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1950 Chevy Deluxe ‘Pretty In Pink’ Lowrider On Display At Petersen Automotive Museum

The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is set to host a list of eye-popping customs in the new “Best in Low: Lowrider Icons of the Street and Show” exhibit, the museum’s largest lowrider exhibit to date. The new exhibit will feature several prominent custom vehicles from across the lowrider movement. Officially opening on May 11th, “Best in Low” explores the rich history and vibrant culture behind these custom vehicles, showcasing motorcycles, bicycles, art, and, of course, cars as well. Among them is this fully customized 1950 Chevy Deluxe known as “Pretty In Pink.”

The Pretty in Pink 1950 Chevy Deluxe lowrider.

Pretty In Pink is a standout piece within the collection, reflecting the deep personal and cultural expressions that are hallmarks of lowrider customization. According to MotorTrend, the car, owned by Bernardo and Natalie Casian from Cathedral City, California, began its journey in the lowrider culture somewhat unexpectedly and was initially purchased as a more affordable greaser-style project before it was transformed into a lowrider through Bernardo’s connection with the Uniques Car Club and the influence of fellow car enthusiast Bobby Enz.

The Chevy Deluxe showcases exceptional craftsmanship, featuring a 235 ci engine paired with a turbo 350 transmission, enhanced by custom headers and a Lokar shifter. Its body sports a pearl white base coat adorned with House of Kolor magenta patterns, complemented by striping and Native American-themed murals airbrushed by Sal Elias. The suspension system includes a customized two-pump hydraulic setup with four Optima Blue Top batteries.

Inside, the vehicle boasts two-tone leather and suede upholstery, as well as Auto Meter custom gauges for a blend of classic and modern aesthetics. The sound system, installed by Bob’s Customs in Beaumont, features a Sound Stream head unit and a Treo amplifier, plus 12-inch Kickers and JVC 6-by-9-inch mids.

The Pretty in Pink Chevy Deluxe sits alongside other legendary vehicles from the lowrider movement, such as the 1964 Chevrolet Impala “Gypsy Rose” and the 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air “Inferno II,” among others. These vehicles not only display the artistic and mechanical ingenuity of their creators but also serve as cultural artifacts, telling the story of community, identity, and resilience through automotive art.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. Not my cup of tea.

    Reply
  2. My dad’s first brand new car was one of these. Bare bones in battleship gray. Ugh. I would love to visit the museum someday.

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    1. If you do, be sure to visit the Nethercutt Museum (free)/Nethercutt Collection ($10) in Sylmar, 20 mi N of the Petersen; I’d argue it’s even better. It’s a bit ironic as the Collection is housed in what looks like a giant yellow concrete box, while the Petersen exterior is akin to an acid trip.

      Reply
  3. Somelike Hot rods, 4×4’s, Imports, Unless you can do better appreciate the detail and work involved.

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  4. Might have make another trip to the Peterson Museum to see these works of art.

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  5. It’s great to see what the other hot low riders l@@k like love the time and skills these guys put in the car.👏👏👏👏👍👍

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  6. Lipstick on a pig comes to mind.

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  7. Never a fan of Lowrider cars per se but totally appreciate the effort, design work and craftmanship these car builders have and continue to achieve.

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  8. Everyone has their likes/dislikes, but you have to admit this car has a fantastic paint job and a lot of work and love went into it. Obviously it is owned by a Hispanic – – not many outside that group would style it like this. I don’t like the finished product, but appreciate part of the details.

    Reply
  9. I was sitting next to a Blackman @ a carwash in Norwalk one day and I will never forget what he shared with me that morning as he smiled and shook his head. “Only a Lowrider can F up a perfectly good automobile.” It is a Lifestyle.

    Reply

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