The modified car scene is so diverse that it is practically impossible to slap one specific label on the entire scene. Several sub-genres exist. Those sub-genres have fascinated gearheads from all over the globe. Whether it is the restomod trend, the JDM mania, or the never-ending horsepower race, modifying cars is not just a hobby, it is a lifestyle.
In the United States, each region has its own particularity. In most southern states, tuning up domestic cars to an insane amount of power is the name of the game. In more diverse and coastal states, car modifications have adopted features from communities perceived as being on the fringe of society. Some strange car modifications and their surprising origins may be unsettling to some, but they are now deeply rooted in the domestic modified car scene.
10 Dope Donk: Miami Boy
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To most people, donked-out cars are simply ridiculous. While it is true that there is a plethora of atrociously ugly donks out there, not all donks are created equal. In fact, when flashy colors, tasteless vinyl stickers, and useless TV screens are taken out of the equation, it is possible to end up with a sick donk with a ground clearance that would make a lifted truck feel tiny.
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This sick 1973 Chevy Caprice is among the coolest donks piston heads have ever seen. Equipped with some gorgeous chrome Vito wheels by Amani, this classic has got chrome parts absolutely everywhere. The steering wheel is also chromed out and matches the rims. Though this caprice is not the loudest donk out there, it will never fail to turn heads wherever it goes.
9 Multiple Switches: Classic
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The lowrider culture is certainly nothing new. Unlike what is commonly believed, lowriders did not originate from gangsta rap. Originally created by returning veterans and immigrants from Mexico, the lowrider culture started off as a counter-culture.
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Featured in the motion picture Crank: High Voltage, this 1969 Chevy Impala embodies the lowrider lifestyle. Being a movie prop, this Impala is not equipped with hydraulics. However, it is fair to say that the only parts needed are hydraulics and a frame strong enough to handle the mesmerizing bounces. As far as aesthetics are concerned, this Impala is a lowrider ready to hit the streets.
8th Dope Donk: Black and Gold
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When car aficionados think of donks, the first thing that comes to mind is a car fitted with 30-inch rims. While it is fair to concede that most donks are equipped with wheels that tremendously decrease their turning radius, going for the largest rim size possible is not always the way to go. Several donk fans found ways to combine looks and performance.
Owned by DonkMaster and dubbed “Black Blur,” this fourth generation Monte Carlo is not just for show. Underneath the hood sits a modded LSX unit that develops enough power to put a modified Charger Hellcat to shame. As far as the wheels are concerned, they are three-piece 24-inch Forgiato. The black and gold combination is absolutely perfect.
7 Multiple Switches: Throwback
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In the most recent years, old trucks have garnered a lot of attention. The 600 hp custom Chevy C10 Pro Touring truck featured on AutotopiaLA’s YouTube channel is the prime example. These trucks have received the latest technology while maintaining a truly retro look. With that said, not every classic truck has to become a modern muscle car killer.
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It is often wrongly believed that a lowrider must be flashy and overly customized. Though it is true that the majority of clean builds are not exactly discreet, it is possible to come up with a conservative build that will still turn heads. Nicknamed “Bomb Scare,” this 1952 Chevrolet 3100 is an unsuspecting lowrider that will please both purists and modified truck fans.
6 Dope Donk: Classic Caprice
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Over time, several domestic cars have earned the reputation of being made for urban communities. The eighth generation Chevy Impala, the Ford Crown Vic, or the big-body Caprice are some of the cars that will most likely get pulled over by the police. With that said, they remain great cars to modify. First, they are affordable. Second, their potential is limitless.
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The fourth generation Chevy Caprice shares the same body as the Impala SS. Unlike the Impala SS of the ’90s, the Caprice was simply disappointing. Often called a “beached whale,” the Caprice was far from being remarkable as far as performance was concerned. While the detuned 5.7-liter LT1 V8 may not be enough to move that huge boat, there is plenty to cruise around. Nothing beats a set of 26-inch chromed out wheels to cruise in style.
5 Multiple Switches: Cruisin’ In Style
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The Chevy Impala is the ultimate car to turn into a lowrider. Over the years, the Impala grabbed everyone’s attention and was featured in several songs and music videos. While the Impala is a great car all around, some older cars released in the ’50s are simply asking to be turned into a lowrider. These cars, however, are not meant to have all four wheels off the pavement.
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This gorgeous 1951 Chevy Fleetline Deluxe lowrider is just stunning. While a large number of car aficionados look down upon lowriders, this Fleetline is one that will have purists reconsider their stance. Unlike most lowriders that we see featured in music videos or movies, this Fleetwood seems to have been restored to its original condition.
4 Dope Donk: Presidential
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If there is one thing that America does best, it is for sure stretched-out limos. Whether it is on the Las Vegas strip, Miami, Manhattan, or Hollywood, it is common to stumble across some of the most outrageous limos on Earth. From the usual Lincoln Town Car to the preposterous Ferrari Limo, the elongated vehicles are always turning heads wherever they go.
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Is this 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham limo loud enough? It’s certainly not the most practical and discreet getaway car to use for a bank robbery, but this donked-out limo would be perfect for a night out in Miami. Though the owner of this Fleetwood could have gone bigger than 24 inches, nothing screams “look at me” like a limo fitted with gigantic rims.
3 Multiple Switches: Outlawz
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Back in the 1980s, hip-hop from the West Coast started gaining traction. Following the success of NWA, several artists from mainly California grabbed the microphone and became international superstars. Most artists, including Tupac Shakur, had lyrics about societal issues and the culture surrounding underserved areas of Los Angeles.
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The Impala is, of course, one of the cars that make the coolest lowriders. Being cited in several hip-hop tunes as the go-to car to cruise around in, it’s no surprise that Tupac Shakur used one in the video of To Live And Die In LA The ’61 Impala was brought back to the limelight a couple of years ago, and this particular Canary-yellow Impala aged like fine wine.
2 Dope Donk: Grim Reaper
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Most gearheads that developed a liking to donked-out rides know for a fact that a legitimate donk must have the candy paint dripping off the sides, chromed-out luxury rims, and a sound system that will make the trunk bump — there’s no such thing as being too loud and shiny.
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If Darth Vader was to annihilate his enemies on earth, he would probably cruise around in this mean blacked-out 1969 Chevy Impala. Equipped with 26-inch Forgiato Attivo-L, this Impala will have a very different effect on passersby than a Honda Civic Type-R. On top of being gorgeous and stern at the same time, the Impala comes with a supercharged LS3 powerplant.
1 Multiple Switches: Zacatecas
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Lowriders are often and logically associated with the Latino community. While lowriders were created as an answer to the Hot Rods, they eventually earned a reputation of belonging to misfits and criminals. In the outstanding TV show Breaking Bad, Jesse Pinkman was also driving a lowrider. As lowriders have earned somewhat of a bad reputation in some portions of society, it made them more attractive.
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This flashy 1979 Ford Thunderbird seems as if it could belong to one of the generals of a drug cartel. However, partially built by Krazy Kustoms, the Thunderbird coming out of Palmdale, CA belongs to a law-abiding citizen that perpetuates the true essence of the lowrider culture. The fuchsia paint job may be too much for some, but it perfectly complements the 14-inch Truespoke wire wheels.
12 Of The Sickest Lowriders (And 8 That Don’t Make Any Sense)
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About The Author
Max Verona
(348 Articles Published)
Max Veron is an avid fan of anything equipped with a powerful engine. Spending time between Southeast Asia, Europe and the US, Max is travel bug with a great taste for cars.
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