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These days, the lowrider vehicles may still be considered a stylish alternative to traditional car suspension, but the history of modifying cars to sit that little bit lower to the ground actually goes back as far as the 1930s. 

Lowrider cars are thought to have first gained popularity within the Southwestern Mexican-American communities, with early modifications being achieved by placing sandbags in the boot of their vehicles. The trend gained further prominence following the end of the war, due to the prosperity of the 1950s, with methods such as lowering blocks and drop spindles being more widely used to achieve the desired effect. 

The aim of these early lowriders was now only to sit as low as possible, but also to drive much more slowly. However, in 1958 the California Vehicle Code 24008, outlawed any car having any part lower than the bottom of the rim of its wheels. However, technological developments the following year allowed for vehicle height to be altered at the flick of a switch by using hydraulic Pesco pumps and valves. 

The design of the modern lowrider style is the result of adaptations which first became popular between 1960 and 1975, such as refined GM X-frames and hydraulic technology. However, summer still remained the most popular season for many owners of such vehicles to take part in lowrider events. Whilst modern drivers might spend the winter months working on their cars, or even just relaxing with online games like OnlinePoker.com, the summer months signal the beginning of many lowerider club gatherings, drag races and car shows. Lowriding has now become a much more clearly defined culture with several magazines devoted to this subject alone. 

Since the 1990s, lowriders have also achieved a certain prominence within the urban culture, especially that associated with hip hop music throughout the West Coast of the US. However, such vehicles have also remained popular with enthusiasts within the UK, and other parts of the world.