22 Vintage Photos of Detroit in the ’60s and ’70s

Written by Rachel Schneider on June 2, 2025

A row of vintage cars moves along an automobile assembly line in a large, brightly-lit factory with overhead lights and metal beams.

Motor City, Motown, Hockeytown, The D, The 313 — whatever you call Detroit, the common denominator is that the city is legendary. It’s where the American auto industry was born, a vibrant musical heritage took off, Detroit-style pizza entered our hearts and bellies, and a particularly passionate sports scene lives.

While the city still explodes with culture today, its pulse was rapid during the ’60s and ’70s, when so many of the things that built Detroit were either still unfolding or in their prime. These pictures offer a look into some of Detroit’s most prevalent decades.

1. Teacher at Mackenzie High School (1970)

A woman stands smiling in front of a chalkboard in a classroom. She is wearing a striped sweater dress. Writing on the chalkboard reads, "Script" and "1 MIN." The photo is in black and white. — NextStopWonder

2. Woman at a Hot Rod Show (1972)

A woman in a short dress and white boots sits on the door frame of a vintage hot rod car, with the engine exposed. Another person stands nearby. The scene appears to be at a classic car show or gathering. — texanwill

3. ‘Bring Me Four Fried Chickens and a Coke’

Two men wearing studded vests reading “MAAD DOGS DETROIT” sit at a diner counter; a woman in a striped shirt stands in the foreground, looking to the side with a skeptical expression. — j3434

4. Tiger Stadium Concession Workers (1970s)

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5. Paul’s Barber Shop (1972)

A man in a hat and coat sits alone on a row of chairs in a sparsely decorated room with worn walls, a wall mural, and a sign reading "No Profanity," under a hanging light fixture. — texanwill

6. Detroit DJ (1970s)

Black and white photo of a young person with curly hair and glasses wearing large headphones, speaking into a microphone in a radio studio. They are wearing a checkered shirt and looking slightly to the side. — 1PauperMonk

7. Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder in Detroit

Two men in suits and sunglasses stand together smiling; one holds a pair of drumsticks while the other clasps his hand supportively. — tonyiommi70

8. Ready for a Night Out (1968)

A woman in a ruffled dress stands in a living room with vintage furniture, a lamp, a framed portrait on the wall, and a dog partially visible at her feet. She looks directly at the camera, holding something in her hand. — blrghh

9. Paratrooper Guarding a Looted Store During the Detroit Riot (1967)

A soldier in uniform and helmet stands with a rifle outside a damaged, looted store. Debris and goods are scattered on the sidewalk, with shelves inside the store visible and partially empty. — TrendWarrior101

10. Women’s Liberation Coalition March (1970)

A group of women and men march on a city sidewalk holding protest signs advocating for women's rights, including messages like "Equal pay for equal jobs" and "Women raped of their rights. — Imgur

11. Dressed to Impress (1973)

Four men in suits stand side by side, smiling, with their hands in their pockets. They are dressed formally, and there are papers and documents pinned on the wall behind them. — animehimmler

12. Shopping With Dad (1976)

A stylish man in sunglasses and a striped suit holds a young child outside a shop called "The Other Side," with vibrant posters, signs, and people in the background. — Str33twise84

13. What’s the Story Behind the Shopping Cart? (1973)

Four smiling children stand together in an alley next to an empty shopping cart. Two hug in the center while the others pose with arms around each other, all appearing joyful and playful. — Imgur

14. Taking a Load Off (1972)

Black and white photo of people gathered outside a shop, with a sign reading "ALL SOFT DRINKS 25¢." Several women sit and chat, one holding a drink, while a boy sits sideways on a table looking away. — deathakissaway

15. Led Zeppelin Performing at the Grande Ballroom (1969)

A rock band performs energetically on a small stage; the drummer, guitarist, and singer are mid-action while a lively audience sits and stands close, watching intently in a crowded indoor venue. — InfamousLeopard383

16. Owners Protecting Their Stores During the Detroit Riots (1967)

Four men stand behind glass doors of a store with handwritten “Soul Brother” signs and a “Closed by Police Order” notice; one man holds a bat. Reflections and signage are visible on the doors and windows. — HellsJuggernaut

17. Mustang Hype at the Ford Dealership (1964)

A shiny black classic Ford Mustang is displayed indoors, with a man inspecting the interior and several people in hats and suits gathered in the background. The room has posters and signs on the walls. — sticky_wickett

18. Baseball Fans at Tiger Stadium (1979)

An older man wearing oversized sunglasses and humorous buttons sits smiling next to a laughing young man in a casual crowd, creating a lively and playful atmosphere. — HellsJuggernaut

19. Holding a Gun Behind the Counter at a Diner in the Delray Neighborhood

A man in a white apron stands behind the counter of a diner, holding a coffee pot. Shelves with jars and a menu are behind him. Three stools are in front of the counter. "Detroit Historical Society" is watermarked. — AxlCobainVedder

20. The Exorcist Lounge (1976)

A brick building labeled "Exorcist Lounge" has large painted signs advertising cocktails, entertainment, and dancing, along with artwork of a devil-like figure on the wall. A cigarette ad sign shows a price of 55 cents. — Slow-moving-sloth

21. Christmastime at the Supermarket (1970s)

Three women stand at the checkout counter of a busy, brightly lit store decorated for the holidays, with shelves of goods and festive red banners visible in the background. — UserDeleted

22. Downtown Detroit at Christmastime (1964)

Black-and-white photo of a busy city street at night in winter, with vintage cars, tall buildings, streetlights, and a sign reading “Fly Delta Jets Tampa.” Christmas trees line the sidewalks. — HellsJuggernaut

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