U.S. Postal Service Unveils New Commemorative Lowriders Stamps
On March 13, 2026, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will introduce a remarkable series of commemorative postage stamps dedicated to the vibrant culture of lowriders. The event marks a celebration of an art form deeply rooted in the American experience, particularly within the Chicano and Mexican-American communities. The outdoor launch will take place at the Logan Heights Library in San Diego, California, at 11:00 AM PDT. This event is free to the public, welcoming enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The new stamps showcase a stunning array of five iconic lowriders, each meticulously captured to highlight their custom designs and dynamic aesthetics. Featured vehicles include a striking blue 1946 Chevrolet Fleetline, a classic blue 1958 Chevrolet Impala, a vibrant red 1963 Impala, an eye-catching orange 1964 Impala, and a distinctive green 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. These vehicles are not merely modes of transportation; they are canvases for creative expression that encapsulate the culture and history tied to lowriding.
Lowriders are characterized by their unique, lowered stances and elaborate paint jobs, often enhanced with intricate interiors and glamorous detailing. While on the road, these cars seem to float above the pavement, performing low, smooth glides that capture the spirit of cool and calm. The culture dates back to the 1940s in the Southwestern United States and has evolved into a significant social and artistic movement.
USPS Chief Inspector Gary Barksdale will officiate at the launch event, reinforcing the importance of these stamps as an homage to a community that has embraced creativity and craftsmanship. Antonio Alcalá, the USPS art director, designed the stamps using existing photographs from renowned lowrider photographers Humberto 'Beto' Mendoza and Philip Gordon. Each stamp embodies the essence of its vehicle, celebrating both its individuality and its place within the larger narrative of American car culture.
The stamps will be sold in sheets of 15, similar to Forever stamps, ensuring that they maintain their value as postage for First-Class Mail regardless of future price increases. Collectors can purchase these new stamps via the USPS website, local post offices, or authorized dealers.
This release serves not just to commemorate the vehicles themselves but also to acknowledge the cultural significance and artistic merit of lowriders as a distinctive form of automotive artistry. As each car tells its own story of identity and pride, the USPS Lowriders stamps solidify the place of lowrider culture within the tapestry of American society.
In celebrating diversity and artistic expression, the USPS invites everyone to participate in this commemoration and share their love for lowriders through the hashtag #LowridersStamps on social media. This event reflects a commitment to representing all facets of the American experience, reinforcing the USPS's longstanding tradition of honoring the rich cultural heritage within the United States.
As fans and collectors prepare for this historic launch, the release of the Lowriders stamps is set to enhance appreciation for a culture that is both a personal expression for many and a collective identity within the fabric of American history. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the public unveiling of this unique artwork in stamp form!