Drive the Movies: ParkNYC’s Guide to Iconic Film Car Locations
Few cities have starred in more movies than New York City. From yellow cabs streaking down Fifth Avenue to muscle cars roaring through the streets of Brooklyn, NYC’s roads have hosted countless iconic car scenes. But here’s the twist: with ParkNYC, you can drive, park, and relive these cinematic car chases and street-side dialogues yourself!
In this guide, we are rolling out the red carpet for NYC’s most famous cars and showing you exactly where to park to experience these legendary locations.
1 – Ghostbusters’ Ecto-1 – Hook & Ladder 8
When you hear the siren of the Ecto-1, you know ghostbusting is in session. This converted 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance is almost as famous as the Ghostbusters themselves. The firehouse that doubles as Ghostbusters HQ is Hook & Ladder 8, located in Tribeca.
Where to Park: Luckily, Tribeca is well-equipped with metered parking spots, and ParkNYC lets you pay without scrambling for coins. Park on Varick Street or nearby North Moore Street for a quick stroll to the firehouse.
Why Visit: Strike a pose in front of the red-brick façade, just like Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd did. Bonus: The firehouse still has the Ghostbusters sign hanging proudly.
2 – Taxi Driver’s Checker Cab – Times Square
“Are you talkin’ to me?” Robert De Niro’s Travis Bickle, cruising through the gritty 1970s NYC night in his Checker cab, is etched into cinema history. Though Checker cabs no longer roam the city, you can visit the same streets where Scorsese filmed the cult classic.
Where to Park: Times Square is notoriously tough for parking, but ParkNYC makes it manageable. Look for street parking along 8th Avenue or 9th Avenue and take a short walk to the neon-lit core of Times Square.
Why Visit: The area’s transformation is astounding. Standing where Bickle once prowled, you’ll appreciate how far NYC has come since the film’s release.
3 – Men in Black’s Ford LTD – Battery Park
In Men in Black, Agent J (Will Smith) and Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) zipped around in a souped-up black 1987 Ford LTD Crown Victoria. While many scenes used secretive government bases and alien encounters, one of the most recognizable NYC spots is Battery Park, where intergalactic missions often kick off.
Where to Park: Parking on State Street or in nearby FiDi streets gives you access to Battery Park. ParkNYC meters make it simple, even during busy tourist seasons.
Why Visit: Snap a photo where Earth’s secret defenders cruised by, and maybe keep an eye out for suspicious extraterrestrial activity.
4 – Seinfeld’s “Man in the Cape” Car – West 81st Street
Though not an action film, Seinfeld deserves a nod for one memorable vehicle: the mysterious green 1973 Chevrolet Caprice owned by the “Man in the Cape.” Many scenes from this legendary sitcom were shot on the Upper West Side near Tom’s Restaurant (aka Monk’s Café).
Where to Park: The Upper West Side offers plentiful parking options. With ParkNYC, you can easily find metered spots along West 81st Street or Amsterdam Avenue.
Why Visit: Walk the same blocks where Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer hashed out their neurotic misadventures. Bonus points if you order a coffee at Tom’s.
5 – Mad Men’s 1965 Cadillac Coupe de Ville – Madison Avenue
Don Draper’s vintage Cadillac embodies 1960s NYC swagger. While Mad Men was primarily filmed on sets, many exterior shots were done along Madison Avenue, the heart of Manhattan’s advertising industry.
Where to Park: Use ParkNYC to find metered spots along Madison Avenue, particularly near the midtown area where ad agencies flourished.
Why Visit: Step into Draper’s world and imagine him pulling up in his Cadillac to pitch another brilliant campaign. The architecture alone makes this detour worthwhile.
6 – The French Connection’s Pontiac LeMans – Brooklyn
The French Connection delivered one of cinema’s greatest car chases, with Gene Hackman’s Popeye Doyle pursuing an elevated train in a 1971 Pontiac LeMans. The chase careens through Bensonhurst and Gravesend, showcasing raw Brooklyn grit.
Where to Park: Street parking is available in Bensonhurst and Gravesend, and with ParkNYC, you won’t have to circle the block endlessly.
Why Visit: Walk the same underpass where Doyle’s pursuit made movie history. You’ll instantly feel like you are part of an old-school thriller.
New York City isn’t just a backdrop—it is a character in every film it graces. The cramped streets, unpredictable traffic, and mix of old and modern architecture give filmmakers an authentic, kinetic energy. Whether it’s the wild taxi rides in Taxi Driver, the futuristic gadgets of Men in Black, or the high-speed chase in The French Connection, cars become extensions of the city itself. This fusion has turned certain NYC streets into pilgrimage destinations for movie buffs. By simply parking near these locations, you can soak up decades of cinematic history while navigating one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Parking Tips for a Movie-Themed Adventure
To make your Hollywood-on-wheels journey smooth:
Use ParkNYC: Skip the hassle of paper receipts and pay directly from your phone. Extend your parking session remotely while you snap photos or grab a coffee.
Plan Your Route: Traffic can be unpredictable. Map out the filming spots you want to visit to avoid unnecessary detours.
Mind Parking Regulations: NYC has strict rules on alternate side parking and metered times. Always check signs to avoid ticket surprises.
Early Bird Advantage: Popular filming locations like Times Square fill up fast. Arriving early increases your chances of snagging a good spot.
Public Transit Combo: Some locations are easier accessed by parking in a quieter neighborhood and hopping on a subway.
From proton packs to alien chases, vintage cabs to ad exec Cadillacs, NYC’s cinematic car legacy is unmatched. With ParkNYC, you can turn a regular city drive into a movie lover’s dream tour. Who knows, when next time Hollywood calls, you might already be parked in the perfect shot!
References
NYC DOT Parking Information: nyc.gov/parknyc
“Ghostbusters Filming Locations.” Untapped New York
“Taxi Driver Locations in NYC.” Scouting NY
“Men in Black NYC Shooting Locations.” On the Set of New York
“French Connection Chase Scene.” Brooklyn Magazine
“Mad Men’s New York City.” Curbed NY
“Seinfeld Filming Spots.” I Love the Upper West Side
