote Classics by Coyote Classics
9. 1975 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham
This vehicle may not be the first car that comes to mind for lowriders, but its massive body and luxurious presence make it a perfect fit. It stretches over 19 feet long, offering an expansive base for paint, chrome, and sound system work.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
10. 1992 Cadillac Brougham D’Elegance
Cadillac’s 1992 Brougham d’Elegance offers classic boxy Cadillac styling that screams old-school cool. With a full-frame construction and rear-wheel drive, it’s a natural fit for lowrider conversions. Chrome bumpers and ornate trim make it look rich even before customization begins.
11. 1981 Lincoln Continental Mark VI
With its squared-off design and expansive hood, the Mark VI Continental is loved by builders who want a car that exudes presence. Its luxurious appointments and rear-wheel-drive layout make it an excellent base for lowrider conversions. Owners often keep the digital dashboard and padded vinyl top.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
12. 1950 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe
Chevrolet’s 1950 Styleline Deluxe is a timeless favorite among traditional lowrider builders. With rounded fenders and a teardrop rear design, the car gives a vintage look that is perfect for period-correct lowrider styling. Many are built with whitewall tires and detailed pinstriping, often paired with air suspension.
13. 1962 Pontiac Grand Prix
The 1962 Pontiac Grand Prix strikes a perfect blend of performance, style, and artistic expression. It features sharp lines and signature stacked headlights, giving it a unique face. The long, flat surfaces are ideal for intricate paintwork and pinstriping.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
14. 1981 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham
Unlike smaller coupes, the 1981 Fleetwood Brougham’s vast side panels become rolling murals, often filled with intricate airbrushed designs. Its factory-equipped 6.0L V8-6-4 provided decent torque, though many lowrider builds opt for engine swaps to handle the added weight of hydraulics.
1981 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham d'Elegance - start-up and test drive by mikkohoo
15. 1994 Chevrolet Caprice Classic
This full-size sedan is nicknamed the “bubble Caprice” for its rounded body style. It found fame among lowrider builders because its body-on-frame construction is ideal for hydraulic conversions. The vehicle has the same 5.7L LT1 V8 engine found in the Impala SS of that era.
16. 1958 Chevrolet Delray
The Delray’s one-year-only design in 1958 makes it a rare gem in the lowrider world. It was Chevrolet’s budget model at the time, but that hasn’t stopped builders from turning it into a showpiece. Its quad headlights and batwing tailfins give it a dramatic flair that is perfect for customization.
17. 1983 Buick Riviera
A true icon of personal luxury, the sixth-generation Riviera introduced front-wheel drive while keeping the long hood and short deck proportions that lowrider builders love. Its clamshell hood and optional digital dashboard were futuristic touches for the era—features that are now either carefully preserved or upgraded with custom tech in modern builds.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
18. 1990 Lincoln Town Car
This was one of the last truly large American sedans before the downsizing era took hold. The 1990 Town Car offers a commanding stance when customized as a lowrider. Its boxy styling and vertical grille give it a stately look that contrasts beautifully with flashy chrome wheels.
19. 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix
The 1986 Grand Prix was one of the last years for the rear-wheel-drive version before GM transitioned it to a front-drive platform. That alone makes it a prized catch among lowrider purists. Many had a 305 V8, offering enough power to handle light hydraulics and custom wheels.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
20. 1983 Chevrolet Malibu
Part of the G-body family, it benefits from a lightweight design and rear-wheel drive, making it ideal for hydraulic or air suspension systems. Its boxy frame offers a clean slate for candy paint jobs, while the V6 engine is usually swapped out for a small-block 350.
