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40 Images of New York and its Cars in the 1960s and 70s

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Daniel Rufiange
The people, the streets... and the cars of a now-distant era

13. West Side Highway, in the late 1970s

West Side Highway, in the late 1970s
West Side Highway, in the late 1970s | Photo: Facebook / Dirty Old 1970's New York City (Shelley Seccombe)

This is the kind of photo that talks to us and invites discussion. In addition to the view of a Plymouth Fury belonging to the police department, the twin towers of the World Trade Center can be seen in the background. On the Facebook page, the comments are numerous and reflect a lot of nostalgia... but also lucidity. Some relate their memories of the “real” New York of the 70s while others decry sentimentality about a time when it was dangerous to venture into certain neighborhoods.

14. Parking lot of the Staten Island ferry in 1973

Parking lot of the Staten Island ferry in 1973.
Parking lot of the Staten Island ferry in 1973. | Photo: Facebook / Dirty Old 1970's New York City (Andy Blair)

Nostalgic for vintage vehicles? Take your pick.

15. Park Avenue, November 1970

Park Avenue, November 1970
Park Avenue, November 1970 | Photo: Facebook / Dirty Old 1970's New York City

It's incredible to think that the car seen here is practically new here. This 1970 Dodge Coronet looks pretty run down. We can guess that it may have been purchased in late 1969 as a 1970 model. One year on the streets of New York was enough to "age" a vehicle.

16. Intersection of Bushwick Street and Garden Avenue, 1974

Intersection of Bushwick Street and Garden Avenue, 1974
Intersection of Bushwick Street and Garden Avenue, 1974 | Photo: Facebook / Dirty Old 1970's New York City

The kind of scene that was common in New York at the time. Nothing too reassuring for visitors. Abandoned vehicles could be left to rust away for months or even years. The fate that befell this Ford Mustang is a good example.

Daniel Rufiange
Daniel Rufiange
Automotive expert
  • Over 17 years' experience as an automotive journalist
  • More than 75 test drives in the past year
  • Participation in over 250 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists