Summary

• Lowriders have been a part of American car culture since the 1950s, and their popularity has spread worldwide over the years.
• The essence of a good lowrider hasn't changed, but now there are more options to choose from in building the perfect one.
• The article provides a list of 20 cars that are best suited to be built into lowriders based on size, engine, and visual appeal.

Lowriders have been a part of American car culture since the 1950s. When some car lovers built muscle cars to compete with the local teenage gearheads downtown, others modified their rides to be low and slow. Speed and power did not mean everything to those within the lowrider culture, but rather, the story that the visual art was telling that was displayed on and in the car. Interest and attention in the subculture have increased in subsequent decades to the point that lowriders aren't just found in the U.S.; they're found all over the world.

The essence of a good lowrider hasn't changed over time, but the interpretation of one has become far more sophisticated in recent memory. Many different avenues now come in building the perfect lowrider. But if one thing hasn't changed, it's the choice of cars among those who want to get in on the fun. These 20 cars have long been favorites in the lowrider community. Years can pass, but you can be sure that these rides will remain near and dear to the heart of people who make this subculture as fun and vibrant as it is.

Looking at data from HotCars, Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Hagerty, and Road and Track, we have compiled a list of the cars best suited to be built into a lowrider due to their size, engine, and visual appeal.

Updated July 24, 2023: The lowrider genre is a unique niche embraced by specific car lovers. However, it is one that all classic and modern automobile lovers can appreciate. The original ten classics can still be found on this list, as well as a few more to give you a wider variety of options in your search for the perfect car to convert into the ideal lowrider.

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20 1939 Chevrolet Is A Perfect Old-School Lowrider

Top Speed: 80 MPH

Old classic cars make some of the best project cars when you can find them because they are some of the most unique and eye-catching vehicles on the roads. Of course, along with that comes the problem of finding parts for the repairs, but if you are customizing the car like you would need to do to make a proper lowrider, all you need to do is find the shell of a 1939 Chevrolet.

Performance

The old-school 3.5-liter under the hood that is mated to the even more outdated vacuum-assisted three-speed manual transmission can be repaired if you are so inclined to do so. Still, for most builders, it is easier to swap them out. Mid-to-late '60s to early '70s engine and drivetrain combinations work the best because they are easy to work on and still have the classic muscle car power and torque before all the new emissions regulations were set into place.

19 1941 Ford Is An Oldie But Goodie Lowrider Option

Top Speed: 83 MPH

Another oldie but goodie to look into when building a lowrider is the 1941 Ford Coupe. It may be another hard car to find, but since you plan to do a complete makeover, finding one in mint condition is not important. This gives you an advantage over other collectors and muscle car builders because an example they would have to pass up would be perfect for your type of build.

Performance

If you find a '41 Ford coupe, or even a truck if you prefer, with a 289, you may want to stick with it and simply have the block and heads rebuilt. It will save you time and money unless you want to add more power to your lowrider. Then you will want to yank it out and replace it with something a little more modern. Otherwise, the 1941 Ford is the perfect canvas to start out with because it is simple, with defined edges and plenty of solid foundations to work with.

18 1947 Cadillac Series 62 Is Unique Enough To Make Into A Classic Lowrider

Top Speed: 90 MPH

The 1947 Cadillac Series 62 is one of those classic cars that have become popular in the lowrider community, not because of how high it can bounce into the air with a proper hydraulic setup, but because of how different it is to see a Series 62 that sits closer to the ground than it already does. The Series 62 classifies more as a provocative classic car, but some examples get the lowrider treatment.

Performance

The Cadillac Series 62, also known as the Sixty-Two, was used to introduce the more well-known Cadillac Coupe de Ville, from which the nameplate was retired for good. The big reason that the '49 is the best option out of the Series 62 is because it was the groundbreaking year for the introduction of the Cadillac OHV V8 that could produce up to 150 horsepower, weighed 200 pounds less than the previous engine used, and it was shorter and lower than all the V-8s up until then.

Related: This Kenny Youngblood-Designed 1972 Buick Riviera "Boat Tail" Project Performance Cruiser Is Begging To Be Driven

17 1941 Pontiac Torpedo Is A Classic That Creates A One-Of-A-Kind Lowrider

Top Speed: 90 MPH

The 1941 Pontiac Torpedo falls under the same category as the 1962 Cadillac Series 62. The Torpedo is already one of the most desirable cars in the classic car market. It was the most prominent car Pontiac had created at its launch. From how it looked to how it was built, the Torpedo's notchback styling is as timeless as the covered wheels the model came with.

