Hooniverse Asks – What's Your Dream Road Trip Car?

Robert Emslie

/comment

Comments

When I was a kid, we had a ’69 VW Bus, white over red. One year the family decided to take a road trip to from LA to Chi-town, so my grandmother could visit relations. As my gran had bad arthritis in her hips, it was tough for her to sit in a car seat for a prolonged period so my dad yanked out the center seat and in its place bolted in a webbed patio lounger. As if riding in a VW bus wasn’t unsafe enough to begin with.
Despite the hindsight horror over bouncing around in that Bus without so much as a lap belt, the trip remains an indelible and pleasant memory. It used to be that many Americans, and for all I know the rest of the industrialized world, made it a point to undertake family driving trips as a way to see the sights, and test the bounds of familial relationships. More than one child has, on trips such as these, learned the kind of language dad doesn’t typically use at home, and how one navigational error can lead to hundreds of miles of spousal silence, and potentially, divorce proceedings.
Despite all that, the road trip has become something of a national tradition, and there’s something freeing about being the captain of your own ship, even while sailing uncharted waters – or highways. Driving trips open you up to regional foods, kitchy attractions, and the exciting possibility of meeting salt of the earth kind of folk who will be unfailingly complimentary, offering the opinion that you have a real purdy mouth.
So, with visions of the open road dancing in your head, what would be your dream car in which to hit the highway? Oh and Dearthair, stop asking are we there yet?!
Image source: [The Main Outdoorsman]

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Robert Emslie

Robert Emslie

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  1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    A Bentz B-60 Sprinter conversion.
    It's like a reverse mullet: Party up front, business in the back.
    <img src="http://bentzusa.com/assets/06220033.jpg&quot; width="500">
    <img src="http://bentzusa.com/assets/B60-01.jpg&quot; width="500">
    <img src="http://bentzusa.com/assets/B60-02.jpg&quot; width="500">

    Reply
    1. IronBallsMcG Avatar
      IronBallsMcG

      Do want!

      Reply
  2. engineerd Avatar
    engineerd

    A Unicat. Just in case the zombiepocalypse happens while I'm away.
    <img width=500 src="http://www.ridelust.com/wp-content/uploads/unicat-exterior-large.jpg"&gt;
    Image from ridelust.com

    Reply
  3. muthalovin Avatar
    muthalovin

    Tough call. An M5 is pretty damn dream worthy. So is an RS4 Avant (blue pearl, of course). But my dream car for any occasion would be an NSX:
    <img src="http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn28/Jon-Are/Wohotilbakgrunn.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
    1. tonyola Avatar
      tonyola

      Even with that ricer wing?

      Reply
      1. JeepyJayhawk Avatar
        JeepyJayhawk

        It's the only way to get the PAH to the ground

        Reply
      2. Black Steelies Avatar
        Black Steelies

        ONLY with that ricer wing, hah.

        Reply
  4. tonyola Avatar
    tonyola

    Tough call. I've done mega-trips in Mustangs, vans, Hondas, and converted old Greyhounds. If it was cost-no-object, I'd say a luxury rock-star type bus and a driver.

    Reply
  5. SSurfer321 Avatar
    SSurfer321

    It depends on the road trip.
    I've always dreamed of:
    1. driving Route 66 in some vintage American convertible muscle car.
    2. cruising the Autobahn in an Aston Martin Vantage.
    3. blasting across Baja in a Pre-runner.

    Reply
  6. OA5599 Avatar
    OA5599

    For lots of point A to point B driving, I want a big car with a cushy ride and lots of interior room. The Fleetwood we had when I was in 3rd grade was almost perfect, except it had too much roof. My Eldorado has a top that goes down, but the trunk only holds luggage for two people.
    I think a Deville convertible is the way to travel.
    <img src="http://www.cadillac-dts-car.info/wp-content/uploads/cadillac-deville/1/Cadillac_DeVille_Convertible_1968.jpg&quot; width=500>

    Reply
    1. Deartháir Avatar
      Deartháir

      I want to see this Eldorado of yours.

