MOTORING: Sueño De Guerrero – 63 Impala
Featured in Freestyle Volume 01 2007. Story by Elias Velis. Photography by Phil Cooper.
Nicknames and themes are as much a part of lowriding as Locs and 13-inch wires. This is a tradition that dates back to the late ‘70s; a testament to each builder and constructing something that is as much a part of them as their first kid.
Here’s a testament to true lowriding, past or present, US or Oz, which now resides in Sydney. It goes by the name “Sueño De Guerrero”, which translates to “Warrior’s Dream.”
Dre said it best - “So sit back, relax, and strap on your seatbelt. You never been on a ride like this befo’.” And true to this, we can vouch for the Warrior.
This lo-lo is like no other. It belongs to Roger De Gois, who purchased and imported it from San Francisco. The identity of the ‘G’ who originally built the vehicle was Mike Valdez, and it’s safe to say he knew a thing or three about customisation.
It now sits proudly in an Aussie collection featuring two other ’63 Impalas: another coupe and a blue convertible. Roger runs the Sydney-based business Impressive Impalas (www.impressiveimpalas.com.au or 0423 224 992), which hires out the lo-los for weddings, school formals, TV, film and promo work… that sort of thing.
Uniquely customised, these lowriders are in immaculate showroom condition, having won awards both in the USA and here in Australia. Making its debut appearance in the Australian scene at Canberra’s infamous Summernats 19 in January 2006, the Tre took out Top Graphics in the Elite class.
With all the blood, sweat and tears, it is clear the endless hours that have been invested into the ’63. With Candy Apple Red paint, pin-stripping, airbrushing, plus silver and gold leaf, it’s hard to not sit and stare at each panel for hours. Airbrushed on the boot lid and flanks is an Aztec Warrior theme, hence the vehicle’s name “Sueño De Guerrero.”
Without trying to sound to LBC, how can you resist from hittin’ switches something chronic while Snoop’s spittin’ “Fallin’ back on that ass with a hellified gangsta lean” out of the speakers. Roger can choose from a whole bunch of slick moves and combos, from front-to-back, side-to-side, seesaw and pancake.
All three impressive Impalas are fitted with custom hydraulic suspension setups, and with the business going strong there’s every chance Roger may be adding more vehicles to the line-up… so just chill ‘til the next episode.
Specs
Owner. Roger De Gois
Vehicle. 1963 Chevrolet Impala Sports Coupe
Engine. 350 Chev small block
Body/Paint. Candy Apple Red paint, pin stripping, silver and gold leaf, airbrushed boot lid and lower sides of car in Aztec Warrior theme
Wheels. 13-inch chrome wire wheels, Cooper Trendsetters 13/155 white wall tyres
Setup. Two chrome Show Time pumps, four dumps (eight-inch front, 12-inch rear), four batteries, actions (front/back, side/side, see-saw and pancake), 10-switch switchbox
Interior. Two-tone white and red trim, power steering and windows, two-speed Powerglide gearbox
Shout-outs. My girlfriend - my backbone, Joanna for all her endless hours of help and support on the car, my cousins/drivers Fabio and Sanyo, my parents and my mate Matt.
To find out more about Roger’s Impala, visit www.impressiveimpalas.com.au
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