Photo Essay

Chicanos & Classic Cars

By Jessie Recendez · Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show · April 13, 2025

For many generations Chicanos have made classic cars part of their culture. Owners spend thousands of dollars to accessorize their cars with powerful roaring engines, hydraulics to make them drop or jump, and shiny chrome wheels and tires. The exterior of the cars are decorated with reconstructed original parts, and the paint designs and patterns usually carry some type of cultural symbolism. The inside of the cars consists of flawless upholstery interiors that may contain cultural or religious significance to the owners. Many owners join car clubs and enter competitions to win trophies, cash prizes or just simply to show pride of ownership. The following pictures were taken at the Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show that took place on April 13, 2025.

Black lowrider with its hood open at the car show

Lowriders

Lowriders was the name given to classic cars when their owners would lower them close to the ground. They were so low that they became illegal to drive. Owners then added hydraulics to lower and raise them at will.

Green classic car painted with the Mexican flag

Green car with Mexican flag

Cultural pride is a big theme when it comes to classic and lowrider cars. The colors in a car are usually associated with the flag colors of the owner's country of origin. This picture shows the owner's pride for his/her Mexican heritage.

Attendees in flannel shirts and Pachuco hats at the car show

The dress style of people who attended this classic car event also has cultural significance. The long sleeve flannel shirts, the Dickie pants, the sunglasses and the Pachuco hats reflect cultural pride of the Chicano community.

Chicanas play an important role in the classic car culture. There are not too many female owners, but there are plenty of women who support their husbands' hobbies and enjoy riding these upgraded classic cars. Lowrider Magazine displays beautiful Chicana models in some of its front covers.

Religious artifacts decorating the interior of a classic car

Religion is a very important aspect of Chicano culture. Religious artifacts such as rosaries, figurines of Catholic saints, and images of Jesus Christ often become part of the decoration of classic cars.

Pachuco hat and bandana displayed in a classic car

The Pachuco hat and bandana displayed in this classic car used to belong to its original owner who passed away. This is done to honor the memory of the man who dedicated his time and money in the restoration of this classic car.

Visitor pulling a Classic Red Wagon at the car show

Many visitors arrived at the event in style, wearing their Raiders or Dodgers gear. Some visitors were also pulling a Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon, a very useful tool to carry items in a very stylish way. In a way, owning a wagon means owning a classic.

Car interior with fuzzy dice and a GPS navigation system

Car interior with fuzzy dice and GPS

The fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror and the GPS navigation system contradict each other. The dice represent the traditional values of the past while the GPS represents the influence of technology on modern day values.

Coca-Cola Classic themed Volkswagen Beetle

Coca Cola Classic symbolizes traditional American values. Some Chicanos who own classic cars decorate them with the Coca Cola brand name to show that Chicanos also embrace American values.

jessman27@icloud.com