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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

21. Intersection of 7th Street and 2nd Avenue, 1976

Intersection of 7th Street and 2nd Avenue, 1976
Intersection of 7th Street and 2nd Avenue, 1976 | Photo: Facebook / Dirty Old 1970's New York City (Will McBride)

Here we have a 1970 Ford Ranch Wagon and a passer-by, clearly in the middle of a... dispute.

22. Fox Street, 1966

Fox Street, 1966
Fox Street, 1966 | Photo: Facebook / Dirty Old 1970's New York City (Jean-Pierre Laffont)

Another image that sums up the era well. Cars abandoned in the streets were legion and young people used them for fun. As teenagers, they would sit behind the wheel and pretend to drive while smoking their first cigarette. This image hurts for a particular reason today; that junked Plymouth is a classic and worth its weight in gold – or would be if it was in decent shape!

23. First Street, 1972

First Street, 1972
First Street, 1972 | Photo: Facebook / Dirty Old 1970's New York City (Chris Stein)

A 1966 Pontiac, with a fair amount of snow accumulated on it, reminds us that winter wasn't easy with the big vehicles of the day, especially since and their ability to stay on the road in icy conditions was not what it is with modern vehicles today.

24. Intersection of Washington Street and 10th Street, 1971

Intersection of Washington Street and 10th Street, 1971
Intersection of Washington Street and 10th Street, 1971 | Photo: Facebook / Dirty Old 1970's New York City (Richard Greene)

Most likely the aftermath of a fender-bender involving a Chevrolet and a Volkswagen Beetle.

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