NOBLNG Posted February 17, 2022 Posted February 17, 2022 What vehicle would you want for a long cross country road trip and why? I have an MX5 that I would love to go on a road trip in. The only drawbacks are lack of luggage space and no spare tire.
Matt Bacon Posted February 17, 2022 Posted February 17, 2022 (edited) I believe a Ferrari Daytona is the weapon of choice, isn't it? I guess it depends on the "rules": can I stop at nice hotels? Is it London --> Rome or New York to LA? Do I have to sleep in it? I think for going a long way in Europe, with stops at chi chi hotels and some really nice technical driving roads on the way, a new Bentley Continental GT would be great, a second hand well looked after Jaguar XJL would be the affordable choice, and a Gordon Murray Automotive T33 (with no less than six fitted bags and 800 litres of luggage room in a driver's supercar...) would be the dream ticket. For a coast to coast in the US, a new Range Rover SV. And if I had to sleep in it, a 1973 GMC MotorHome... best, M. Edited February 17, 2022 by Matt Bacon
espo Posted February 17, 2022 Posted February 17, 2022 How about a Dodge Magnum SRT Wagon? Besides the 400 + hp Hemi and 5 speed O/D Automatic transmission they have fully independent suspension with four-wheel disc brakes. For those who haven't had an opportunity to drive one of these cars you should know there is a reason that so many Law Enforcement agencies have used cars that share the basic chassis under these cars. They have great handling and brakes. Some may find the ride a little stiff compared to whatever they have been driving, but the ride is very sure footed. The rear seat folds like many others and the area behind the rear seat holds more cargo than you might think. The seats are very supportive, and your butt doesn't go to sleep after a hundred miles. Gas milage, depending on driving style, would be in the mid to upper teens and with a gentle right foot 20 mpg isn't out of the question. Clean ones on the market today that have been properly cared for will bring more than what they cost new, so resale shouldn't be a problem either.
NOBLNG Posted February 17, 2022 Author Posted February 17, 2022 9 minutes ago, Matt Bacon said: I believe a Ferrari Daytona is the weapon of choice, isn't it? I guess it depends on the "rules": can I stop at nice hotels? Is it London --> Rome or New York to LA? Do I have to sleep in it? I think for going a long way in Europe, with stops at chi chi hotels and some really nice technical driving roads on the way, a new Bentley Continental GT would be great, a second hand well looked after Jaguar XJL would be the affordable choice, and a Gordon Murray Automotive T33 (with no less than six fitted bags and 800 litres of luggage room in a driver's supercar...) would be the dream ticket. For a coast to coast in the US, a new Range Rover SV. And if I had to sleep in it, a 1973 GMC MotorHome... best, M. Let’s say across the continent that you live on. North/South, East/West, Diagonally doesn’t matter. Or you can name a specific dream route you would want to travel. An exotic sports car or ultra high end luxury vehicle is an obvious choice, but lets keep it somewhat within the realm of possibility for most folks.
Rusty92 Posted February 17, 2022 Posted February 17, 2022 37 minutes ago, NOBLNG said: What vehicle would you want for a long cross country road trip and why? I have an MX5 that I would love to go on a road trip in. The only drawbacks are lack of luggage space and no spare tire. Funny you mention an MX5. I’m looking at buying one next year. I’d like to get an NC hardtop.
Ace-Garageguy Posted February 17, 2022 Posted February 17, 2022 (edited) No question in my mind...a 1942 Chrysler Town and Country wagon. Late Art Deco styling, under-stressed slow revving engine, classic "a heavy car holds the road" ride, plenty of room for everything, and space to take a snooze. My second choice is the one I already have just for that purpose. '87 Jag XJ6. Crisp handling, finely controlled and supple ride, another under-stressed engine, great brakes, and a huge trunk. The real leather and burl interior, General Motors AC, swapped-in 700R4 trans with a lockup converter, elegant, timeless design, and 22+ MPG at 80 MPH don't hurt either. EDIT: Mileage otter be better on the next long run. When I first did the gearbox swap, I used a non-lockup converter 'cause I'd intended to tow a race car trailer with the car. With the lockup unit, she ought to be doing considerably better at steady-state cruise. Edited February 19, 2022 by Ace-Garageguy
Sandboarder Posted February 17, 2022 Posted February 17, 2022 I’d be happy to take the HSV I already own up the Great Ocean road. LS3 with T56 trans is great to drive and sounds good enough. I wouldn’t mind a few modifications done to it but it is great how it is now.
stavanzer Posted February 17, 2022 Posted February 17, 2022 1988 Acura Legend. An oversized Honda, it will cruz all day at 80mph+, and rides nicely. Quiet, Fuel Efficient, and plenty of power.
iamsuperdan Posted February 17, 2022 Posted February 17, 2022 Cross country roadtrip? Probably one of these. COmfrotable ride, lots of room for stuff, large fuel tank so no need to be stopping all the time. Can take a break and eat or sleep whenever I want. Perfect long distance roadtrip machine. But I'm guessing you were thinking something more fun. So an Aston Martin Rapide AMR would do me just fine. Lots of room up front for me and a passenger. Room in the back seats for stuff. Plus lots of rear cargo space. Handles great, comfortable grand touring ride quality. And it's crazy fast.
Matt Bacon Posted February 17, 2022 Posted February 17, 2022 Rapide's a good choice. But I think Bill's XJ6 has it all for a "realistic" option, either for Europe or the US. If we have any Aussie members, I'd be keen to hear what you'd pick for a ride that has the Great Sandy Desert in the middle of it, one way or another... best, M.
