New York, New York!

I’m originally from North Carolina, but for seven years, I lived in the DC area, Alexandria specifically. Traffic was insane, but the number of exotic cars and cool restorations on the beltway made driving a real experience. DC is all about diversity, and I really showed in the types of cars that people drove. From Ferraris and Lambos, to ‘60s and ‘70s muscle cars, the DMV had wondrous variety. Now, I’m in suburban Richmond, the land of pickup trucks, minivans, and family crossovers. It is a bit bland at times, but there are always surprises.

However, this past week, I had the pleasure of a mini-vacay in New York City visiting family, and driving there is a completely different animal. Parallel parking and threading needles through tiny streets packed with cars on both sides is almost as nerve-wracking as the beltway traffic around DC, but everyone drives like they know what they’re doing, and drivers seem much more aware of what is happening around them.

Honestly, I expected to see many more bespoke vehicles in the city, but most of the really cool cars were parked in long-term garages, and I only got a glimpse of a modern Cobra, a tuned Miata, and a pair of Maserati sedans. It seems like the people who really drive the most around Manhattan and Brooklyn are in small SUVs and economy cars. It definitely makes sense, though, with parallel parking and narrow streets. Most people take public transport and walk, so having a small car in the city is a luxury and typically for an escape out of town. Still, I would think that there would be more “weekend warriors” like convertibles, Jeeps, and sports cars that really scream, “Getaway!”

I didn’t have a chance to explore any of the other Burroughs; that will be a future trip. I’d really like to see what driving looks like in Queens, Harlem, and the Bronx. I anticipate lots of local flavor and interesting mods, tuners, and restorations. Virginia will always be home, but New York is such a ride, and I can’t wait to go for another spin!

-Trey Fennell