The Gem of the bed is found in the Hoppos Hydraulics setup
For many individuals, a car serves as a mere mode of convenient transportation. However, for custom car builders, particularly those devoted to crafting lowriders, a car embodies much more significance. To them, classic cars transcend utility and become an integral part of the family. These vehicles serve as vessels for creative expression, a source of immense pride and joy, and, for many, a means to commemorate life’s highs and lows. Mike Contreras, the proud owner of a 1983 Chevy El Camino, understands this profound connection all too well.
In December 2015, a challenging chapter unfolded in Mike’s life when his wife, Karina, received a diagnosis of brain cancer. The treatment necessitated the gradual removal of the tumor, a demanding process that extended over nearly a year. Undoubtedly, these were tumultuous times not only for Karina and Mike but also for their daughter and two sons.
Back in December 2015, his wife Karina was diagnosed with brain cancer. The diagnosis required that the tumor be slowly removed, a grueling process that took close to a year. As one could imagine, these were trying times for not only Karina and Mike but their daughter and two sons.
Spotted this clean G Body with the chrome undies on
The attention to detail, and quality of this build, is out of this world.
A BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION
Once the car was back, Karina got hooked and became more involved and inadvertently kept her mind busy, and from there, the project became a family affair thus the plaque: Contreras Family
One night as the car was sitting in the garage waiting for additional work, Mike started reminiscing about how the car came to be and why it all began. He reflected on the pain, the sleepless nights, and all the trials it put on the entire family, and that’s when he decided to take the build a step further and dedicate the build to Brain Tumor Awareness.
THE FACTS
- Most of the car was built in his backyard with his good friends Orlando and Abel.
- The interior and exterior took only one year to complete.
- Hydraulic setup up done by Alex over at Hoppos Hydraulics
- Pinstriping & Leafing by Lefty’s Pinstriping (Yucaipa)
- Chrome by AP Showchrome and Pablo the Chromer
- Wheels by Speedy’s Metal Finishing
- Murals by Tim Lowrey – Glendale, AZ
- Interior by California Upholstery
PIcture Perfect:
"I know there may be other families going through a similar situation, and if the car or the murals could help increase brain tumor awareness, or help someone going through a tough time, then it did its job."
Absolute Art: This is the result of tireless dedication, the pursuit for perfection, and plenty of cash.
It’s easy to get lost in the details of this build. And even if you’re not a fan of El Caminos – or even lowriders – it’s impossible not to appreciate the details and, more so, the reason why it was built.
More than just a lowrider, this car started as a form of therapy and has now become a representation of their struggle. More importantly, the car is a vessel of expression dedicated to Brain Tumor Awareness. We first spotted the Contreras Family at the 2021 Vegas Super Show and have since seen them a good handful of times as they’re no stranger to taking to the highways to participate at shows even hundreds of miles away.
It’s hard to believe that he’d drive it, but he’s does.
Pictures simply don’t do it justice, you really have to see this car in person. The attention to detail is spot on, the love they put into this car is a clear reflection of the same passion that bonds their family.
But get this, you can get so lost in the details that you never realize that the motor has not been touched! Yup. We finally figured it out about a year later when Mike mentioned that he was about to start building the engine. Given what they have already accomplished, we can’t wait to see what he has in store, but we’re positive the Contreras Family will not disappoint.
