8. The top of the Chrysler Building is not made from hubcaps

Aerial view of Midtown Manhattan

There is a popular urban myth that the Chrysler Building’ spire is made from actual hubcaps, or the decorative exterior of a car wheel. Contrary to popular belief, the spire is made of stainless steel. Standing at 180 feet, the spire allowed the building to be the tallest building in the world for about two years.

According to Stravitz, the material for the spire was “produced in sheet stock called Enduro KA-2 from Germany. It was then hand-fabricated on site from two upper floors in the building.” He prompts readers to “Imagine the precision on those intricate compound angles.”