Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

colwyn500 · Joined: 21 Oct 2012 Posts: 1745 Location: Nairn, Scotland

Now my car is restored and I can see an end in sight for my house build, I really fancy the challenge of going for a very long drive.
Ideally I will be heading for Greece and with only 500cc behind me I will be taking my time.
I'm struggling to find detailed guidance on how to choose reasonable classic car friendly routes and working out a sensible daily distance.
Has anyone done any long distance driving in their Classic in Europe or can point me at a website or book.

D4B · Joined: 28 Dec 2010 Posts: 2083 Location: Hampshire UK

I think in France they would refer to the Michelin maps?

Not sure about the other countries, not been (yet)

Hope you will compile a full report of your adventure for us Wink

goneps · Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2014 12:22 am Post subject:

Fifteen years ago a Morris rally at the opposite end of the country provided an excuse to undertake a month-long 3,500 mile tour of South Island in the Eight. Because I pre-booked motels for the entire trip and had ferry bookings to consider a good deal of planning was required, but since I enjoy compiling spreadsheets just as much as poring over maps I knocked up a sheet for the purpose. Obviously this allows one to play with times and distances, and once printed out becomes the itinerary.

Needless to say you must have a reasonable idea of achievable average speeds over decent distances, in my case 30 and 35mph with and without stops respectively, using back roads wherever possible. Most of the going outside major towns was roughly equivalent to minor and B-class roads in Britain.

Apart from the week of the rally I covered between 150 and 250 miles per day, which proved very comfortable.

Richard

ka · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 600 Location: Orkney.

I think you will need to decide how much driving you wish to do. When touring Europe on the Bike, we planned a riding day, and then a stop over for one or two days to take in the locals area, in effect 'hopping' distances between stop overs. If you are planning to drive the distance, to a stop over point, I agree with an earlier point, 200-250 miles a day is more than adequate, even on the superior French roads.
I say superior, as the toll roads are ideal for big mileages, bur their toll-free 'A' roads make charismatic driving with the opportunity for regular stops and sight-seeing. German roads are busier, but I would keep clear of their Autoban in a speed restricted vehicle, we travelled from North Germany to Bavaria, utilising the Aotobans, and even cruising at three figures, we were overtaken along the route. Austria and Switzerland require the purchase of a permit to allow driving on their motorways, which give easy access over the mountains, again the 'A' roads are quieter, and make for some superb scenic driving with the mountain passes hard on engine/gearbox/brakes. I fell out with Italy with the constant stops for tolls, annoying in a car, downright nuisance on a bike with gloved hands.
Overall, try 'Google' and it will have a route someone will have used before with the pitfalls detailed for you, and if it has not come over, I am green with envy at the thought of it!
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KA

Better three than four.

Old Wrench · Joined: 23 Dec 2013 Posts: 226 Location: Essex and France

vitesse · Joined: 03 Jun 2013 Posts: 561

If I was looking to drive to Greece Peter, it would be a crime not to go via Italy in a 500.

I would drive down through France, Switzerland into Italy. To Milan take a detour to Turin to the Fiat museum. Then all the way down the coast road of Italy to Bari or Brindisi and take the ferry across to Greece. No problem finding spares if you need any.

Tony

colwyn500 · Joined: 21 Oct 2012 Posts: 1745 Location: Nairn, Scotland

Fatbloke · Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2014 2:30 pm Post subject:

Good luck and please keep a blog of your trip so the rest of us can enjoy it with you (or get even greener with envy!)
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Mike,

A Fatbloke in a Herald.

lowdrag · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 1600 Location: Le Mans

As a resident, the only way to plan your trip is as we do when planning rallies; go and buy the A3-size (and only this size) Michelin map in Waterstones or suchlike and sit down and work the route out, then I'd use the Logis de France site for hotels along the way. Rooms aren't very dear at all, but they are all family owned and some great restaurants. The maps are superb and allow you to plan in great detail. Given the 500cc, I would at best consider the "Départmentales" but stick to smaller route where possible. You'll find so much of France you'd otherwise miss.

colwyn500 · Joined: 21 Oct 2012 Posts: 1745 Location: Nairn, Scotland

Thanks. You are all giving me some excellent advice and encouragement. That's just what I wanted to hear Mr. "Lowdrag."

traction39 · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 399 Location: South Wales

In the mid-80's I drove from Parma to Ravenna in a 500 converted for petrol/gas. Used the autostrada as time was short. That part of the country is busy but as you travel further south the autostardas get quieter. Plenty of opportunity to visit towns and villages and plenty of 500's still around now. Driven in a modern a few times down to Bari/Brindisi/Sicily. Off the autostrada the roads are slower in these parts but great for food etc. Don't worry if the restaurant doesn't look good - the food generally will be! It would be my favourite route - cross at Brindisi to Greece!! Wish I was planning it!
I agree with another post: in France stay in the Logis hotels or the tables d'hôte B&B. Italy also has a lot of agriturismo "farms B&B"
Can I come too?