Performance

For the 1941 model year, the Torpedo name was used for three different levels, with the Custom being the top-of-the-line. The entire line was produced for the year with a lower, wider stance for better handling, and the running boards that had been standard for the 1940 model year could only be added on as an option. The Pontiac Chieftain took over the Torpedo lineup in 1949 and has yet to be brought back on a GM nameplate.

16 1984 Cadillac Coupe de Ville Is A Top Luxury Model With Lowrider Potential

Top Speed: 105 MPH

The Cadillac Coupe de Ville was one of the best-selling models of its time, and it's easy to see why. Back then, Cadillacs were still considered the crème de la crème among American luxury cars. The De Ville, in its numerous forms, was a popular choice among buyers looking to show off their sense of class and style on the road. These days, the Coupe de Ville holds a special place in the hearts of a different community: the lowrider community.

Performance

The great thing about starting a project with a Coupe de Ville is that the luxury is already present, so when it comes to the interior, all you will have to do is customize it to your tastes. That saves money and time, making it possible to spend more time on the exterior. Be aware that the 1984 rear-wheel drive and the 1985 front-wheel-drive models were being produced simultaneously, so be careful if you are out trying to buy a new project car. You don't want to end up with the wrong version.

15 1960 Ford Galaxie Began The New Decade In Style And Grace

Top Speed: 108 MPH

In 1960 Ford restyled all its full-size cars to offer a more aerodynamic vehicle. Not only did this help the car power down the road faster, but it also made the cars look so much better. That is why so many of the '60s classics make such great lowriders. The Ford Galaxie came standard with a six-cylinder, but some were ordered with a V-8. Those came with tubular shocks within live rear axles, semi-elliptical leaf springs, and independent front suspension.

Performance

The 1960 Ford Galaxie was the first model of the second generation, bringing with it an all-new look. At first look, the main difference from the previous year is in the grill, which is stretched up to the bottom edge of the hood, unlike the design for the 1959 Galaxie. It also had less trim and ornamentation, leaving more room for your personal touch.

RELATED: 10 Classic Chevys That Put The G In Gangster

14 1994 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham Combines Luxury And Power

Top Speed: 108 MPH

The Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham is one of the most modern picks for lowrider conversions because it is large, comfortable, and full of luxury. These things make a great project car for a lowrider guru, especially when you add in the fact that the V8 engine had plenty of power to push the car down the road, even though it weighed over 4,000 pounds.

Performance

It may be a little bit misleading when you look under the hood and see the same 350 cid in the 1994 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham as in the Chevrolet Corvette because the Brougham was not designed to be a high-performance car. In fact, the Cadillac was built to be a personal luxury car with plenty of power and torque but was more centered on comfort and looks. The Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham is an excellent choice for a lowrider project car because it is halfway finished straight from the assembly line.

13 1958 Chevrolet Del Ray Delivery Is An Affordable Lowrider Project

Top Speed: 110 MPH

Outside of its looks, the forgotten Chevy Del Ray Delivery is a favorite in the lowrider community because it effectively gives prospective owners a blank canvas on how they'd like to customize it. Having the freedom to customize and turn a car into a lowrider is a big part of a culture that's grown exponentially in recent years. If you're looking for a suitable ride that won't cost much money, the Chevrolet Del Ray Delivery is for you.

Performance

The Chevrolet Del Ray Delivery in 1958 was a favorite model for fleet buyers because it was on the bottom end of the price curve. Not because it was made cheap, but because many of the luxury add-ons of the time were excluded from the car, making it more affordable for the carmaker to manufacture. For you, that means it leaves more of a blank canvas to create your own masterpiece, especially since the foundation of the Del Ray Delivery is already as solid as you could hope for.

12 1983 Cadillac Coupe de Ville Is Another Caddy Lowrider Option

Top Speed: 112 MPH

The Cadillac Coupe de Ville is a very popular car for lowrider enthusiasts because it is already relatable to a luxurious ride, which is what a modified lowrider is all about. That is, of course, if you put aside the fact that a lowrider actually tells a story about the person behind the wheel. The 1983 makes an excellent candidate for a facelift because it had a few subtle changes from the previous years.

Performance

Parking lights in the front were clear now, instead of amber, and some of the chrome was gone because of the issue that Cadillac had with it pitting too easily. Interiors were still as luxurious and plush as expected from an early model Caddy. Even though the primary engine choice of 4.1-liter offered plenty of power to push the big car down the road, it may not be enough torque for some without making a few modifications.

