c.1994 Last Originals' founders Thumper, Velez and Smiley
Deep in the boondocks of California’s Bay area is a group of guys knit together tighter than an S.F.P.D. ballistics jacket. These guys are members of a club known as the Last Originals. It was September of 1994 that this respectable club became established by three founding members: Thumper, Velez, and Smiley.
These founding members lived the life and dreamt to create a car club that would initiate members who, like them, are originals and breathed mid-century car culture. They didn't want to be like other car clubs that would initiate a member after a short time, in some cases one meeting, giving them a pamphlet, tee-shirt, and supposed honor of representation.
Instead, they would offer “hang arounds” the opportunity to be a prospect. Prospecting could take years where they’d be considered for membership only after they showed originality, were liked by the members, could take a little hazing, and displayed genuine respect for and could live the Last Originals way of life. No handouts or expectations of walking in and getting a car club plaque without proving worthy of it. Because of this the Last Originals are the real thing and have avoided becoming a conglomerate like other clubs. They remain a small club; 15 dedicated and loyal members strong.
They have years of respect under their belt, not only as guys who still live in the '50's and '60's, but as gear heads and innovators. Greaser culture runs deep in the club, not only in the cars, but in the brotherhood. Sunday afternoon barbeques are common, as is teaming up on a members' project.
Respect is vital. The Last Originals respect the old timers like Bill Hines, Gene Winfield, and Ayala Brothers, but live for Ritchie Valens and Link Wray. Just as they show respect, they expect it in return. Disrespect isn't tolerated and they'll show you if you step out of line. Trends come and go, but these guys stay firm to who they are, the LAST ORIGINALS.
They inspired "Billet Proof" (a big annual car event), hosting a street show on Mariposa and Florida inviting anyone with a bomb to come and hang out. They received the help of The Poor Boys, Royal Jokers, Road Zombies, Golden State Rods, and a friend of the Last Originals, Guido, to set the stage for likeminded people to get together. Even the low-rider clubs like The San Fran Lords, Nuestro Estillo, Royal Cruisers, and Low Vintage got involved proving that whether you were into chopping, scalloping, hydraulics, lowering, Virgen de Guadalupe murals, it was all the same.
It was at these shows someone could drag out an old car that belonged to their father to put onto display, a cruiser who bought an old bomb could expect advice from any number of attending gearheads, or you could see a myriad of cars ranging from muscle cars, to lowriders, to bombs, to customs. This lasted a few years until the city began to renovate Mariposa with nouveau eateries and office buildings. Eventually the show was scrapped and saved for those who attended memories.
These days The Last Originals host car shows in and around the Bay Area. These events are a trip to the past but don’t tell them the past is gone. They’re still living the life and keeping the cruiser, hot rod, bomb, kustom culture alive.
Don't think for a moment that the Last Originals are just a bunch of grease monkeys who only cruise the streets. They have a full payload including, car shows, and supporting other clubs by bringing as many if not all member’s cars. They’re also involved in performing photo shoots, film productions, radio spots, and have appeared in several magazines most recently an interview from Spain for a kustom culture magazine CUSTOM GARAGE.
The Last Originals also know how to give to our community through participating in holiday events, donating proceeds from their shows to local causes, and coordinating visits to retirement homes for seniors to hang out around member’s cars. You get the picture that Ritchie Valens looks down from the heavens, holding his guitar and giving approval to The Last Originals for having such integrity while holding on to the old traditions.
With all that said, come treat yourself to the Last Originals' world wide presence where pictures of Members' cars, Pinup Girls, past events, and schedules for upcoming events can be seen.
LOFFLO