Sixth Street Specials: A Cornerstone of NYC’s Vintage Motorcycle Scene.
Tucked away on East 6th Street since the mid‑80s, Sixth Street Specials has long been one of the East Village’s most beloved motorcycle repair shop for fans of classic British motorcycles.
The shop built its reputation around deep mechanical know‑how and a genuine love for Triumph motorcycles. Rather than operating as a retail store, it has always focused on what it does best: repairing, restoring, and occasionally customising vintage bikes.
A Bit of History
The shop opened in 1986 by Hugh Mackie, a Scottsman who moved to New York in the early ’80s and quickly immersed himself in the city’s motorcycle culture. Mackie favored craftsmanship over flash, keeping the storefront understated and letting the work speak for itself. Over time, Sixth Street Specials became a symbol of the East Village’s earlier, grittier era, as many similar garages were pushed out or relocated to Brooklyn.
What They’re Known For
Sixth Street Specials carved out a niche by staying true to vintage British engineering. Riders come for everything from routine repairs to full restorations and custom builds, and the shop’s loyal following often highlights the team’s honesty, skill, and passion for classic bikes.
Looking Ahead
After nearly four decades in the same location, the shop closed its East Village doors in June 2025 due to the building’s sale and Mackie’s decision to retire. But this wasn’t the end of the story. Long-time manager and head mechanic Joshua Mackenzie took over from Mackie and moved the shop to 11 Lincoln Ave, New Rochelle, NY, just 3 miles outside of NYC. The move marked more than a change of address, it marked a passing of the torch to keep the heritage going.
New Rochelle gives a better access to New England, a natural fit for the kind of work they’ve always done. With this move, Joshua has been able to bring the shop back to its roots - Vintage Triumphs.
Joshua Mackenzie
“I first walked into Sixth Street Specials in 1997 as an apprentice. Over time, I worked my way up to Head Mechanic before leaving for Florida in 2002. Eventually, I found my way back to New York. In 2020, Hugh asked me to take over running the shop, and I stepped into the role. When we relocated in 2025 and Hugh retired, I officially took the reins.
I’ve spent most of the last 30 years making a living by keeping these old Triumphs on the road, and I still ride my own vintage Triumph 25 miles to the shop every day - keeping the tradition alive.”
