Concours d’Élégance Low Rider
The crème de la crème of collectors and connoisseurs of historic automobiles met on the famous San Francisco boulevard, better known as Fisherman’s Wharf,, which is lined with dealers of exquisite local art and gems. Low riders, the lovingly maintained convertibles and hardtops of major American brands such as Chevrolet were on display in all their glory. The equipment of the vehicles, which only insiders recognize and appreciate, particularly stood out. Valves and lines, in gleaming chrome, hidden behind the finest paint, leather and plastic, are revealed only when the hood is open, their effects sending cold shivers down the spine and through the champagne glass of enthusiasts. With absolute precision, the shock absorbers allow millimeter work and individually lower the wheels to the ground to the width of a hair or raise the vehicle higher than the lower edge of the miniskirts of the ladies of high society.
The young ladies and gentlemen owners represent the internationality of the enthusiasts. Mexico, California and did I spot someone from Saint Moritz? No, it was someone from East Palo Alto. The bullet hole in the rear gave it away. The elegance of these automotive gems is further emphasized by the clever illumination in quite surprising places in finely tuned shades of color.
On the promenade, the classic car parade, which insiders knowingly refer to as “cruising,” could not be without the appropriate musical accompaniment. Finely aged hip-hop filled the spheres and put the spectators in the right mood for the splendor of the passing carriages with canned seltzer beers in their hands. No wonder some young gent and damsel lose their composure and let their hips sway along to the beat of the bouncing lowriders. San Franciscan evenings sometimes go over the top when Élégance presents itself in such a concentrated way.
This article was also published in German.