      Reply
      1. OA5599 Avatar
        OA5599

        The car is longer than a Suburban, but has a lot less cargo space after you account for the folded down top and the spare tire.
        <img src="http://www.affordableclassicsinc.com/ClassicsPgs/161-6186_IMG.JPG"&gt;
        That isn't mine in the picture, but close enough. There's a large fuel tank under the trunk floor (the filler is hidden behind the license plate), so the trunk isn't very deep, either.
        On the other hand, the engine bay has at least a foot of space on all four sides of the 500 CID engine.

        Reply
    2. CptSevere Avatar
      CptSevere

      Can't argue with that. I even like the year, a '68.

      Reply
  7. skitter Avatar
    skitter

    An Alpina D3 Wagon, for 150mph, 40+mpg, space to spare, and intergalactic gearing.
    No, wait, a Morgan Aero 8, for the open top and the view over the hood.
    No, too open. A Bentley Continental SC.
    No, too 8mpg…
    /repeat
    Can we stop for ice cream?

    Reply
    1. engineerd Avatar
      engineerd

      Mmmmm…ice cream. Baskin Robbins or DQ?

      Reply
      1. skitter Avatar
        skitter

        Blue Bell, if we're in the right part of the country.

        Reply
  8. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    Now, if I wasn't taking the term road trip strictly literally….
    Vintage Funco SS!
    <img src="http://images.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/pix/3509978.jpg&quot; width="500">

    Reply
    1. facelvega Avatar
      facelvega

      I used to have a matchbox one of those in camouflage with machine guns and three missiles on top, you know, for the atacolypse.

      Reply
  9. Feds_II Avatar
    Feds_II

    My longest road trip (Vancouver to Toronto via San Fran, Vegas, Colorado Springs, and Green Bay) was in a Protege5. Almost ideal for 2 people:
    Luggage and camping gear in the hatch, a giant cooler in the back seat, belted in for safety's sake, but providing easy access to cold drinks and food on the way. Enough handling to get down the west coast and through the Rockies safely, enough air conditioning for Nevada and Utah, and enough speed and durability to handle 3-4 consecutive gas tanks with the cruise set at 100 mph.
    5 years on, 2 kids in the mix, I'd want more space and easier access to the back seats, plus a little more sound deadening. I'd also like to add a little more exploration ability. Since they've recently hit the grey-import market in Canada, I am going to go with the L400 Delica. Even though the new engine location kills the look, the extra wheelbase, crumplezone, and distance from the engine all add up to make it a nicer highway cruiser that can still get to some pretty remote parts of the world:
    <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4762073567_97339ca841_b.jpg&quot; width=500>

    Reply
    1. facelvega Avatar
      facelvega

      Wow, your dream road trip includes your children?

      Reply
  10. Maymar Avatar
    Maymar

    As much as it pains me to say it, some sort of conversion van most likely. My fiancee doesn't take well to longer drives (despite having suggested a couple), so anything that feels sort of like home in the back would probably make us both happier.

    Reply
  11. $kaycog Avatar
    $kaycog

    This Volkner motor home, German-made, would be most comfortable on an extended trip. It would be nice to take a car with you for side exursions. [youtube St-QAGAhJEQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St-QAGAhJEQ youtube]

    Reply
    1. engineerd Avatar
      engineerd

      May I suggest a car for those side excursions?
      <img width=500 src="http://candtp.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/ford-gt.jpg"&gt;

      Reply
      1. $kaycog Avatar
        $kaycog

        You may! You have good taste, Sir. *sigh* *drool*

        Reply
  12. Jimmy7 Avatar
    Jimmy7

    I've done road trips in VW bugs and Vans, a Fiat Spider and a Chevy Monte Carlo, a Nissan pick-up, a rented RV and a '56 Cadillac camper conversion. Right now I've got the two best road trip cars I've ever owned: the boring but impeccable Honda CR-V and the fast, comfortable and invisible Buick Lacrosse Super. They'll run hard all day, give you 24 mpg and if they ever broke you can get them fixed anywhere in North America. Honorable mention goes to my departed '92 Olds Custom Cruiser.

