Polished rims, shiny hoods and big smiles kicked off the Lobos y Lowriders event on Wednesday, Sept. 17. In the midst of Hispanic Heritage Month, New Mexico’s lowriders proudly showed off their sweet rides and unique culture, bringing color and shine to the University of New Mexico Student Union Building courtyard.
“If this car could talk; imagine what it would tell you,” Frank “Poncho” Chavez, the president of the Duke’s Car Club Albuquerque and owner of a 1959 Chevrolet Impala, said.
These antique cars, are valued from $200,000 to $500,000, according to several of the owners. Buying, selling and trading are all a part of this culture’s dynamics. Most of the owners at the event know how to do mechanical tuning and repairs themselves, or work as a community to service their cars. The Lowriders care deeply about the perseverance of their masterpieces, for they are conserving more than just a vehicle, Chavez said…