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Lowriders, Bosozuko, hot rods and vans - Here are 8 car cultures from around the world you might not have known about

From local spinners in South Africa to boy racers in the UK, here are a few of the most popular car cultures across the world.

The team at GoCompare compiled a list of some of the most interesting car cultures from around the globe.

Global significance

Some of these cultures have been around since forever, attracting plenty of interest worldwide.

WATCH: Discover Japan's crazy supercar culture with Mad Mike

All still have a large following in their respective countries of origin.




Below are 8 of the most popular car cultures across the globe:

1. Lowriders

With roots in 1940s LA, Lowriders have become an everyday part of American culture - featuring in everything from hip-hop videos to Hollywood movies.

Lowriders can reach heights of up to 8 feet and have some impressive side to side acrobatic abilities.

2. Spinners

Spinning started during the 1990s as an illegal gangster ritual in the townships of South Africa but has recently become a legal spectator sport in the country.

Spinners put their bodies on the line whilst cheating the laws of physics. A spinner will drift their car in circles until it builds enough momentum to step out of the car and perform a series of dangerous stunts whilst the car continues to spin completely driverless.

After the performance, the stuntman will jump back into the car to regain control of the vehicle.

3. Boy racers

The boy racers are a phenomenon that gained extreme popularity in the UK. They can also be found in Europe and are famous for their use of modified aftermarket body kits, audio systems and exhaust systems.

Boy racers are also known for their loud music, fast acceleration from traffic lights and revving engines.

4. Oni-Kyan

Oni-kyan directly translates as "Demon Camber" and is a subculture based in Japan. It has its origins in the 1970s drift scene.

These vehicles have the bottom of their tyres sitting further out than the top which effectively means the vehicle is supported by a small patch of rubber that optimises drifting potential but can also make handling very tricky.

5. Bosozoku

First seen in the 1950’s, the Bosozoku (literally translates as "running-out-of-control") are an extremely loud form of rebellious expression for Japanese youth.

The aerodynamic kit for each vehicle is designed to be as big as the car can handle with the aim of making a statement and standing out in a crowd.

6. Kustom Kulture

Born in the USA, Kustom Kulture doesn’t apply to a certain type of vehicle as much as it is about skill and attitude.

With its roots in the early 1950s, Kustom Kulture is one of the longest running subcultures in the world.

Drivers strive to create something unique that will challenge the limits of what is possible with mechanics.

7. Van Dwellers

With roots in 1960s counter-culture, van dwelling has become a popular lifestyle choice enjoyed by many the world over.

Appealing to those that want to enjoy an escape from the stresses of modern life,van dwelling is a style of living with no fixed abode and limits physical possessions in favour of a freer lifestyle.

8. Hot Rods

Hot rods are classic American cars modified with large engines for linear speed and have history as far back as the 1920s.

In the early days of car modification, this kind of vehicle modification was known as a "Gow job", but this changed in the 1950s with the introduction of the term 'hot rod'.



Sources
https://www.etags.com/blog/car-cultures-around-the-world/
http://www.toptenz.net/10-crazy-car-customization-cultures.php
https://www.carkeys.co.uk/news/meet-the-world-s-weirdest-car-cultures

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