Mike C. Posted February 17, 2022 Posted February 17, 2022 '65 GTO Fontaine Blue, 389 Tri- Power, 4-speed, Torq Thrusts with redlines down old route 66 stopping at every roadside attraction along the way. 2
Joe Handley Posted February 17, 2022 Posted February 17, 2022 Are we road tripping, or Cannonballing here?! If it was just a road trip, it's hard to beat a minivan for eating up the miles and putting stuff!
1972coronet Posted February 17, 2022 Posted February 17, 2022 My 2004 Crown Victoria P71. I've had it for almost one year (purchased on 16.04.2021), and have driven it as far as a 300 miles round trip, plus countless around town drives. Has just a tick over 132,000 miles; original 4.6 litre engine, original 4R75W trans, 3.27 / open. Gets 22 MPG at a sustained 75 MPH (20 MPG in 50 MPH average traffic). All it needs is an A/C service (not a half-arsed service, either: new compressor, condenser, receiver/drier, etc. -- compressor cycles frequently; clutch makes an unpleasant sound). I could cruise that rascal in comfort all day. Parts are easy to find anywhere; tyres are inexpensive (last year of the 16" heavy duty steel wheels). I could sleep in it if I needed to. If cost were no object, I'd do it in a heartbeat!
Ace-Garageguy Posted February 17, 2022 Posted February 17, 2022 34 minutes ago, 1972coronet said: My 2004 Crown Victoria P71... Yeah, I love those things. Some of the last best cars ever to be built in the US. Every time I drive one I'm really impressed. 1
Rodent Posted February 18, 2022 Posted February 18, 2022 1 hour ago, Ace-Garageguy said: Yeah, I love those things. Some of the last best cars ever to be built in the US. Every time I drive one I'm really impressed. I agree that they had a certain"feel" to them. My boss is not lacking for money, but he has owned 6-7 of these things as "toys". His current one is his first civilian version. Got it from an old man who quit driving before he beat it up too badly. But they were built at the St. Thomas plant in Southwold, Ontario. 1
imarriedawitch Posted February 18, 2022 Posted February 18, 2022 12 minutes ago, Rodent said: I agree that they had a certain"feel" to them. My boss is not lacking for money, but he has owned 6-7 of these things as "toys". His current one is his first civilian version. Got it from an old man who quit driving before he beat it up too badly. But they were built at the St. Thomas plant in Southwold, Ontario. Yes they were, right down the road from here AKA Talbotville. 1
Can-Con Posted February 18, 2022 Posted February 18, 2022 This car has been across the country, from the Pacific to the Atlantic. My grandfather bought it in Courtney BC in '73 and it's still in the family. My uncle Steve has it right now. I had it for a while but when my Aunt passed he asked for it back for something to work on to keep him busy and his mind off other things. So, yea. it's been from Vancouver Island to Cape Breton Island and after a long rest should be back on the road in the spring. 3
Ace-Garageguy Posted February 18, 2022 Posted February 18, 2022 57 minutes ago, Rodent said: ...But they were built at the St. Thomas plant in Southwold, Ontario. I didn't know that. I stand corrected.
Ace-Garageguy Posted February 18, 2022 Posted February 18, 2022 47 minutes ago, Can-Con said: ...So, yea. it's been from Vancouver Island to Cape Breton Island and after a long rest should be back on the road in the spring. Very cool. And with a little love, it'll still be running fine in another 50 years.
1972coronet Posted February 18, 2022 Posted February 18, 2022 2 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said: Yeah, I love those things. Some of the last best cars ever to be built in the US. Every time I drive one I'm really impressed. Perhaps the most amazing aspect to the P71 (et al.) is that it handles great, but doesn't ride like a truck. Stops on a dime, and give five cents change, too. Last of the full frame, rear drive, V8 American sedans (I consider our friends to the north to be U.S. companions).
Snake45 Posted February 18, 2022 Posted February 18, 2022 Any decent Rock Star Tour Bus would do fine. Wake me up if we go by anything interesting. 2 1
1930fordpickup Posted February 18, 2022 Posted February 18, 2022 I had a 2012 Explorer and wish I would have kept it. 22 MPG could tow a trailer and road nice. Very comfortable to drive or ride with plenty of room in the back. Fast and sporty only gets you tickets when out of town for some reason. LOL
2NthreequarterSFPD022 Posted February 19, 2022 Posted February 19, 2022 (edited) The most comfortable cars that I ever ridden in were the fully loaded American made land yachts of the late 60's - early 70's Power steering, power seats, power windows, power antenna, power...everything! tinted glass, am/fm stereo, 8 track or cassette and what I remember most was in the Summer the air conditioners being more like whisper quiet refrigeration units, I mean deliciously COLD! So for me, I would say any of the Cadillacs from that era along with a case of Bill Basie's recordings from his late 50's to mid 60's songbooks. Edited February 19, 2022 by 2NthreequarterSFPD022 Forgot something
deuces wild Posted February 19, 2022 Posted February 19, 2022 (edited) I'll take one these brand new... I used to have one back in '79.. (not with the crossram) I sure would like another... Edited February 19, 2022 by deuces wild 2
Ace-Garageguy Posted February 19, 2022 Posted February 19, 2022 4 minutes ago, deuces wild said: I'll take one these brand new... Yup, I could definitely suffer through a long road trip in that. Need to put a hitch on it to pull a trailer full of gas money though...'cause I sure couldn't keep my foot out of it. 1
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