Related: 10 Reasons Why The Lincoln Continental Shouldn't Have Been Discontinued

11 1964 Buick Riviera Can Be A Muscle Car Or A Lowrider

Top Speed: 115 MPH

People in the lowrider community hail the Buick Riviera's weight and performance capabilities — lighter than most Buicks of its time but still had the same amount of power — as two key factors contributing to its status as a favorite in lowrider circles. The pointy front end and other notable design characteristics gave the Riviera a new identity as a go-to model among tuners and riders alike.

Performance

The original Buick Riveria was deputed in 963 and received high reviews from critics and consumers alike. It was GMs first strike into the full-size personal luxury car segment, named after one of the grandest places in the world, the French Riveria. If you are looking for some speed to go along with the classic looks, the 360 horsepower 'Super Wildcat' V-8 was available as an option.

10 1962 Pontiac Catalina Is A Muscle Car That Can Be Tuned Down For Lowrider Use

Top Speed: 117

In 1962 the full-size offering by Pontiac in the muscle car wars was the Catalina Super Duty. Since most lowrider enthusiasts are not after raw racing power and torque, that version will be skipped over for the more basic one with a 389 under the hood. The Catalina makes such an excellent lowrider because even though it is a full-size car, it is relatively light and nimble due to some design changes for the 1962 model year.

Performance

The 1962 Catalina is unique to the year before and after because it was redesigned to have more rounded curves, with rooflines that made them stand out from the rest. The engine choices were many, so there is no telling what size is in the engine compartment until you take a look. Maybe you will get fortunate and find a rare '62 Chevrolet Catalina with a non-street legal 421 Super Duty V-8 with two four-barrel carburetors, giving the car an impressive for the time 405 horsepower.

9 1979 Lincoln Mark V Can Turn Some Heads As A Blinged-Out Lowrider

Top Speed: 117 MPH

Of course, this list would have the Lincoln Continental because no other model has turned customers' knees weak with excitement and anticipation quite like the Continental. Old-school models, in particular, are favorites to get the lowrider treatment. Throw in some bling rims, add some graphics or liveries, and inject some hydraulics, and just like that, the old, mild-mannered Lincoln Continental has turned into a body-bumping, come-see-me attraction.

Performance

The Lincoln Mark V in 1979 came with four-wheel disc brakes, power options such as windows and driver's seat, Automatic Temperature Controls, and a miles-to-empty display, a completely new option for the year. Plus, the Mark V had an amber LED light to warn the driver when the fuel was low, which is the precursor to all the digital full-instrument dashboards you see today.

RELATED: Retro-Mod Lincoln Continental Custom Mark II Is A Lowrider Land Yacht With Over 800 Horsepower

8 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Is A Leading Choice For Lowrider Conversions

Top Speed: 117 MPH

From the extended body to the partially covered rear wheels, the 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is one of the most popular models of the lowrider community. Mind you, the Monte Carlo also comes with one of the biggest engines you'll ever see. Sure, the Monte Carlo is a big and heavy car, but essential modifications can help cut some of that weight off and turn the long sedan into the ultimate pimp ride.

Performance

Weight is not always a bad thing, though, when building a lowrider, especially if you are not planning on turning it into a ride that can bounce. Weight can be an easy, cheaper way to lower the ride height until you can install the proper suspension system. The 1972 Monte Carlo was marketed as a personal luxury sedan that would change how tourists looked at the USA (at least according to General Motors ad campaigns.)

7 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Is A Classic Among Classics For Lowrider Conversion

Top Speed: 120 MPH

The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is a go-to classic if you're looking to have some lowrider fun. It's one of the most popular models of its time. Its ostentatious appearance — it featured chrome headliner bands, chrome fender spears, and a Ferrari-inspired front grille — has contributed to its stature as a classic among classics. It also helps that the Bel Air boasts a massive V-8 engine that can be customized in several ways.

Performance

The 1958 Bel Aire was actually not its own model, simply being the top trim level of the Chevrolet 150 or 210 models. It upgraded the base-level cars to a more luxurious version with the option to slide one of the fuel-efficient inline six-cylinders, the 3.5-liter or 3.9-liter engines, under the hood. Otherwise, you could have opted for the new, more powerful V-8 that had just hit the market for Chevy, the small-block 283.

6 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS Coupe Is A Race Ready Lowrider Conversion

Top Speed: 120 MPH

The car many people affectionally call the "64," the 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS personifies the lowrider lifestyle better than any car in history. Its unique body style and lowered stance mean you don't have to go overboard with modifying the vehicle to make it stand out. That said, there are different ways to dress up the Impala to make it stand out more than it already does.

