OK, it occurs to me the whole point of a car like these is to drive it. So that's exactly what I have been doing!

Last week I hit the road at 5:00 AM and drove 220 miles to the "big city". It was open road, nice four lane all the way, sweeping curves, mountain passes, the works. The iPod randomly chose music from one of my play lists. The sun came up in front of me like a movie. A few days later I made the return trip. Awesome.

Today, I went back but chose the road less traveled. Lots of people returning to the city and I wanted to escape the bone-headed masses. When I got to Hancock Maryland, I took the 522 South to Winchester, VA, then hooked left and drove east on Rte 50 through horse country and then popped onto the Greenway and on into Tysons.

Yes, there were speed traps (they were all busy with customers and my STi Driver flagged the all ahead of time.

This car is really a sweet long distance ride. And it holds a fair amount of gear for long-term trips!

Just had to write something else besides stereo wiring, beeping key alerts, and stuff like that.

 

Use it or lose it!!! No "garage art" for me.......My wife's father let a '62 Vette & a '66 Vette sit in his garage for >30 years....put less than 300 miles on them combined....he made a chunk when he sold them recently....but hey, life's too short!

 

I had a Jaguar E-Type (XKE).



Got involved with the national club and ended up judging shows. I saw Jags to die for. When talking to a National Concourse champ, I asked him if he drove his 1965 coupe (midnight blue with ox red interior). He looked to his buddy and they pondered for a moment and then came back "Yeah, we took it around the block in Cleveland that time didn't we...?" Sheesh.

Meanwhile mine was sitting in the lowly "driven" class where with other cars that were actually used, it was largely ignored by the show crowd. I bet I had more good times in that car than any of the show folks. Every time we went out it was like going to a show. There's nothing like pulling up someplace for some day-to-day activity and seeing the reaction of everyday people. Vain? Sure. But as vain as a trophy car on a mirror-mat at a show? Naw. Real is more like it.

I still sold the car for more than it cost me, albeit not for as much as a souless mint example.

Drive!

 

Sounds like you had a nice ride. We have some beautiful roads here in Maryland, Virginia too out towards Charlottsville. If you are ever in the area Sugarloaf mountain is a nice weekend, late morning cruise. There's a winery at the foot of the mountain where you can enjoy a nice glass of wine when you've come down the mountain.
Pat

 

Take my Crossfire the same route in order to get from the Dulles Airport area to the PA turnpike. Sure beats the Rt. 15 / Rt. 70 route. Have been using rt. 522 for years. The only disadvantage is there seems to be a greater potential to get up close and personal with Bambi.

In fact, that route was part of the longest trip that I have taken in my Crossfire last month. Covered 435 miles between Northern VA and Port Clinton OH. Best cruise I was ever on. Great Car, Great Tunes, 28 MPG. The only thing I worried about was getting a flat. I'm just going to have to get over it. I do have a tire plug kit but I still worry a bit. It was great to finally be able to accelerate up those long mountain roads. My other 4-bangers require me to stay out of the left lane when on the mountains.

 

Your right Pat we have some absolutely beautiful roads out here... and if you're ever on or near Sugarloaf let me know as I live a on the same road as the vineyard right at the base of the Mt! I'm over there quite a bit... sometimes you just gotta drive

 

There are days - when I just get in the car and drive on RT 33 thru Shenandoah MTs towards Charlottesville and once thru - turn around and head back - not the Dragon but a blast - 20 miles up hill and down and 14 great corners - 3 are greater than 90 degrees. And when I have to head to Jersey shore - I will take that cut across from Winchester - it a great cruising route. Its been a year and I will still put the top down, tunes up and just drive -

 

We took the Crossfire out last night, it was 92 degrees during the day, headed to Sonic for a strawberry and banana smoothie. On the way home took the long way with the top down and the lighted wind restrictor on. A guy in a Jeep Cherokee pulls along side and yells over with a thumbs up, "NICE RIDE". I thanked him, it sure put a smile on my face.

We are taking a drive on the highest paved road in the U.S. on Saturday, with a little 75 mph freeway between us. I can't wait, she"s all shined up and ready to roll.

 

Amen on driving it!

Just took mine about 400 miles round trip last weekend with this girl that was more than happy to come for the ride.

Next week I will be taking it on a 1,500 mile trip with the same girl.

Don't buy it if you're not going to drive it!

 

I have a 23 mile commute to work every day. Several choices to make, one is mostly 4 lane highway. The other is mostly 2 lane country roads, twists and turns and over a mountain. Same distance either choice. Usually take the 2 lane road home.