The Best (and Worst) Classic Cars to Take on a Road Trip

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Sure, you could take a modern SUV with air-conditioning on the road to wrap up the summer, but if you've got a classic, why not take THAT? Here are some of the best, and the worst, classic cars to take on the road as we say buh-bye to the season.

There’s nothing like taking the family and some friends on a grand road trip in a classic car. Amid all of the modern machines gracing the road today, you and your ride will be the star of the show no matter where you go. You may even need to fend off a few fans at the rest stop in order to get back on the road to your destination.

That said, not every classic is meant for such tasks, while others are more than up for the challenge. Here are three examples of classic cars ready to hit the road and beyond, and three which are better off cruising Main Street on the weekend.

Got a road trip worthy classic? Share it with us in the comments!

Photos: Courtesy of Mecum Auctions
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Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser:
Granted, any wagon will do because of all the things wagons have to offer for a road trip: plenty of cargo room in the back, lots of seating for you and yours, a healthy V8 up front to cruise on down the highway. Some even have rear jump seats so your littlest ones can wave to the trucker behind you. The Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser, though, kicks things up a few notches with one notable feature: the raised roof and skylight over the second- and third-row occupants in the first- and second-generation models.

Volkswagen Beetle:
Upon first glance, you’d think this classic Volkswagen would be the right ride for a road trip. Its timeless styling and strong aftermarket can make it a good little ride just on vibes alone. However, the air-cooled flat-four, even if given a bit more oomph in horsepower, makes driving the Love Bug a frightening proposition in today’s traffic filled with high-speed behemoths. While a Subaru or Porsche flat-four or six (or an LS swap, if you dare) can fix that issue, there’s the fact that it’s a tiny car with little room for luggage or loved ones, especially on a big, summer-long road trip.

Lincoln Continental Mark III:
Prefer sailing over the open road? A personal luxury coupe like the Lincoln Continental Mark III is what you need. Tons of room in the trunk for all of your big luggage, just as much room for the whole family, and a big V8 more inclined to take things slow on the way to Kokomo (Indiana), though it can muscle past everyone if need be. And you’ll be doing so in style and comfort, too.

Ford T-Bucket Roadster (or Similar Street Rods):
A Ford Model T turned into a street-fightin’ hot rod is a pretty awesome way to cruise Main Street. Not so much a great road-tripper, though. Some builds omit trunk space for a big fuel cell. A lot of builds don’t have any sort of way to place a roof over the occupants in case of rain. And, of course, there’s only room for two in a T-Bucket (you’re not going to put your kids in the matching trailer, right?). This is a weekend outing experience at best.

Jeep Wagoneer:
Before the SUV/truck boom took hold of the automotive landscape, the Jeep Wagoneer represented the future with its combination of utility and luxury, all wrapped in a package that still turns heads to this day. Plus, it’s one of the few classics you can not only take on the open road, but into the great outdoors for a road trip adventure no one will ever forget.

DeTomaso Pantera:
Italian styling with a big Ford V8 behind you? What’s not to love about that combo? With the DeTomaso Pantera, there are two glaring issues with making this a road trip ride. First: where are you going to put your luggage? Unless it’s only for a weekend, that front trunk space isn’t going to accommodate much more than a couple of getaway bags. Second: where will the rest of your friends and/or family members sit? It’s a two-seater sports car.

Chevrolet Corvette: Corvettes are all about performance, speed, and looking cool. That means they're built with stuff like a low, sleek shape, super tight suspension, and a really powerful engine. It's awesome for feeling like a race car on smooth roads, but it can make road trips a bit bumpy and not as comfy. Plus, Corvettes don't have tons of space for your stuff, and they might not be as good on gas. The seats and how the inside is set up might not be the best for long drives either. So, while they're a blast on short trips, taking a Corvette on a long road trip could leave you tired and achy.

GMC Handi-Van:
A GMC Handi-Van is a solid pick for a road trip because it's got loads of space inside and can fit all your stuff without feeling cramped. nd since you're sitting up higher, you can see the road better. You can count on this van to chug along reliably, giving you a sense of safety as you cruise on your road trip and enjoy the journey. Plus we just LOVE the look of these things!