    Reply
  13. scroggzilla Avatar
    scroggzilla

    If money were no object, then I'd want one of these and a list of 4 star hotels along the route.
    <img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UYUyHACXkrA/R8hh6UM6QFI/AAAAAAAAA1s/eKCBwoLo8mM/s400/1963%2BMercedes-Benz%2B300SEL%2B6.3_4.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
  14. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    I wanna go trippin' before I ever leave the driveway…
    <img src="http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/Fascination/74_Fascination_2Dr_DV_07_CC_04.jpg&quot; width='500'>

    Reply
  15. Alff Avatar
    Alff

    Although I can think of few other reasons to have one, a Diesel Excursion would be the ideal roadtrip vehicle for our family of five. With a light foot, mileage is potentially comparable to our minivan but with enough room leave the funky plywood cargo rack I built at home.
    Now pull over. I gotta pee.

    Reply
    1. Feds_II Avatar
      Feds_II

      I only regret that I have but one thumb to up for this comment.
      The combination of a real answer, the visual of a Clampett-style roof rack on a Family Truckster minivan, and the hits-to-close-to-home punchline at the end.
      Exactly perfect. Great comment.

      Reply
      1. Deartháir Avatar
        Deartháir

        The French judge gives that comment a three. Because it is not French enough.

        Reply
      2. Alff Avatar
        Alff

        Thanks for the kind words. You're spot on about Clampett style…
        <img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_fVEg3I8ek1A/TGQlVRrKS7I/AAAAAAAAASg/dN3MjorzWic/s800/2010-08-10%2017.02.00.jpg"width=500&gt;
        We caught more than one European tourist laughing and taking snaps of our rig during last summer's trip up the grand staircase.

        Reply
  16. Rust-MyEnemy Avatar
    Rust-MyEnemy

    Ok, I know it's my answer to everything, but:-
    <img src="http://www.astonmartin-addict.co.uk/acatalog/aston-martin-lagonda-3-1-s.jpg&quot; width=400>
    To be honest, I know it would be an absolute pain in the arse at every available opportunity, it would swill petrol I like do Greene King IPA, and it wouldn't fit down half the roads I'd want to take it on, but you did say dream road trip car.
    Realistically, my thirteen year old Audi covered four thousand miles in a week so bloody effectively It can't really be beat.

    Reply
  17. Mechanically Inept Avatar
    Mechanically Inept

    My 924S should be great: good power, good handling, comfy seats, trunk space, and 4 cyilinder economy. The reality, though, is that I'd be on the side of the road, waiting for a tow. So make it instead a Subaru Legacy wagon with a 5 speed. My uncle has a '95, and we took it from the Bay Area to Yosemite. Nice car, lovely roads, although the 2.2 was a little overwhelmed with 4 guys, luggage, and high elevation. So make it a 2.5 GT wagon.

    Reply
  18. IronBallsMcG Avatar
    IronBallsMcG

    As always, W12 Phaeton.

    Reply
    1. Deartháir Avatar
      Deartháir

      Shit. I wanna change my answer.

      Reply
    2. Rust-MyEnemy Avatar
      Rust-MyEnemy

      That was my second choice, actually equal second with the S65 AMG.
      Mind you, having said that I now have Rolls Phantoms in my mind….
      No. Sticking with Lagonda

      Reply
  19. Deartháir Avatar
    Deartháir

    <img src="http://www.impactlab.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Are-we-there-yet-087.jpg&quot; width="500">
    ARE WE THERE YET!?
    We're planning a series of road-trips this summer, and it's gonna be a tough call. The Lincoln is an awesome road-trip car. Seriously comfortable, with gobs of power, and big, supportive, well-designed chairs. I can spend an entire day there without getting weary. It's not floaty, it drives like a really good sports-sedan should on a road-trip.
    On the other hand, though, there is the MINI. It's a Cooper S, so it's not going to get insanely good fuel economy, but it is such a great car to drive that the only issue will be fighting over who gets to drive.
    It'll probably be the Lincoln, just for the extra storage space… but it's not a fight that will be easily won.

    Reply
    1. Tim Odell Avatar
      Tim Odell

      The Cooper S's suspension and road trips are only good for spine surgeons and acupressurists. I strongly recommend the Lincon…or the Tundra, for that matter.

