An already ecstatic World Series celebration Nov. 3 at Dodger Stadium erupted when Ice Cube rolled up behind the wheel of a stunning blue Dodgers-themed lowrider.
One hand on the wheel and the other saluting fans, the rap icon rolled along the warning track and pulled up just off the third-base line with the World Series trophy in the passenger seat — a short journey that exuded style and swagger.
But the road to the that sun-splashed Southern California moment was a long one for the brilliant blue 1957 Chevy Bel Air. Owned by Atlanta lowrider enthusiast Big Whit, who was born-and-raised in Los Angeles, the car’s second life began about five years ago with a full frame-off restoration.
“It was beat up,” he said. “I found it in north Georgia in some guy’s barn.”
The entire car was disassembled to the frame, then rebuilt with some Dodgers-themed touches along the way. An Instagram photo posted in the project’s early days shows the stripped-down car on blocks.
Work on the car was done, only on Sundays, over the course of about five years.
“It was a blast,” Big Whit said of the restoration. “We went crazy.”
The car’s rear side panels feature an airbrushed mural of Los Angeles landmarks and sports figures, including legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully and the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, in different shades of blue. The intricately engraved door handles match the designs on the seats, interior door panels, dashboard display and hydraulic equipment in the trunk.
The World Series celebration, which followed a downtown Los Angeles parade, was a bookend appearance for the car called “The Blues.” The car also was part of Opening Day at Dodger Stadium.
He said the team found out about the car and connected with him through social media.
“It’s been fun from the start,” Big Whit said. “This is a Dodgers parade, Dodger Stadium championship vehicle. That’s what I built it for.”
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