‘It’s just awesome’
NBC Los Angeles spoke with two of the owners of the lowriders featured on the stamps on Thursday.
Brothers and San Pedro residents Anthony and Frankie Onorato are the proud owners of The Golden Rose, the orange, exquisitely detailed 1964 Chevrolet Impala that belonged to their father.
“Still can’t believe it,” Anthony told NBCLA, speaking about the new stamps. “It’s just awesome.”
“To be a part of this, it’s great,” Frankie added.
Their lowrider is named after their dad, Rosario — aka Rosie — who built the stunning ride with the boys.
“My dad planted the seed in us,” Frankie said.
According to Anthony, the lowrider stamp idea first started more than three years ago, and lots of cars and owners were in the running to be featured.
Rosario died before the stamp was approved for release.
“But he knew,” Anthony said. “We wish he was with us, but he is here spiritually.”
“He is looking down and he has a big smile on his face and is probably really pumped up,” Frankie added.
The brothers said they’re humbled that The Golden Rose was chosen for the honor.
“To be one of the cars chosen — it’s a very awesome feeling,” Anthony said.
Anthony and Frankie said lowriders are a symbol of a lot of cultures in Southern California who love honoring the creativity and pride behind each of their cars.
Frankie told NBCLA he plans to cherish the “Lowrider Forever” stamps as a keepsake.
“I don’t plan to use them. I plan to keep them forever,” he said with a laugh.
Upland resident Albert De Alba can relate to the Onorato brothers.
His lowrider, El Rey, a red 1963 Chevrolet Impala, is also one of the five lowriders featured on the new stamps.
“I didn’t believe it at first,” De Alba told NBC LA. “It became a blessing for the family.”
El Rey is currently being displayed at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.
