Have you ever wanted to rent or buy a classic vehicle and drive it across the country, or just take it on a very long road trip? If that idea appeals to you, then you’re a prime candidate for an under-the-radar sport called classic cruising. Here’s what you need to know to get started on the fun.
What Classic Cruising Is
The informal sport of classic cruising has been around for longer than most people suspect. It started to gain traction back in the 1990s when classic car collecting took off, as both a fun thing to do and as a serious form of investing in hard assets. Today’s classic cruising enthusiast tends to own just one classic car, in addition to their daily driver. Individuals and groups plan cross-country jaunts in their special vehicles, often stopping at car auctions and shows along the way. Sometimes the planning can get very detailed, while some just head out the door and stop whenever they feel like it. At the end of the line, the group usually spends a few days sightseeing before turning around and heading back home.
Finding a Car
Most aficionados like to own their rides, rather than take to the road in a rental. Actually, owning can be much less costly than renting, if you know what to look for and where to purchase the right vehicles. To begin, you can review a helpful online guide that lists the very best classic car auctions. And, if you show up at one of these affairs as a serious buyer with money in your pocket, it’s possible to snag a very good deal. The key is being patient and attending several auctions so you can get a solid feel for what’s available and how the bidding works.
Planning Your Journey
To plan an event, you’ll have the most fun if you travel with at least one other person. It’s an ideal sport for couples or even for old friends who have a lot of catching up to do. But, the key to an enjoyable cruise is planning. At the very least, set a turnaround point and a timeline. It’s even better if you agree on who’ll drive for each leg of the trip, where you’ll stop for overnight rest, and when to make pit stops for meals and basic necessities. For reasons of safety, remember to make a copy of your detailed itinerary and give it to a trusted friend or relative. Then, if you face mechanical trouble or get lost (it happens), someone will know your intended route and can call for help if needed.
Competing
The sport of classic cruising is a very real component of this otherwise relaxing endeavor. That’s because some groups form teams and attempt to stop at a certain number of agreed-upon landmarks along the long route. It’s not a race, but more of a scavenger hunt that calls for careful planning, safe driving, and attentive stops for gathering photographic proof that you were at a particular location.