      Reply
      1. P161911 Avatar
        P161911

        Some of my longest road trips have probably been in the worst cars for the job. Back in college I went to school in Atlanta, but had a co-op job in Michigan. so most of these trips were made in my 1977 Corvette. This car featured a couple of rather ill conceived suspension mods: a front sway bar big enough that it was jokingly called a solid axle conversion kit and the stiffest rear spring available. Someday I was going to do the rest of the suspension and autocross it. So in addition to a transmission tunnel that put your right leg about 2" away from a rather toasty Turbohydramatic (It was so bad I usually had to put a towel in between) it now had a rock hard suspension.
        The road trips that didn't involve the Corvette usually involved my K-5 Blazer which had the special heavy duty off road suspension, 33" tires with stock brakes, and about 20 deg of play in the steering.

        Reply
      2. Deartháir Avatar
        Deartháir

        Actually we've now done a few trips in Oliver the Cooper S, and he's not as bad as you might think. Definitely a firm ride, but the seats are absolutely excellent, and it was certainly not unpleasant. Not great if you want to try and read or play a video game while you're the passenger, but otherwise not bad at all.

        Reply
        1. Black Steelies Avatar
          Black Steelies

          The Clubman's even better. The extra length affords more interior room than you would think and the 3rd door makes ingress/egress that much easier.

          Reply
    2. Feds_II Avatar
      Feds_II

      Easy answer: Mini + Rocket box.

      Reply
  20. topdeadcentre Avatar
    topdeadcentre

    If I'm driving myself? Mercedes 600 Sedan
    If I'm being driven by my fearless combination bodyguard/chauffeur, possibly accompanied by at least one "special assistant"? Mercedes 600 Pullman Landaulet

    Reply
  21. tonyola Avatar
    tonyola

    Actually, my '94 LeSabre isn't a bad road-trip car at all as long as you don't demand sportiness. Roomy, big trunk, big windows, comfortable cloth bench seats, typically powerful GM HVAC, cloud-like ride at 70 mph, invisible to cops, library quiet, up to 30 mpg at cruising speed, and if something goes wrong, every mechanic in North America can easily fix it. Just give me my 160gb iPod Classic hooked to the stereo and I'm set. (Not my car but it's identical to this)
    <img src="http://imganuncios.mitula.net/1995_buick_lesabre_limited_jackson_ms_11516551.jpg&quot; width="500/">

    Reply
    1. RichardKopf Avatar
      RichardKopf

      My aunt's `97 has the leather bench seat, and that thing was horrendous to sit on for anything over an hour. The same trip to Louisville in my LHS was much more comfortable.

      Reply
      1. tonyola Avatar
        tonyola

        Actually, my car has the 60/40 split multi-way power seats in cloth and for me they're fine on long trips. I don't particularly like leather, especially when it sticks like a warm band-aid in summer Florida.

        Reply
      2. facelvega Avatar
        facelvega

        Got to have the velour seats. My beater is a 92 Lesabre, like this one below but midnight blue (google couldn't give me dark blue with the right wheels). Boatlike handling around town but loves the highway, and the best aspect apart from leg-stretching room front and back are the 60/40 seats clad in the skins of countless velours. These seats versus any European or Japanese car I have ever had reminds me of the difference between flying first class and coach– upon arrival, you don't feel exhausted if you rode in first class, and on the way you didn't feel like getting up to stretch your legs every hour.
        <img src="http://images03.olx.com/ui/1/85/62/4548362_1.jpg&quot; width="500">

        Reply
    2. Black Steelies Avatar
      Black Steelies

      I would say GM's have very good stereo sound as well for roadtrip tunage, except mine is busted all to hell. But when they do work, they sound better than anything of comparable age.

      Reply
      1. grinder74 Avatar
        grinder74

        I was gonna say any fullsize GM from the 80's (suburban, caprice, etc.)with the velour interiors. That way you have a seat wide enough to sleep on if need be. Good times!

