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I'm the "older gent" Fred (SDVette) refers to (I'm 81) and I've driven the Mother Road 5 times in my 59 Vette. I think it is some of the most fun you can have with your clothes on. First run was in the summer of 2002. I had just finished a frame off restoration in 2000 & earned a Regional Top Flight in the spring of 2002. That trip was with a friend in his 58. Next trip was 2008, then 2014 (partial; I was on my way to Boston so only ran 66 from CA to St Louis), 16, 19, & another partial in 21 on my way to Carlisle with Fred in his 61. It's a little tough crossing the Mojave in the summer when it's 116* outside & 135*-140* inside the cockpit, but drinking a lot of water and a cold compress around the neck helps a lot.
If you like photos, here is a link to some photos of the 19 trip with Fred that traversed the Route to Chicago, then we continued on to Flint, MI for the 19 SACC convention. We did not return via 66, but rather took US 50 through Kansas City, across Colorado, & finally home down through UT 12 (fantastic moutain road) in Utah. Here's the link:
I am retiring soon actually next week (at 70) I am planning to take my C2 from South Florida to Bowling Green to pay homage at the great Corvette Mecca. I just came back from a 2000 mile motorcycle trip through the mountains of the west. That was pretty tiring I must say. Rained and snowed which did not make it any easier. I am hoping that a car trip will be a little easier. Now all I have to do is convince the wife. She is already convinced that the C2 will leave us stranded at the first opportunity.
"THE wife"???? I regularly use THE microwave, THE toaster, and THE stove. I regularly drive THE truck my BRIDE bought me as a birthday present. But I've never, ever equated my BRIDE, the love of my life, to being THE wife. I can't imagine a more demeaning and derogatory reference to my life partner.
That said, my BRIDE-to-be and I drove our unrestored '60 from San Jose CA to Steamboat Springs in the early '90s.
In 1998, my son and some NCRS friends drove my '54 and my '63 from GA to CA.
There are three secrets to successful, long trips like I've often made: Preparation, preparation, preparation.
These are just old Shev-a-lays. In good condition, there is no reason they won't get you there and get you back home. None. Zip. Zero. Nada. And that's regardless of what your BRIDE, your LIFE PARTNER, and your all-time BEST FRIEND believes.
If you own a solid axle vette or even a 3-7, driving today is what it must have been like during the transition where horses and cars vied for road space.
High anxiety today for all the reasons as previously posted.
Though some of us are used to adversity and a primitive lifestyle, the flood of traffic and inattentive drivers on today's roads, slam the door shut on an era when top down cruising was a joy; Unless you live in the hinterlands where one car accidents are more common and alcohol related.
If you own a solid axle vette or even a 3-7, driving today is what it must have been like during the transition where horses and cars vied for road space.
High anxiety today for all the reasons as previously posted.
Though some of us are used to adversity and a primitive lifestyle, the flood of traffic and inattentive drivers on today's roads, slam the door shut on an era when top down cruising was a joy; Unless you live in the hinterlands where one car accidents are more common and alcohol related.
I live in SW NH and still can enjoy cruising the many 2 lane roads around my cottage in Dublin. Rt. 137 from Hancock, through Dublin, to Jaffery was once rated by Car & Driver as one if the 10 best cruising roads in the country. The elevation changes and turns are just perfect. Once you get to know the road, you and your car literally dance the whole way. Especially in a C1 (1962)
I put a tremec 5 speed in it about 3-4 years ago. My old trusty T-10 is wrapped up in storage.
That's why we stay between 65-70 when Bob and I run together... He has OVERDRIVE, I DON'T!!
I'm turning 3000 RPM at 70 Mph (3 speed with 3.36 rear)
Cruising 66 is mostly gentle... uncrowded for the most part, except for when you run through the larger cities for 10-15 miles each side.
Most drivers on the open road (not all) will give you a thumbs up and a little extra room,
A nice change from our local driving here in So Cal!
I feel fortunate to enjoy a taste of a bygone era from before I was old enough to drive. I would encourage anyone who is on the fence about doing the trip to go for it! As Nat said, "Get your kicks, on route 66"
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.
