GRR

Video: The technicolour streets of 1940s New York

07th June 2021
Laura Thomson

It’s downtown New York, but unlike you or I have ever seen it before. In this morning’s Elevenses, take a step back in time with the NASS YouTube channel, and travel through the streets of the bustling city almost 80 years ago, in footage courtesy of the Prelinger Archives.

In the 1940s, Manhattan was alive with almost two million inhabitants and – perhaps more importantly to GRR readers – countless incredible cars. Climb aboard one and experience, in colourized and remastered 60fps footage, the incredible atmosphere of yesteryear. With added sound for ambiance, stabilisation and boosted image resolution, it’s an otherworldly experience.

The video opens as the filming car heads uptown on 8th Avenue, before passing Madison Square Garden, and looking uptown, at 59th street. Downtown becomes midtown, and the commercial district is replaced by tall apartment buildings. It’s an incredible window into the history of one of America’s most exciting cities, and with so many beautiful cars, is well worth five minutes of your time.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: The weirdest bike race we’ve ever seen

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