        Reply
  22. Lotte Avatar
    Lotte

    <img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/R6lsYa9v4YI/AAAAAAAAiag/T74hmescoOk/s400/DCHG_20.jpg&quot; width="400">
    Without question, new Dodge Challenger, preferably with the new 6.4. It's huge, solid, engine noise will not get annoying, suspension for the rutted highway, Mercedes build quality, dead-simple, good ol' American pushrod engine (parts availability? everyone knows how to work on one?), won't get beat up in a hick town (I'm one of you!)
    I want the 6.4, but realistically even the 5.7 would do. I also want to change out the center console for the bench, that would make it easier to have more essential items up front and in reach. With that I think I'll need the longer Hurst floor shifter. Maybe have the 16-inchers on there instead of the 18s or 20s for ride comfort and for when I blow out in a small town. Folding rear seat = makeshift bed after re-organizing the trunk and placing the sleeping bed for the night. And I gotta have the sunroof. Oh, seaking of which, it'll be nice to do a hardtop-coupe conversion to make the rear windows roll down. How hard can that be? People've done a convertible, so at least I have all the window moving parts.
    Going on a self-appointed road trip is one of the few things I really want to do. Damn, and I think I've fallen in love with my imaginary Dodge. /continues to daydream through rose-tinted sunglasses

    Reply
    1. Maymar Avatar
      Maymar

      As ptschett mentioned, no bench seats in the LX cars (the squads are buckets with an open floor). On the other hand, the SRT-8's seats are wonderful enough that I'm not sure you'd want to get rid of them. Also, how tall are you? Headroom can be a little tight with the sunroof.

      Reply
      1. Lotte Avatar
        Lotte

        Open floor? I can get the trans tunnel cover part on the squad cars, then. As for seats, I like the ribbed ones that come on the SEs and R/Ts; those look comfortable (I missed NAIAS this year…) And I'm only about 5'9 so headroom shouldn't be an issue.

        Reply
  23. James Avatar
    James

    Bentley Continental GTC Speed and a gas card someone else is paying
    or a 911 Turbo S PDK Cabriolet.

    Reply
  24. RC Avatar
    RC

    Given the choices above, most people must not have kids. With 4 kids, and often a couple of extra kids friends,the Econoline is winner hands down. Holds lots of people (12!) And lots of stuff. Tows campers and boats well. Nice upright seating for long rides, kind of like taking your sofa for a drive. And most important, cleans up well from the 2 and 6 year old getting car sick.

    Reply
  25. longrooffan Avatar
    longrooffan

    Hell…I can't make up my mind!!
    <img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BJywMtEKheQ/TXU5SdBuUDI/AAAAAAAAO-U/0YrGUG0OlzQ/s1600/bentleywagon.jpg"end&gt;
    <img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8iiQRy4pwRE/TXU5Y3-TpaI/AAAAAAAAO-Y/Wnv_Es7C2oo/s1600/oldrollswagon.jpg&quot; end>
    <img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DsCEUNB-bVQ/TXU5gIqzjZI/AAAAAAAAO-c/3TtbDt16M4Q/s1600/sweet+mercedes+longroof.jpg&quot; end>
    <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-noWJTm0dcvg/TXU5lX_bdpI/AAAAAAAAO-g/snoUS7vzd9o/s1600/vw+synccro.jpg"end&gt;
    I just know it has to have a longroof.

    Reply
    1. Manic_King Avatar
      Manic_King

      http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6QDgIabT-gQ/R7_uDc-oRwI…

      Reply
  26. Manic_King Avatar
    Manic_King

    <img src="http://www.avtotravel.com/Portals/0/img/forum_upload/2/startbild_s-liner.jpg"&gt;
    Knaus S-Liner

    Reply
  27. IronBallsMcG Avatar
    IronBallsMcG

    I've long been fascinated with the apparent bounty of black leather and gasoline that will be around in the post-apocalyptic world.
    If you're telling me there will be tacos too, all I have to say is, "Bring on the Apocalypse!"

    Reply
    1. Black Steelies Avatar
      Black Steelies

      Ahem, a-taco-lypse.

      Reply
      1. ZomBee Racer Avatar
        ZomBee Racer

        Yeah! I like tacos.

        Reply
  28. Syrax Avatar
    Syrax

    Well I have it right here:
    <img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/11m6jjs.jpg"&gt;
    Apart from the "every gas station is a gas stop" mileage and the ever present fear that the only thing you didn't check is the one that fails catastrophically, it's perfect!

