Española — which has laid claim to being the birthplace of the lowrider — and one of its classic cars are getting a new dose of national attention on the cover of this month’s Lowrider magazine.
Fred Rael’s 1967 Chevrolet Impala Supersport convertible is featured on the cover posed with – as always with Lowrider magazine — a sexy bikini-clad model, this one wearing a pink sombrero.
“I’ve been immersed in the lowrider culture for more than 40 years,” said Rael. “So to wind up on the cover of the pre-eminent magazine covering lowriders is quite an accomplishment. It’s a dream come true.”
Rael bought the Impala more than 20 years ago. The car sat idle for six years before Rael began fixing it up while he worked on other classic cars.
“I had help. Friends, co-workers, neighbors, I have to thank all of them for helping me over the years,” Rael said in a news release. “Creativity is key, but just being unique doesn’t cut it. You have to be classy. I think that’s what sets this one apart.”
Travis Ruiz of Albuquerque’s Fisheye Photography shot the cover photo and other pictures of Rael’s car for the magazine.
Both men, along with the car, will be at the main entrance of the Buffalo Thunder Casino and Resort in Pojoaque Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. for autographs and pictures.
