What We Do:
We take an annual trip on Route 66. We start in Chicago and make our way to Santa Monica, on the coast of California. You are invited to join us by driving the Route, in whole or in part, in any vehicle, especially a vintage, antique or classic car, or by riding in one of our classic buses.
We take an annual trip on Route 66. We start in Chicago and make our way to Santa Monica, on the coast of California. You are invited to join us by driving the Route, in whole or in part, in any vehicle, especially a vintage, antique or classic car, or by riding in one of our classic buses.
Classic Car Tour of Route 66
Known as "The Main Street of America," Route 66 is, arguably, the most famous highway in the world. People from many parts of the globe travel to the U.S., specifically to have an American experience on one or more segments of the nearly 2,500 miles that make up various alignments of our "Mother Road."
Nearly lost to our national consciousness, particularly as our Greatest Generation shrinks in number, there is renewed interest in what folks along the Route insist is a national treasure - Route 66, itself. America (the U.S.A) is still the greatest country in the world, and there has been no time in its history that this was more evident than the time between the height of the American Industrial Revolution and the peak prosperity of the generation that gave us the Baby Boomers. The heyday of Route 66, the mid-forties to the mid-sixties, fits squarely within that time frame.
Although it will not be the first guided tour of Route 66, this is a new plan to travel the Route in much the same way that farmers, truckers, vacationers and fortune-seekers did from its christening in 1926 until its decommissioning in 1985. During a 14-day journey, there will be both planned and spontaneous stops in and around various cities and towns along the Route, by drivers of classic and vintage motor vehicles. There will be an emphasis on pre-1973 classic American cars but all vehicles are welcome.
Drivers will be encouraged to drive the entire length of the tour in their own classic vehicles, or in classic vehicles they will have rented for this purpose. If anyone wants to drive only a portion of the Route, they are welcome to join us. If someone owns a classic car and wants merely to shine it up, drive from their garage to the local rally when our tour rolls into their town, then drive back home, they, too, are welcome. For those who do not want to drive the Route, they may venture to ride in a restored 1955 GMC "Scenicruiser" bus, the most iconic American bus to ever grace a highway.
Nearly lost to our national consciousness, particularly as our Greatest Generation shrinks in number, there is renewed interest in what folks along the Route insist is a national treasure - Route 66, itself. America (the U.S.A) is still the greatest country in the world, and there has been no time in its history that this was more evident than the time between the height of the American Industrial Revolution and the peak prosperity of the generation that gave us the Baby Boomers. The heyday of Route 66, the mid-forties to the mid-sixties, fits squarely within that time frame.
Although it will not be the first guided tour of Route 66, this is a new plan to travel the Route in much the same way that farmers, truckers, vacationers and fortune-seekers did from its christening in 1926 until its decommissioning in 1985. During a 14-day journey, there will be both planned and spontaneous stops in and around various cities and towns along the Route, by drivers of classic and vintage motor vehicles. There will be an emphasis on pre-1973 classic American cars but all vehicles are welcome.
Drivers will be encouraged to drive the entire length of the tour in their own classic vehicles, or in classic vehicles they will have rented for this purpose. If anyone wants to drive only a portion of the Route, they are welcome to join us. If someone owns a classic car and wants merely to shine it up, drive from their garage to the local rally when our tour rolls into their town, then drive back home, they, too, are welcome. For those who do not want to drive the Route, they may venture to ride in a restored 1955 GMC "Scenicruiser" bus, the most iconic American bus to ever grace a highway.
Each evening, there will be a car rally, Americana exhibition and dance party that will combine elements of the traveling road show with the local flavor of each town where travelers will rest for the night. The tour will stop at nostalgic places and unique roadside attractions such as Buckingham Fountain in Chicago, Illinois, the Cadillac Ranch and the Midpoint Cafe, west of Amarillo, Texas and the Harvey House in Barstow, California.
There will be two, major side trips during the tour, one to Branson, Missouri and the other to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Day 9 of our tour will bring us to Albuquerque, New Mexico during its world renowned Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Mini side trips will be outlined that will inspire avid travelers, especially sports car drivers, motorcyclists and the more adventurous among us. The tour will culminate with a final auto show, dinner and dance party, before we reach the highway's ceremonial endpoint, the Santa Monica Pier, west of Los Angeles, on California's Pacific Coast.
The main purpose of this Classic Americana Road Show (CARS) is to celebrate all things Americana while traveling on Route 66. There should be something for everyone to enjoy. From big cities to small towns, from junk food to cultural cuisine, from long stretches of straight highway to rolling hills and winding roads, this could be the trip of a lifetime ... or it could become the annual getaway trip for those who become enthralled by America's Main Street, Route 66.
Who We Are:
Simply put, we are a small, enthusiastic and growing group of people who appreciate Americana. Some of us like classic vehicles; some enjoy traveling on the open road. Some like spending time with friends; some like making new friends. There are those of us who enjoy American memorabilia and shopping for unique items. All of us appreciate Route 66 and what it has meant - what it still means - to the history of the US.
Simply put, we are a small, enthusiastic and growing group of people who appreciate Americana. Some of us like classic vehicles; some enjoy traveling on the open road. Some like spending time with friends; some like making new friends. There are those of us who enjoy American memorabilia and shopping for unique items. All of us appreciate Route 66 and what it has meant - what it still means - to the history of the US.
Why Do This?:
This annual tour on Route 66 will support local businesses, help preserve the history of the Route and recount the uniqueness of the American spirit. Click here to read more of what this means.
This annual tour on Route 66 will support local businesses, help preserve the history of the Route and recount the uniqueness of the American spirit. Click here to read more of what this means.
When:
Our 14-day tour will begin on the first weekend in October, each year. For 2025, we will depart on Saturday, October 4. For 2026, we will leave on Saturday October 3. We will celebrate the Route 66 Centennial ... the100-Year Anniversary of Route 66 in 2026.
Our 14-day tour will begin on the first weekend in October, each year. For 2025, we will depart on Saturday, October 4. For 2026, we will leave on Saturday October 3. We will celebrate the Route 66 Centennial ... the100-Year Anniversary of Route 66 in 2026.
Where:
We will begin at the start of Route 66 in Chicago, drive approximately 2,500 miles through eight states, and finish at the ceremonial end point of Route 66 on the Santa Monica Pier, on the Pacific Coast in California.
We will begin at the start of Route 66 in Chicago, drive approximately 2,500 miles through eight states, and finish at the ceremonial end point of Route 66 on the Santa Monica Pier, on the Pacific Coast in California.
How:
Drive your car or ride in one of our buses, at times on the highway, at times on specific segments of Historic Route 66. Drive part of the Route, or drive the entire length of the Route. Ride in a bus for part of the Route 66 Tour, or ride a bus for the entire tour.
Drive your car or ride in one of our buses, at times on the highway, at times on specific segments of Historic Route 66. Drive part of the Route, or drive the entire length of the Route. Ride in a bus for part of the Route 66 Tour, or ride a bus for the entire tour.