    Reply
  29. CptSevere Avatar
    CptSevere

    An old buddy of mine had a '60 Pontiac Ventura hardtop. Now, that was a great roadtrip car. The thing was huge, comfortable, and ate up the miles like you wouldn't believe. The front seat was like a sofa, which is a cliche, I know, but in this case the description is spot-on. That car was legendary. However, I still prefer the Road Condo (see avatar). It's fun to drive with a four speed trans, has a loud 350 with a four barrel, and can be taken off of the pavement to a degree. The best thing about traveling in it, you of course don't have to worry about a hotel, just park it and get a beer out of the fridge. Decadent.

    Reply
    1. Black Steelies Avatar
      Black Steelies

      Damn near opulent!

      Reply
  30. RichardKopf Avatar
    RichardKopf

    I think I'll take Joe's `33 Buick.

    Reply
  31. buzzboy7 Avatar
    buzzboy7

    My mom just bought a new Mazda 3 hatch but we still take the 04 Forester on our road trips. That car just feels good driving down the highway. I wish it was geared a bit higher for interstating but it's just so comfortable and big(inside not out) and gets about 30mpg going 75mph.
    HOWEVER my answer to almost every question is a 4bt/NV4500 swapped El Camino. Diesel getting all kinds of power for cruising and mileage plus you get the big bed for your stuff. Tonneau(sp?) if it rains. http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/showthread.php?1757…

    Reply
  32. ptschett Avatar
    ptschett

    My old T-bird was great for road trips. By modern standards it doesn't have all the amenities, but back in the day the cassette deck, power seat and A/C were good enough for me. I could get 28 MPG out of it if I was really trying, it rode nice, and the seats (or the driver's seat, at least) were great. I had a couple 1000-mile days and even a few 1500-mile/overnight runs with it and I set my personal-best most states in one day (6, TX-OK-KS-MO-IA-NE) with it.
    That said, I'm expecting my Challenger to do better, though my max daily mileage so far was only about 500. It has a harsher ride (stupid 20" wheels) but the seat's better.
    EDIT: And, to perpetuate the meme…
    <img src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab40/ptschett/Challenger/DSC03926.jpg&quot; width="500"/>

    Reply
  33. Lotte Avatar
    Lotte

    Oh, I meant the 17s, then.
    I was toying with the idea of removing the center console and covering up the hole in carpet. Adding lightness and ditching everything, in the spirit of the original Roadrunner! Actually, more my dislike of center consoles. The family Accord has a center console, and it's just not any good at storing or having things in reach. And it's big, bulky and in the way, especially reaching over to the back or the passenger seat to take/remove things like a bag or coat. I liked the old Sienna much better in that regard; a large cardboard box fit just so between the seats, and we used to throw everything in it.

    Reply
    1. Black Steelies Avatar
      Black Steelies

      I prefer center consoles. But mostly just old ones that feature fake wood and dandy horseshoe shifters.

      Reply
      1. Lotte Avatar
        Lotte

        Anything that makes a car feel more like an airplane gets a nod from me!

        Reply
  34. RevPiper Avatar
    RevPiper

    <img src="http://www.daevius.com/piper/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Vette-3.jpg&quot; width="500">

    Reply
  35. Black Steelies Avatar
    Black Steelies

    This was definitely a hooniverse asks before, but even if it wasn't, the answer I think I posted to the supposed previous asks was and still is a Winnebago Brave. No lie, I've had dreams piloting one of these houses down the highway. No nightmares about shoddy build quality, miserly mileage, or haphazard handling…. yet. This RV is also my profile pic to follow the lead of engineerd.
    <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/3156984283_bb5d4d3678.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
    1. joshuman Avatar
      joshuman

      If we are playing that game, my road trip is sure to be a short one. I don't think the Leyat Helica and mountain passes mix well together.
      <img src="http://www.picturefrance.com/motor/images/france_motor_helica.jpg"&gt;

      Reply
      1. Black Steelies Avatar
        Black Steelies

        Nah man. Just drink some Redbull and fly off the edge.