Performance

West Coast Hip Hop has made this car synonymous with the entire lowrider culture, making it arguably one of the most well-known cars used for the conversion. One of the signature tells of the car is the rounder, more subtle lines that the front end received for the 1964 year. If you happen to be behind the car on the road, another sign that the lowrider is a '64 will be the upside down "U" shaped aluminum trim around the taillights.

Related: This 1967 Chevy Impala Is Gorgeous and Period Correct, But It Comes At a Steep Cost

5 1990 Chevrolet Caprice Is A Bounce Ready Lowrider In Waiting

Top Speed: 120 MPH

If you've ever seen a car with a hydraulic setup that allowed it to bounce up and down like nobody's business, chances are it was a 1990 Chevrolet Caprice. No car in the '90s epitomized the lowrider scene like the third-generation Caprice. You could dress it up in outlandish colors to go with all the suspension upgrades required to create a proper lowrider.

Performance

The 1990 Caprice was the final year before the new generation, so it was a carryover from the '89 model, making both years good choices for lowrider builds. The 305 V-8 was added to the lineup, as well as throttle-body fuel injection, causing the engine's performance to be more consistent. Plus, if the police cruiser option was chosen when ordering, the engine was upgraded to the same 350 cid used in the Michigan State Police Tests that won all six categories, beating out the Ford LTD Crown Victoria, Dodge Diplomat, and Plymouth Gran Fury.

4 1970 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Makes The Perfect Lowrider

Top Speed: 130 MPH

The minimal interior may not look like much compared to some luxury cars today, but back in the day, people enjoyed being at home the most. The bare interior reminded them of being at home, just on wheels. However, the car's main selling point was not the interior. Instead, the exterior was a one-of-a-kind look that still turns heads today, especially after it is made into a plush eye-catching lowrider.

Performance

The 1970 Caddy was the last of the third generation, but even then, it received a facelift to the front end, making it unique in its own small way. The grill was produced to form 13 vertical blades set on top of a cross-hatched opening, the bright metal headlamps were bordered by paint matching the color of the car's body, and narrow taillights were once again added into the design. Since the Coupe de Ville was completely redesigned for the new generation in 1971, the '70 model had some visual cues that were truly one-of-a-kind.

3 1963 Ford Thunderbird Is Style That Creates A Unique Lowrider

Top Speed: 131 MPH

The Ford Thunderbird was perhaps one of the most luxurious and beautiful classic cars to ever come out of a Ford production plant. For 1963 the Thunderbird received some interior upgrades that improved the looks even more, offering the buyer simulated wood grains that made the car a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Once the Ford 390 was slid under the hood, you had a muscle car with looks, which is why it makes a perfect lowrider.

Performance

But a muscle car is not necessarily what you want when trying to find the perfect lowrider. The 1963 Ford Thunderbird is such a great project car because the sloping curves leading to the rounded front end are unique and dramatic, perfect for any masterpiece's foundation. One of the classic Thunderbird's best features is slide-away steering for ease of climbing in and out, especially for those with a bigger belly than most.

Related: 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe By Ghia

2 1980 Lincoln Continental Mark VI Is A Large And In Charge Lowrider Option

Top Speed: 140 MPH

Lowriders are not generally designed for power and speed, which is a good thing when talking about the 1980 Lincoln Continental Mark VI. The Mark VI is a big, heavy car that came standard with a fairly small engine when you consider the size of the metal that it was responsible for pushing down the road. Granted, the 302 was and still is a terrific engine, but if it is muscle you are looking for, keep browsing.

Performance

The '80 Lincoln was the only year of the sixth generation Continental, and even though it was still a large car perfect for converting to a lowrider, it was downsized considerably compared to the previous generations. A 351 Windsor was also available as an option for the year and paired to either engine was a new for the year four-speed overdrive transmission. Inside, large bench seats and plenty of comfort.

1 1962 Chevrolet Impala Is An Original Lowrider Option

Top Speed: 145 MPH

The 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS models are one of the most popular classic rides used to build into an awesome-looking lowrider because it already has extra chrome installed on it. This includes full-width chrome panels that housed the taillights, aluminum within the engine bays, and shiny trim inside and out. If chrome is up your alley, this is the car that you should start out with.

Performance

The 409 was one of the most popular engines at the time because of the muscle car enthusiasts, not to mention the still famous song by the Beach Boys that mentions the mighty 409. There were, of course, other engine options ranging all the way down to the 283 cid and 327 cid, which are much more manageable when it comes to fuel mileage. However, if you want some power and torque to go along with the looks of your newly designed lowrider, nothing can compare with a well-built big block.