What car is the lowrider in Pixar’s Cars?

The lowrider in Cars is Ramone, and he’s modeled primarily on a 1959 Chevrolet Impala—customized as a classic Chicano-style lowrider with hydraulics and elaborate paint. The character blends authentic late-1950s Chevy design cues with show-car modifications to embody real lowrider culture on screen.

Who is the lowrider in the film?

Ramone is the laid-back customizer who runs Ramone’s House of Body Art in Radiator Springs. Voiced by Cheech Marin, he’s known for swapping paint schemes, cruising low, and celebrating artistry over speed. Across the franchise, he anchors the town’s car culture and often provides levity—and fresh paint jobs—whenever Lightning McQueen rolls through.

What real car is Ramone based on?

Ramone is chiefly a 1959 Chevrolet Impala, a landmark model recognized for its dramatic tailfins, “cat-eye” taillights, and broad, low-slung profile. Pixar’s designers leaned into those unmistakable shapes while adding period-correct custom touches (hydraulics, candy paint, pinstriping) that define West Coast lowrider style. Some fans note small stylistic nods to other late-’50s/early-’60s Chevrolets, but the signature lines point squarely to the ’59 Impala.

Design cues that point to the 1959 Impala

The following visual markers in Ramone’s design match the distinctive features of the 1959 Chevrolet Impala and help confirm the inspo behind the character.

• Sweeping horizontal tailfins that flare outward across the rear deck.
• Cat-eye taillights integrated into a wide rear fascia, characteristic of the ’59 model year.
• Wraparound windshield and a long, low roofline emphasizing width over height.
• Side sculpting and brightwork that echo late-1950s Chevy styling language.
• An extra-low stance consistent with period Impala customs and modern lowrider builds.

Taken together, these elements align closely with the ’59 Impala’s silhouette and details, distinguishing it from nearby model years and other GM coupe platforms.

Custom lowrider elements in the film

Beyond stock styling, Ramone’s look and behavior incorporate hallmark features of lowrider culture that the films portray in family-friendly fashion.

• Hydraulics that let him “hop” and adjust ride height on the fly.
• Show-quality paint—candy colors, fades, and pinstriping he frequently changes.
• Shaved trim and smoothed panels for a sleek, custom finish.
• Period-appropriate wheels and whitewalls that complete the lowrider stance.

These touches capture the artistry and mechanics of the lowrider scene, emphasizing craftsmanship and personal expression over performance metrics.

Appearances across the franchise

Ramone features throughout Cars media, consistently depicted as the Impala-inspired lowrider and resident customizer of Radiator Springs.

• Cars (2006): Introduced as the town’s paint and body artist, integral to the community vibe.
• Cars 2 (2011): Returns with fresh looks, joining the globe-trotting ensemble.
• Cars 3 (2017): Maintains his role in Radiator Springs as McQueen navigates a changing racing world.
• Cars Toons shorts and Cars on the Road (2022): Appears in various episodes and shorts with trademark style and humor.

Across these entries, the visual language and cultural cues consistently reaffirm his ’59 Impala lowrider identity.

Related notes and common misconceptions

Fans sometimes debate Ramone’s exact model-year inspiration due to overlapping late-’50s Chevy styling. These points help clarify the reference.

• 1959 vs. 1960 Impala: Ramone’s cat-eye taillights and fin layout align with 1959; 1960 featured triple round taillights.
• Not a Monte Carlo or El Camino: The coupe proportions, roofline, and rear design belong to the full-size Impala lineage.
• Custom liberties: As a stylized character, Ramone blends authentic cues with artistic exaggeration typical of Pixar’s design approach.

While creative license is evident, the standout ’59 signatures and lowrider modifications leave little doubt about the primary inspiration.

Summary

Ramone—the lowrider in Pixar’s Cars—is based primarily on a 1959 Chevrolet Impala, rendered with signature tailfins, cat-eye taillights, and a low stance, then elevated with hydraulics and custom paint to honor real-world lowrider culture. Throughout the franchise, his look and role consistently reinforce that identity.

What is the most famous lowrider car?

Gypsy Rose
“Gypsy Rose,” the most recognizable lowrider car in the world, was the brainchild of Jesse Valadez, founder of Imperials Car Club in East Los Angeles.

What kind of car is the lowrider in cars?

1959 Chevrolet Impala coupé lowrider
Ramone (voiced by Cheech Marin in the films and video games, and Milton James in Cars 3: Driven to Win) is a 1959 Chevrolet Impala coupé lowrider who owns Ramone’s House of Body Art, where he paints himself and other cars, including Lightning McQueen.

Is sheriff a Ford or Mercury?

Sheriff is a 1949 Mercury Police Cruiser that is painted black and white, with the Radiator Springs Police Department badge on both of his doors.

What type of car is a lowrider?

A lowrider isn’t a single car model but a customized vehicle—often a classic American car or truck—with a lowered suspension and various aesthetic modifications like candy-colored paint, chrome, and wire-spoke wheels. These modifications are often achieved with hydraulic or air-ride systems that allow the car’s height to be adjusted, enabling it to “bounce” or achieve specific stances. The term “lowrider” also refers to the owner and their participation in the car club culture, which is a significant part of Mexican-American and broader Latin American culture.
 
Key Characteristics:

• Lowered Suspension: The defining feature is a significantly lowered chassis, made possible by modifying the stock suspension. 
• Hydraulic Systems: Often, a hydraulic or air-ride system is installed, which allows the car to be raised and lowered, sometimes rapidly. 
• Custom Aesthetics: Lowriders are known for their artistic customization, including: 
  • Intricate Paint Jobs: Candy-coated paints with metallic flakes are common. 
  • Unique Features: Pinstriping, murals, emphasized chrome finishes, fender skirts, and smaller wire-spoke wheels with whitewall tires are frequently seen. 
  • Interior Upgrades: Custom upholstery using materials like velour or leather is also a popular enhancement. 
• Cultural Symbolism: Lowriding is more than just a car modification; it is a cultural art form and a community activity with deep roots in Mexican-American culture, according to this YouTube video. 

Vehicles Used:
While originally focused on classic American cars, almost any type of vehicle can be turned into a lowrider, including: 

• Sedans and muscle cars
• Trucks and minivans
• Even sports cars and supercars have adopted lowered suspension, although the cultural aspect is different from the lowrider tradition.