Photographs by Erik Paul Howard
This article is part of the Blessing of The Lowriders Profile Series featuring lowriders from the annual blessing. Keep an eye out for other articles in the series!
In 2007, Jose purchased his 1964 Chevy Impala, determined to turn it into his dream car.
For years, he collected parts and imagined the build but lacked the time and space to bring his vision to life. The opportunity finally arose when his brother offered him access to his garage—with the condition that Jose cleaned it out first. Wasting no time, Jose cleared the clutter, set up a workspace, and began transforming the car, starting with painting the frame and slowly building it from the ground up into a rolling chassis.
“Jose began transforming the car, starting with painting the frame and slowly building it from the ground up into a rolling chassis.”
As the project progressed, Jose moved the Impala to the shop of a close friend and co-worker, where he spent the next three years focused on the build. This new space was a hub of collaboration and creativity, with friends and colleagues contributing ideas and energy to the project. Jose sometimes involved others in the design process, even hosting playful, informal competitions among friends to brainstorm and refine details for the car.
The final design draws inspiration from the Detroit Lions, incorporating aesthetics from the team’s logo, uniforms, and helmet. Jose also infused elements of graffiti culture, reflecting his artistic background. In addition to being a full reinforced, frame-off restoration, the Impala stood out as one of the few classic models in Detroit equipped with a 5.7L LS aluminum block engine—a technical achievement that distinguished it from others.
“The final design draws inspiration from the Detroit Lions, incorporating aesthetics from the team’s logo, uniforms, and helmet. ”
Named "The Lions Den," the car symbolizes Jose’s dedication and creativity. Built for versatility, it’s equally at home at car shows, cruising the streets, or even at the drag strip. While Jose is proud of his creation, he embraces the mindset that a lowrider project is never truly finished, always leaving room for refinement. "The Lions Den" is a testament to passion, persistence, and the power of community.
Inside Southwest Detroit’s Blessing of The Lowriders is a vibrant celebration of faith, culture, and community, bringing together lowriders and neighbors in Southwest Detroit where Jose proudly supports the annual event by showcasing his rolling work of art.