The United States Postal Service is rolling out something quintessentially cool and quintessentially Southern Californian this Friday: a new set of Forever stamps showcasing classic lowriders.
The “Lowrider Forever” stamps feature photos of five gorgeous lowrider models, each with its own proper name, of course:
- Let the Good Times Roll/Soy Como Soy: A blue 1946 Chevrolet Fleetline
- Eight Figures: A blue 1958 Chevrolet Impala
- El Rey: A red 1963 Chevrolet Impala
- The Golden Rose: An orange 1964 Chevrolet Impala
- Pocket Change: A green 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
The commemorative stamps celebrate the lowrider car artistry and culture “that is rooted in the working-class Mexican American/Chicano communities throughout the American Southwest," according to the USPS.
The stamps are “customized not just to hop, bounce, and glide over the road surface, but also richly adorned with dazzling paint jobs and luxurious interiors,” the USPS noted.
The stamps were designed by art director Antonio Alcala using existing photographs snapped by Humberto “Beto” Mendoza and Philip Gorden, while artist Danny Alvarado added the designs’ pinstriping.
The 78-cent, self-adhesive stamps are sold in a sheet of 15 (three of each lowrider) for $11.70.
The stamps will be officially unveiled and issued out of San Diego before going on sale nationwide Friday. They can be ordered online, too.
'It's just awesome'
NBC Los Angeles spoke with two of the owners of the lowriders featured on the stamps on Thursday.
Brothers and San Pedro residents Anthony and Frankie Onorato are the proud owners of The Golden Rose, the orange, exquisitely detailed 1964 Chevrolet Impala that belonged to their father.
“Still can’t believe it,” Anthony told NBCLA, speaking about the new stamps. “It’s just awesome.”
“To be a part of this, it’s great,” Frankie added.
Their lowrider is named after their dad, Rosario — aka Rosie — who built the stunning ride with the boys.
“My dad planted the seed in us,” Frankie said.
According to Anthony, the lowrider stamp idea first started more than three years ago, and lots of cars and owners were in the running to be featured.
Rosario died before the stamp was approved for release.
“But he knew,” Anthony said. “We wish he was with us, but he is here spiritually.”
“He is looking down and he has a big smile on his face and is probably really pumped up,” Frankie added.
The brothers said they’re humbled that The Golden Rose was chosen for the honor.
“To be one of the cars chosen — it’s a very awesome feeling,” Anthony said.
Anthony and Frankie said lowriders are a symbol of a lot of cultures in Southern California who love honoring the creativity and pride behind each of their cars.
Frankie told NBCLA he plans to cherish the “Lowrider Forever” stamps as a keepsake.
“I don’t plan to use them. I plan to keep them forever,” he said with a laugh.
Upland resident Albert De Alba can relate to the Onorato brothers.
His lowrider, El Rey, a red 1963 Chevrolet Impala, is also one of the five lowriders featured on the new stamps.
“I didn’t believe it at first,” De Alba told NBC LA. “It became a blessing for the family.”
El Rey is currently being displayed at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.
