Classics: The Legacy of Cruising and the Fight to Preserve It
Cruising is more than just driving down a street—it’s a way of showing cultural expression, pride, and a means for
communities to come together. Whether it’s at Chicano Park in San Diego, Southwest Blvd. in Kansas City, Missouri or Jefferson Blvd. in Oak Cliff of Dallas, cruising has always been a space where people of all backgrounds can get together, showcase their creativity, and celebrate their heritage. But for as long as it’s been a part of our culture, it hasn’t always been accepted by everybody.
In the 1980s, cities across the country began passing cruising bans, many of which targeted minority communities. These laws weren’t just about cars—they were about controlling where people, particularly from marginalized communities, could gather. Lowrider culture, which was rooted in the heart of Mexican-American neighborhoods, became a prime target. It wasn’t long before places like Jefferson Blvd. in Oak Cliff, where lowriders had long gathered, saw restrictions that pushed people off the streets. Local officials cited concerns about noise, traffic, and safety, but these laws disproportionately impacted minority communities, particularly Hispanic and African-American groups. These discriminatory laws became a way to control spaces where communities, often marginalized, came together to celebrate culture and identity.
For me, cruising represents the priceless moments spent with family and friends, a time to reflect on the roads we've traveled and the history we all carry with us. Though I didn’t experience the direct effects of the cruising bans, I know that my father, like many before me, felt the weight of these laws. While I looked at those times cruising with my family as moments of solace, the reality was that lowriders faced profiling, harassment, arrests and impounding their Classic cars. It was a time when our culture was under attack, not for the love of the cars, but for the people who drove them. Despite this, lowriders didn’t just fade away—they adapted, finding new ways to keep the culture alive.
Hydraulic systems, first introduced in the late 1940s and early 1950s in Southern California, became the symbol of that resilience. These modifications allowed cars to rise above the limitations placed on them, at the flip of a switch. They weren't just about aesthetics—they were a defiant act of culture and ingenuity. Hydraulics allowed cars to stand out and be noticed while also symbolizing the strength of a community that refused to be erased.
The rise of lowriding culture wasn’t confined to California. From the vibrant lowrider scene in Southern California, the influence spread to cities like Kansas City, Missouri. This is where figures like Efrain “Pin” Gonzalez played a pivotal role. Starting in the 1990s, Efrain brought the essence of California lowriding to the Midwest, igniting a movement that would have a lasting impact on the community. His influence went beyond just cars—he worked tirelessly to improve his community through outreach, mentoring, and even founding a church. Efrain’s dedication to the people of Kansas City carried on until his untimely passing late August of 2024, and his legacy remains a lasting pillar in lowrider culture. But it’s important to note that Efrain wasn’t alone in this journey. Figures like Joe Chavez, Pepe Pena, and local car clubs, all played critical roles in shaping Kansas City’s lowrider culture.
Lowriders and their cars have always been a way to celebrate family and tradition, and this theme is at the heart of this year’s "Classics" theme for Lowrider Magazine's NORCAL Classic tour 2025. Highlighting stop number one. The "Classics" theme invites us to reflect on how lowrider culture has evolved while honoring the past. From the cars themselves to the people who continue to carry the torch, lowriders represent more than just vehicles—they represent the ongoing fight to preserve a cultural tradition against the forces that sought to diminish it. The upcoming 2025 show will be a testament to how far we’ve come, but also a reminder of the work still left to do. The fight to preserve lowrider culture,
particularly in spaces like Sacramento, continues as new generations carry on the legacy laid out before them.
As we move forward, we’re not only celebrating the lowriders of today, but we’re also honoring those who fought for these spaces to exist. Places like the northeast of Kansas City, Oak Cliff in Dallas and Sacramento, California are more than just physical locations—they are the pride and spirit of lowrider culture. These areas represent the resistance, the pride, and the spirit of the people who refused to let their culture be erased.
At its core, lowriding isn’t just about cars—it’s about creating community and making sure that, despite the challenges, our voices are heard. We gather together in our cars to show the world who we are, where we come from, and that we are here to stay. The NORCAL Classic tour 2025, and our "Classics" theme, is a chance for us to reflect on that legacy and look toward the future. The road to Sacramento is more than just a path on a map—it’s a reminder that lowrider culture is alive and well, and will continue to thrive as long as we keep driving forward.
— Ramón L. Muñoz Jr. | Lowrider Magazine
