New York Daily Photo Analytics

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Itching and ...

Two things about this car parked in the streets of Manhattan stand out - it really looks out of place and it is so pristine.
There are many unique considerations about owning an automobile in New York as opposed to someone outside the city. They generally are used less frequently by owners so the occasions to flaunt them are fewer and no opportunity to display them in your driveway in front of your McMansion. They are often street parked - either on an occasional or permanent day-to-day basis, so they are vulnerable to whomever and whatever. They are much more expensive to maintain here with parking that runs several hundred dollars per month along with high insurance costs. And except for the extremely wealthy who may have drivers, a car will still only meet some of your travel needs - trains, buses, taxis and walking will still be the staple transportation diet around town for residents even with cars. Most will use their automobiles to leave the city. Hence, for most, automobiles in New York City take on a much more utilitarian role - a car here is really a luxury, an indulgence and a sports car even more so. So a sight like this Plymouth Prowler will turn heads (read more about this car here). When I took this photo, I waited for a group of tourists to finish their photo opportunity.
When you park a car like this on the streets of New York City, like it or not, you are taking a risk and making a statement. There are chances of dents and dings from parkers and pedestrians. Auto theft. Vandalism. Park a Lamborghini on the streets of New York City and you are saying you have money to burn.
And then there is something that I have seen before and is difficult to erase from my mind. That surface is so smooth, shiny, it's just itching. I don't want to say it - I don't even want to think it, but everyone knows what every itch is saying and what mom always told you not to do - scratch it ...

Photo Note: Cars make a great photo subject - it's hard to go wrong with a gleaming vehicle like this. I have done a number of postings related to cars and bikes: Hoopmobile, Who See the Red, Machine, Extreme Cadillac.

9 comments:

Wayne said...

Just one more reason Chrysler is bankrupt.

Good shot though Brian.

ChickenUnderwear said...

You just reminded me that I need to take a defensive driving class.

Anonymous said...

Hi
I think that car would make a statement anywhere. Never seen one of these before.

Anonymous said...

The car is a Plymouth Prowler, not a Pontiac. Despite some nice designs, Plymouth went out of business several years ago.

Brian Dubé said...

George- Correction made - thanks! I had that in my original notes made made the error in writing from memory.

Rebecca said...

Never seen one of those either as Paul said. It looks out of place, but it looks really unique.





Rebecca
http://www.TheNaturalSapphireCompany.com

alphachap said...

"scratch it"
some obsession of yours?

Brian Dubé said...

alphachapmtl - It's not so much an obsession. Just disturbing to see so much property being destroyed in NYC, particularly the acid etching of windows. I am a small manufacturer and it is upsetting to know the work that goes into making something and the work to fix it. All as the result of a few seconds or minutes of deliberate vandalism. I am over sensitized from living in the city so long. See my posting, Unkindest Etch: http://newyorkdailyphoto.blogspot.com/2008/02/unkindest-etch-of-all.html

Jamie said...

I used to own one of these Plymouth Prowlers a number of years ago. Great cars actually but not exactly practical in this day and age and very expensive to run.
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