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All the United States New York State New York City Amsterdam Volkswagen on a Smokestack

Volkswagen on a Smokestack

An upstate New York garage advertises its services by literally putting the automobile above all else.

Amsterdam, New York

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Chris Clemens
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Volkswagen Bug On A Smokestack   Chris Clemens / Atlas Obscura User
Dudkas Vw by drone   alienautopsy / Atlas Obscura User
VW Beatle Uber Alles ©2022 Ken Abbott   Kennifer / Atlas Obscura User
  aburk012 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Driving by a strange car accident can often cause people to wonder how in the world tons of rubber and steel ended up where it did, but this sentiment has never been more appropriate than when viewing the Volkswagen perched on the top of the smokestack near Dudka's Garage.

Right off the main highway in the former industrial city of Amsterdam, New York, Dudkas Garage has employed the classic advertising technique of the roadside oddity to draw business for decades. Perched precariously atop the 1896 brick smokestack of the now-razed Bowler Brewery is a rusting Volkswagen Beetle.

The little red car seems undamaged from afar and is placed just above a near-unreadable sign for Dudkas, making the car seem that much more out of place thanks to the lack of context.  Parked atop the old chimney by a crane in June of 1980, local rumor has it that the car is still in working condition. However no explorer or racing daredevil has yet climbed up to confirm this.

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Cars Roadside Attractions Automotive History

Know Before You Go

The city Zoning Board has recently approved plans for redevelopment of this area which will include demolition of all remaining structures on several parcels including the one with the old brewery powerhouse and the attached smokestack the VW is sitting on.   If the Planning Board approves it this "attraction" may be gone within the next couple months.

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Added By

Chris Clemens

Edited By

Albert Vedder, Kennifer, aburk012, alienautopsy

  • Albert Vedder
  • Kennifer
  • aburk012
  • alienautopsy

Published

December 21, 2012

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Sources
  • Sanborn-Ferris Insurance Map of Amsterdam NY 1901 Sheet 34 (brewery location)
  • The Recorder (Amsterdam NY newspaper) June 13th, 1980
  • http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/937
  • https://roadtrippers.com/places/car-on-a-smokestack-amsterdam/65537
  • http://exploringtheburnedoverdistrict.com/
Volkswagen on a Smokestack
5 Ann Street
Amsterdam, New York, 12010
United States
42.950218, -74.212022
Get Directions

Nearby Places

The Wildlife Sports and Educational Museum

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miles away

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Amsterdam

Amsterdam

New York

Places 2

Nearby Places

The Wildlife Sports and Educational Museum

Amsterdam, New York

miles away

Vedder Family Cemetery

Schenectady, New York

miles away

Nott Memorial

Schenectady, New York

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Amsterdam

Amsterdam

New York

Places 2

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