where mechanics outfit their cars with lift kits, unique paint jobs, and large, flashy wheels. Also known as hi-risers, donk cars originated from the Dirty South hip-hop scene of the ‘90s.

The original donk cars were modified models from the ‘60s and ‘70s, particularly full-size Chevy sedans like the Impala and the Caprice, but the trend followed as models from the next two decades gained “classic” status. With them came new terms to categorize each donk style.

Box Chevys and donk cars were a cultural phenomenon.

Box Chevys are donk cars from the late ‘70s to the ‘80s

According to

Motortrend

, true donk cars are full-size Chevys from 1971 to 1976. Anything built from 1977 to 1990 isn’t called a donk—it’s called a box Chevy.

But not every car from that era is a box car. The donk treatment is generally given to American-made sedans and coupes like the Oldsmobile Cutlass Coupe and the Chevy Caprice Classic. Think long, big cars with straight lines and sharp edges—hence the name “box.”

The shape of these cars changed after 1990. New models had their corners rounded off, inspiring the hi-riser community to label them bubble cars. Classic examples of bubble cars are the Buick Roadmasters, Cadillac Fleetwoods, and Chevy Caprices from 1991-1996.

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What it takes to build a box Chevy

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Donk cars come in all shapes and sizes, but if you want to build something true to the Dirty South roots of the car subculture, you’ll want to find a Chevy Impala or a Caprice. To make it a box Chevy, it needs to be a model from the era mentioned earlier.

Autoweek

says you should look for something “clean,” meaning a car that’s been well looked after and hasn’t been sitting unused for years. You’ll want to match the car with a set of oversized wheels. Some box cars sport rims that are up to 32 inches wide.

From that point, other modifications are largely up to you. Trends within the community have changed over the years, with lift kits being exchanged for flush mounts. Specialized paint jobs and interior upholstery are usually part of the game. Make your box Chevy your own.

The cost of building and owning a box Chevy

MORE: The Classic 1973 Chevy Blazer: A History

Prices for lift kits, rims, and other modifications vary, but whatever choices you make, don’t expect to build a box Chevy for cheap. Wheels alone cost can reach five figures. Some of the big names in the donk car community spend over $100,000 decking out their cars.

The modifications needed to turn your Chevy into a box will also raise your insurance rates. But you can save by shopping for quotes with

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Once you download Jerry, just answer a handful of questions that will take you roughly 45 seconds to complete and you’ll immediately get

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Written By

Andrew Koole · Expert Insurance Writer

"B.A., English Literature, MedAndrew Koole is an insurance writer who specializes in writing automotive news articles. Andrew’s mission is to create informative and instructional content car owners can use to reduce costs, master repair skills, and learn more about the automotive industry. Andrew has published over 600 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from automaker history to car insurance deductibles. Before joining Jerry in 2021, Andrew split his time between freelance writing in the entertainment and travel industries and creative writing in poetry and fiction. His writing is featured on a variety of arts and travel websites, including his own Ponytail Press.

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