A low rider is a car or truck which has had its suspension system modified (usually with hydraulic suspension) so that it rides as low to the ground as possible. Low riders are very often classic cars from the 1950s which rode low to begin with, although large numbers of 1940s and 1960s cars are also so modified, and to a lesser degree newer vehicles.
It is very common to lower the car in other ways also, commonly by chopping (cutting down the roof pillars and windows) and sometimes channeling (reducing the height of the bodywork). Low rider enthusiasts often outfit the cars with fancy paint jobs , interior neon lighting, fuzzy dashboards and ceilings, laid back seating, chain steering wheels, tinted windows, extra long rear view mirrors, and many other style enhancing accoutrements. Many modern low riders also feature stereo systems that produce extremely loud bass. In fact, many low riders can be seen as camp.
Many cars with hydraulic suspension also allow the driver to alter the ride height to allow the car to be driven even on bumpy roads. This has also led to the ability to make the car jump. Therefore also the name "Jumpcar" is used. Another common trick is to attach a lump of cast iron mixed with magnesium under the car and then lower the car while driving, causing an impressive firework.
Low riders were originally a facet unique to cholo culture, but have since become common to urban youth culture in general. This culture was celebrated in the 1975 song "Low Rider" by the funk group War.
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