        Reply
    2. RevPiper Avatar
      RevPiper

      Nice shot man.

      Reply
      1. Black Steelies Avatar
        Black Steelies

        Wish I could take credit. Its an HDR shot from some guy's flickr.
        I probably should have mentioned that, but it shows up as the third thing on google images "winnebago brave".

        Reply
        1. RevPiper Avatar
          RevPiper

          Haha,no worries. I found the photographer (Phillip Ritz) and invited him to the Hooniverse Flickr pool.

          Reply
          1. Black Steelies Avatar
            Black Steelies

            Oh wow. Good move.

          2. RevPiper Avatar
            RevPiper

            Thanks for the inspiration..
            http://www.flickr.com/groups/1634589@N23/discuss/…

          3. Black Steelies Avatar
            Black Steelies

            This may be a decent 'hooniverse asks', Rev. "Who is your favorite automotive photographer"
            Ya hear that Tanshanomi? We've got an Asks here, and RevPiper gets the credit!

          4. Black Steelies Avatar
            Black Steelies

            Maybe photograph source. After some thought, famous automotive photographers are still somewhat obscure.
            Speedhunters is an excellent source for grade A pictures if you don't mind obscene watermarks and can respect the tuner crowd.

  36. facelvega Avatar
    facelvega

    So, just to sum up, and barring people who made multiple choices because I'm tired, you guys dream of road trips in the following:
    -Bentz B-60 "free candy" conversion
    -Unicat "Tremors" edition
    -NSX, as long as it has a ricer wing
    -Rock star bang bus
    -'68 Deville sun and wind-burn convertible
    -Funco SS mad max package
    -"grey import" L400 Delica minivan
    -that motor home De Niro drives in Meet the Parents
    -a late 60s S-class v8
    -a bizarre rocket version of a Dymaxion car
    -diesel Excursion with a redneck plywood cargo rack
    -Aston Martin Lagonda, no further comment necessary
    -a nineties 5-spd Legacy GT wagon, of all things
    -W12 Phaeton, because why not
    -a worthless 90s Lesabre
    -Challenger with the 6.4, Hazzard County edition
    -Bentley Continental GTC Speed
    -a 12-seater Econoline, because it's easy to hose out vomit
    -Knaus S-liner with the angry face snout
    -A BMW Range Rover because it will inevitably break down
    -a vintage carbed cap camper pickup
    -'33 Buick from today's other posts
    -4bt/NV4500 swapped El Camino
    -a Corvette C1 from the later dual-headlight years
    -an undead-looking Winnebago Brave
    -a Leyat Helica

    Reply
    1. mdharrell Avatar
      mdharrell

      Am I the only one reading this list and thinking "coast-to-coast TSD rally" here?

      Reply
    2. facelvega Avatar
      facelvega

      oh wait, accidentally did count one person with two votes, because the rockstar bang bus and worthless LeSabre were both Tonyola. I did back up the LeSabre though, so I guess I'll vote for that rather than the twenty other options I had in mind (Aurelia B20, Espada, Pembleton, Avanti II, Majestic Major, Rugburner, etc. Okay, I made that last one up.)

      Reply
    3. Feds_II Avatar
      Feds_II

      Well see NOW I'm dreaming of a cross country convoy consisting of ALL of these things. Like the gumball rally, but without the douchiness and murder.
      And in the interest of complete disclosure, I'd be looking for a Grey Market L400 Delica Royal Exceed with Crystal Light Roof and Hot and Cold Box.

      Reply
    4. Black Steelies Avatar
      Black Steelies

      I guess I'm just attracted to 'undead' cars 😉

      Reply
      1. ZomBee Racer Avatar
        ZomBee Racer

        Have I got a deal for you!!

        Reply
    5. Alan Smith Avatar
      Alan Smith

      You say it as if there were something wrong with this list.

      Reply
      1. facelvega Avatar
        facelvega

        There are definitely a lot of things wrong with this list– but also something very right.

