Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[doctorwhen]

I've been pondering a mid-life-crisis trip as I hurtle towards my 40th.

What I'd like to do is to drive something like Route 66 in a big 50s or 60s cruiser - a Plymouth Fury, or a Chevy Impala - something with fins.

I've been checking out classic hire companies in the US, but it seems that few people do long-term (IE: Longer than 1 day!) rentals, and nobody wants their cars to go out of state. I sort of expected that, to be honest, so wasn't terribly surprised... option 1 out.

My next thought was to buy a suitably impressive car (and there's some bargain 60s & 70s Yank Tanks to be had over the pond), then drive it around before selling it for a song to someone in an airport car-park when the time came to return home to dear old Blighty.

However, the insurance quotes for doing this were phenominal - Top Gear might make it look easy, but only with the financial might of the BBC behind them. Option 2, out.

So, it looks like I'm stuck with hiring a bland "compact" from one of the big Auto Rental places... unless you know better!

I'm still going to do it, but sadly not in the style my budget will allow!

Has anyone ever "done" the US of A and hired a classic? Any tips?

[peter scott]

Hi DW,

I've never tried to rent classic cars in the US but have driven along parts of Route 66 a couple of years ago. It's pretty good even in a modern.






However, if for insurance reasons you needed to limit yourself to one state then how about driving up the Pacific Coast Highway, Highway 1? Very pleasant, if undemanding driving with superb scenery and lots of Americana en route.

Peter




_________________
https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[traction39]

This lot did it a few years ago, shipping their cars from Europe...

http://www.t3.fr/modules.php?name=T3_Article&op=art_ral&sid=286&catid=95


Not to mention North to South Africa.... (Australia, S America...)

http://www.t3.fr/modules.php?name=T3_Article&sid=264&catid=94&op=art_exp

Some good photos....I wish I had the £££€€€€$$$ for an adventure like these...!

[doctorwhen]

[Scotty]

The single state hire rule is pretty universal in the US, anything more exotic than a "box" attracts all sorts of requirements and rules.

One way is you push the boat out and hire from one of the big companies, i.e. Hertz, Avis, etc and hire a "Luxury" car. I use Hertz through Continental's One-Pass club and hired a Lincoln Continental for three weeks on the last two holidays to Florida. It may be a wee bit more than perhaps you might want to pay, however this is what they upgraded me to free of extra charges for my original hire cost of £395 all inclusive (Nov 2008) -



May 2010 - same company, Lincoln Continental car again at £490 all inclusive and this is what I ended up with for three weeks at no extra charge -



Whilst they might not be "classic" cars they both were an expreience I'll never forget, especially the 'Vette with its 438 hp on tap!

Take a look at your airlines web site and check out their "Member" benefits, its well worth the 10 minutes or so going through the enrolling process - and I believe they are all free with no hidden charges, certainly Continental's is. Once you've enrolled look for the "Partner" special deals, you'll be surprised just how much you can save - and it'll also give you Air-Miles.

Its worth a try I reckon.

Of course the alternative is hire that BIG Harley you've always promised yourself - you can even hire a trike for "her indoors" as Rick puts it.

Scotty.

[Dirty Habit]

How about buying something and then selling it again when you leave ? I bought a Plymouth Fury 3 convertible with a 440 in Michigan and did around 2000 miles. I got insurance for a month through AAA, but I am not sure if they still do tourist insurance. That was back in 1990. Again in 1994 I bought another car (New York Checker Cab) and got a months insurance from a local broker. The last time was in 2002, I bought a Crown Vic in Ohio and did over 2000 miles. I cant for the life of me remember who I got the insurance with. All I can remember was "Sun" ***** They were based in Florida.
Sorry I can't be more help.....but it is dooable!!

It used to be quite common to find old abandoned cars at the airport, bought by tourists and dumped when they got their plane back home
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1964 International Harvester

[Keith D]

DW,

A group of British classics actually drove across the USA coast to coast (including the remaining bits of Route 66) a few years ago. They were prewar Austin Sevens.

http://www.750mc.co.uk/austin-7-austins-conquer-route-66.php

Keith

[First Bedford]

Would love to take my 1952 Bedford K type over, petrol still cheap enough to do long run.

[doctorwhen]