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In Memory of Mario De Alba Sr:
A True Lowrider Legend

March 2, 2025 | Text | Photos: Anthony Carter

Rest in Peace to a Lowrider Legend: Mario De Alba Sr. (1/26/46 – 3-2-25)

Today, the streets roll a little slower, and the sun sets with a little more weight as many mourn the passing of Mario De Alba Sr. — a true giant, and legend whose name will forever ride alongside the soul of the lowrider world.

Mario wasn’t just a builder; he was a storyteller. Every car he touched told a story of pride, of family, of resilience—of a culture that refuses to be forgotten. His hands didn’t just craft metal and chrome; they sculpted dreams, memories, and legacies that will continue to cruise through generations.
Born with gasoline in his veins and tradition in his heart, Mario De Alba elevated lowriding from an art form to a living, breathing symbol of identity. His vision stretched far beyond the boulevard — he taught us that our culture is worth celebrating, preserving, and passing down, one masterpiece at a time.

Today, his absence leaves a space that cannot be filled — but his influence, his artistry, and his spirit will never fade and will live on through his family of whom have reached a shared fame that only the De Alba name can hold.

His life reminds us that the beauty is not just in the car… it’s in the hands, the heart, and the history that built it.

Rest in Power, Mario De Alba Sr.

May you forever cruise the boulevards of heaven — smooth, slow, and shining.

Mario De Alba Sr.’s 1936 Chevrolet Master Deluxe, affectionately named El Padrote, stands as a pinnacle of lowrider artistry and craftsmanship. This vehicle, honored as the 2011 “Bomb of the Year” by Lowrider Magazine, encapsulates decades of dedication to the lowrider culture. Mario, a seasoned builder since his teenage years, collaborated with his sons at Mario’s Autoworks in Montclair, California, to bring this masterpiece to life.​

Design & Craftsmanship

El Padrote showcases a meticulous blend of classic design and modern enhancements:​

  • Exterior: The body underwent extensive modifications, including shaved door handles, suicide doors, molded rear fenders, and a smoothed firewall. It boasts a rich candy brandy wine paint over a gold base, accentuated by pinstriping from Tom Clark and Willis Dormer, and murals by Sal Elias.

  • Interior: The cabin features a luxurious red velvet interior crafted by Elegance in Upland, California. It is equipped with Dakota Digital gauges, billet accessories, and a custom headliner, blending comfort with style.​

  • Performance: Under the hood lies a 350 GM crate motor complemented by a Corvette TPI system, Sanderson stainless headers, and a Flowmaster Hush Power exhaust. The vehicle rides on a two-pump hydraulic setup from Hoppo’s Hydraulics, ensuring smooth and adjustable cruising.​

  • Finishing Touches: The car is adorned with engraved chrome by Miguel Chavez and gold plating by C&M of Azusa, highlighting the attention to detail in every aspect.​

Legacy

Beyond its accolades, El Padrote symbolizes the De Alba family’s deep-rooted connection to lowriding. Mario’s passion for building cars was not driven by awards but by the joy of cruising and the culture itself. His legacy continues through his family’s ongoing contributions to the lowrider community.​

For a more in-depth look at Mario De Alba Sr.’s work and El Padrote, you might find this interview insightful:

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