        Reply
  37. JayP Avatar
    JayP

    I bought my 2005 Mustang GT from a dealer in Portland, OR sight unseen. Flew up on a Friday and had to be at work in Dallas by Tuesday am. I wasted the evening catching up with a pal I'd worked with in Texas at a microbrewery that night. Thank God for Advil.
    Headed out Saturday am and started down 5, tried to take a shortcut the the Williamette Natl Forest to get to Reno. And it got higher and I realized the warning signs about having chains and snowtires wasn't a joke. Pulled up next to a plowman who was checking his rig. Eyeballing the car he said I should go back to 5.
    50 miles to backtrack.
    Did the 5-395-40 to Abilene. I wish I had more time and had my son with me. That really is a beautiful drive.
    Since buying a used 5 year old Mustang and driving it 2400 miles home, it didn't do me any good to read a PJ O'Rourke book.
    So my pick- 2005 Legend Lime Mustang GT with 7400 miles from new. On 17" 55 series tires.

    Reply
    1. Black Steelies Avatar
      Black Steelies

      Oh I love the legend lime. It's probably the biggest reason I would buy a last-gen Mustang, and not a common color. What time of year was this?

      Reply
  38. christauph Avatar
    christauph

    Not really my dream, but probably the best one I've owned thus far, a '97 Crown Victoria (just like this but mine was mint green). Picked it up on Cape Cod on the way to a wedding in Providence, then back down to NYC and quite a few round trips to Michigan. It towed a huge trailer with all my worldly possessions back to Detroit a few years back, cruising well above the recommended towing speed without issue. It was a great road-trip car, but so damn big! Sold it to get a Rabbit a few years back.
    http://images28.fotki.com/v1033/photos/4/49373/85…

    Reply
  39. Jim-Bob Avatar
    Jim-Bob

    As much as I long to take a trip around the country in my Geo Metro, there is a car that is so perfect for a road trip that it trumps the Geo. Yes, I refer to the IFA Trabant 601 Universal with the factory roof mounted tent accessory! 2 Stroke Communist simplicity in a right-sized car with a place to live out your days while waiting for parts to be delivered from Germany after the communist build quality rears it's ugly head. Plus, you can sleep in the back during rainy days. What could possibly be better?
    <img src="http://www.ifaclub.co.uk/wpimages/wp961f4e60_0a.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
    1. ptschett Avatar
      ptschett

      Now I'm wondering which one is more trustworthy for keeping oneself dry… the tent, the Trabant, or Arridparking it under a freeway overpass?

      Reply
      1. Jim-Bob Avatar
        Jim-Bob

        I'd probably bring a big tarp just to be sure. Then again, if I owned a Trabant in the US I would likely just retrofit it with a nice 3 cylinder engine/trans out of a Metro to make it dead reliable. That way I would have style and practicality all in one package.
        As for living in it on a road trip, it helps that I usually travel alone and light so a small car like this has plenty of space for my needs.

        Reply
  40. ZomBee Racer Avatar
    ZomBee Racer

    Already done the massive road trip thing in my perfect car. And I'm pretty sure I've posted this before… BUT,
    My vehicle of choice was a 1967 Dodge Polara with a built 383 on Power Tour 96. 2 weeks of Hot-Rod madness, then an additional 3 months on the road visiting friends and hitting every major body of water; Pacific-Santa Monica, Salt lake-um…just salt, Great Lakes-Detroit, Gulf-New Orleans, Atlantic-Daytona, Tahoe-Reno, SF Bay-SF.
    The thing just ate miles and miles of interstate in pure comfort for weeks at a time. Plenty of room in the trunk for a couple on the road for 3 months, plus all our camping equipment. And as a bonus the seats were long and wide enough to make decent beds on many occasions. We lived on 99 cent Whoppers and spent all our dough on gas, to the tune of several thousand dollars.
    One of my best memories was taking our cat for a walk on a leash one evening and letting her chase the fireflies near Chattanooga Tn.
    Oh, did I mention we spent that 3 months on the road with the cat?
    <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4505708677_24eef44671.jpg&quot; />

    Reply
  41. patrick Avatar
    patrick

    I did a 9000 mile roadtrip in a 30 year old VW bus once. So that is NOT MY CHOICE.
    I choose either a 1950 Nash Ambassador with bed-in-a-car, or my current car, a Touareg. My god, it is comfortable to drive.

    Reply