The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is set to open a new exhibit titled “Best in Low: Lowrider Icons of the Street and Show” featuring several prominent custom vehicles from lowrider culture and history. One of the most important vehicles on display will be the 1964 Chevy Impala known as ‘Gypsy Rose.’ Recognized globally for its distinctive pink and multicolored floral paint job, this vehicle has become a symbol of lowrider culture and its profound influence on automotive customization.
For those that know, Gypsy Rose is nothing short of a cultural icon, helping to elevate the perception of lowriders as a form of moving art. Originally built by Jesse Valadez, co-founder of the Imperials car club, this Chevy Impala broke boundaries in automotive customization with its elaborate designs and became a flagship of Chicano cultural expression in Southern California. The car’s fame was further cemented when it appeared in the ‘70s television sitcom “Chico and the Man,” and now, it’s one of the most recognized lowriders in the world. Gypsy Rose was inducted into the National Historic Vehicle Registry in 2017, a testament to its significance in American automotive history.
The new lowriders exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum is the largest of its kind in the museum’s history, celebrating the rich tapestry of lowrider culture. It features not only cars, but also custom motorcycles, bicycles, and artwork from the Chicano Art Movement, highlighting the community’s creativity and technical ingenuity. ‘Gypsy Rose’ sits at the heart of this display, showcasing intricate craftsmanship such as custom paint, detailed engraving, and plush upholstery that characterize these beloved vehicles.
In addition to attracting car enthusiasts, the new exhibit will also educate visitors on the historical and cultural contexts of lowriders, serving as a vibrant reminder of how automotive culture can intersect with artistic expression to create something truly iconic.
“Best in Low: Lowrider Icons of the Street and Show” will open at the Petersen Automotive Museum on May 11th.
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Comments
Glad to see he was able to rebuild this piece after I watched it get totaled as a kid on the streets of La Habra one bad night back in the 70’s. Guess that’s what happened when they visited a town of unfriendly gangsters. Looks good, wonder if he remembers that!
He, whether it be Jesse Sr.(original owner/builder) or Jr. (obviously the son) are unfortunately no longer with us. I know this because I had the honor of towing the Gypsy Rose to a lowrider car show. I took it, and Jesse Jr. from where the car was stored at the time to LA. After that show was done, I went out there and picked the car and owner up as well. Jr. had said to me that the Rose was about to be prep’d and shipped to the Smithsonian to be put on display for awhile. After I dropped him off with the car, was the last time I heard from him, only to later find out that he had passed from cancer.
I’m just glad to see it again but this time in a safe area. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