Some car enthusiasts might say lowriders are making a comeback. John Colunga would say they never went out of fashion.
Colunga, who owns 13 classic cars, has been restoring cars and building lowriding communities for over 45 years. This Hispanic Heritage Month, Austin FC and O’Reilly Auto Parts celebrate culture by highlighting the lowrider community. They recognize Colunga’s passion for cars and dedication to the lowrider community with a gift of $1,500 to help continue his work on his prized cars. Additionally, Austin FC and O’Reilly Auto Parts have donated $1,000 to MAS Cultura, a local non-profit dedicated to uplifting Austin's Latino community through art, including using its growing platform to highlight the lowrider community.
Getting into building cars was easy for Colunga. His father worked at a body shop. At the age of 8, Colunga began helping his father in the shop. His love for the craft was instant. Though too young to drive, Colunga applied his newfound skills to building bikes before stepping up to cars.
At the age of 13, Colunga’s father brought home a 1967 Ford LTD. The same car would become Colunga’s first lowrider project while still just a teenager.
Forty-six years later, Colunga still owns the car now known by the lowrider community as “Legend.”
Earlier this year, Monica Maldonado, the founder of MAS Cultura, played a vital role as an advisor for the Carros y Cultura exhibit at the Bob Bullock State History Museum. Carros y Cultura told a story of Texas' lowriding legacy centered on community, creativity, and culture, including having Colunga's Ford '67 "The Legend" on display.
"Cultura grounds us; lowriders bring us together and soccer unites us. Our roots and community are one," said Maldonado.
Up next is J Colunga's 16th Annual Car Show on November 30th at the Palmer Events Center—an event where all are welcome to either bring their own lowrider or simply enjoy the cars and culture.
In the spirit of community and unity, Austin FC and O’Reilly Auto Parts will sponsor the People’s Choice award featuring a $500 O’Reilly Auto Parts gift card.
Getting people excited about cars is what it is all about, said Colunga. One small spark can lead to generations of car enthusiasts: “Some of my grandkids are already into (lowriders).”