This most-mod 1970 Chrysler New Yorker on Dekalb Avenue is one of many classic cars that enliven Bushwick’s streets. — Photos by Diego Cupolo
Like children playing with open fire hydrants, flooding the streets with loud screeches and laughter, summertime in Bushwick would be incomplete without the guys that are always waxing and washing their classic cars on sunny days.
Some of my neighbors use all their free time fixing up their flashy rides, their “babies,” in preparation for a single Sunday afternoon cruise around town. Whether a Monte Carlo, Mustang, or Firebird, those hot rods we see parked on our streets are, quite possibly, the accumulation of a gear-devout individual’s pride in the shiny, metallic form. For some, their cars are all they have.
|
|||
So, after noticing so many dazzling hot rods coming out of garages this summer, I started snapping pictures of the most impressive automotive specimens in the neighborhood. Each classic car says something about its owner and, in turn, says something about Bushwick, but, unfortunately, there were few owners that wanted to say anything to me as I photographed their rides. But the ones that opened up really broadened my knowledge of classic car maintenance and were happy to share their love for stylish transportation with another person.
In the end, I walked away with a collection of automotive history on my camera and a range of models that spanned over fifty years of diverse design and technology. Luckily, anyone interested in joining in the Bushwick gear-head club can always visit the classic car dealership near Myrtle and Broadway and start fixing up their own “baby” today. With some luck, you might be cruising around town with the windows down and the speakers blasting salsa music by the weekend.
Jeremy Sapienza August 24th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
When/if I ever have a car again, it will be a 1981 Monte Carlo. That’s all.
mopar August 24th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Gorgeous. How come I see only minivans in Bushwick?
I wish I still had my 1970 Dodge Dart. I’m sure it’s still running in some car junkyard somewhere.
mopar August 24th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
But maybe my next kitchen will be the color of this car.
Brian H August 24th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
All I ever see is Coco-Pina carts, 12mm illegal Mr. Softee trucks and So-Cal style bikes with 50 year old men taking taking from hanging out in front of the bodega to ride them.
Jenn August 24th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
The “WTF” car is on the corner of Wilson Ave and Schaefer st. I can’t believe it’s still there!
miuek August 24th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
nice photos !
did anyone catch the burnt out ride off beaver last week ?
mimi August 25th, 2009 at 11:37 am
love this.
Joe from Dekalb August 27th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Coco-Pina “Pina De Coco” snow cones as they were called in the 60s have been around since I was born there in 1960.
You can have a Mr. Softie as long as the truck has it’s the original mechanical chimes.
Most those trucks were made in the 50′s and designed to be rebuilt
Joe from Dekalb August 27th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
I had a 71 Crysler New Yorker it got 4-6 MPG in light traffic with the best tuneup.
It was HUGE !!