Top 10 Iconic Classic Car Experiences Around the World
Classic cars transcend mere aesthetics—they infuse every journey with timeless soul and character. Queue up your favorite playlist, buckle up, and embark on these legendary road trips.
Volkswagen Camper, UK
Campervan driving down a road in Hampshire, England. Image by Ian Cumming / Axiom Photographic Agency / Getty Images.
The Volkswagen Type 2 campervan was the ultimate hippie traveler's ride—even the cartoonish Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers owned one. Today, these iconic 'Veedubs' star in Britain's glamping scene, exuding carefree charm. Rentals feature named vans in vibrant colors, like Cornwall Campers’ pea-green Ella, complete with gas, fridge, and sink. Grab a surfboard, wave to fellow 'dubbers,' and create lasting memories.
Book with Cornwall Campers at www.cornwallcampers.co.uk.
Trabant, Germany
With its two-stroke engine, fiberglass body, and endearing face, the 'Trabi' was East Germany's enduring workhorse. Citizens waited years for one, patching them with string if needed—ownership marked you as Eastern Bloc elite. Trabi rentals tap into 'Ostalgie' nostalgia, but Berlin's Trabi Safari stands out, offering self-drive tours of the uncongested capital with witty commentary. It's an ideal way to explore Berlin, though don't expect to outpace Audis.
Experience Trabi Safari in Berlin or Dresden at www.trabi-safari.de.
Citroën 2CV, France
A Citroën 2CV driving through a French village. Image by Barbara Van Zanten / Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images.
The Citroën 2CV—literally 'two horsepower'—rolled off lines for 42 years until 1990, its corrugated steel body and leisurely pace ('0 to 60 in one day') beloved yet outdated. It mobilized postwar France, evoking deep nostalgia. Drive one and earn smiles from locals (a rarity). Available nationwide, but note the bumpy suspension and village admirers on long trips.
Manstouch offers Paris tours in restored 2CVs at www.manstouch.com.
Fiat 500, Italy
Few cars evoke an 'aww' like a puppy—the classic Fiat 500 is one. Nicknamed 'Topolino' (grey mouse), over three million were built from 1957-1975. Families crammed in during Italy's dolce vita era; now it's for stylish drivers. Companies like Rome500 provide chauffeured rides or self-drive options to sites like Ostia Antica or Lake Bracciano. Tall drivers, proceed with caution.
Explore packages with Rome500 at www.rome500exp.com.
Mustang on Route 66, USA
Interior of a Ford Mustang Coupe. Image by Car Culture / Car Culture @ Collection / Getty Images.
"Get your kicks on Route 66"—the ultimate road anthem pairs perfectly with a classic American muscle car. The Mother Road from Chicago to LA suits vast U.S. highways. Rent from Blacktop Candy’s, choosing gems like a 1964 Corvette Stingray or 1965 Mustang convertible. Stop at vintage spots like El Rey Inn in Santa Fe or Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari for pure Americana.
Blacktop Candy’s in North Carolina: www.blacktopcandys.com.
Aston Martin in Scotland
James Bond's half-century-old allure endures, especially his Aston Martin DB5. Scotland's dramatic roads enhance the thrill—cruise past Faslane Naval Base (The Spy Who Loved Me), Crinan loch (From Russia with Love), and Glencoe (Skyfall). Revel in speed, style, and prestige (minus the gadgets). Pretend accordingly.
See Scotland Differently offers weekend Aston Martin rentals at www.seescotlanddifferently.co.uk.
Mini Moke, Barbados
The Mini Moke, a 1960s Mini-Land Rover lovechild, was built in the UK (1964-68), then Australia and Portugal. Unsuitable for rain, it's now the ultimate beach buggy, reigning supreme in Barbados. Rent this open-sided micro-jeep for island-hopping adventures.
Find Moke rentals at www.funbarbados.com (may include updated models).
The Ambassador, India
A black Ambassador taxi in Darjeeling, India. Image by Antony Giblin / Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images.
India's first car (1948), the Hindustan Ambassador defines its chaotic roads—traversing mountains, monsoons, and wildlife. Still produced in West Bengal, its retro charm shines. Self-driving demands caution and horn mastery; opt for a comfy backseat taxi ride instead.
Road Trip India tours: www.roadtripindia.co.uk.
Mercedes 250, Germany
The 1960s Mercedes 250 democratized luxury with unmatched comfort, from its Greek-temple grille to subtle tailfins (1959-1968 prime). Rent in southern Germany to glide through mountains and Black Forest, earning envious glances, as Oldie Garage notes.
Oldie Garage and others: www.oldie-garage.com.
Land Rovers in Africa
Everyone should self-drive a 4WD Land Rover once. In Namibia, collect one in Windhoek for surreal landscapes: orange dunes, shipwrecks, Damaraland meerkats. Safari Drive provides satnav, sat phone, and picnic gear for campsite/lodge stays.
Details at www.safaridrive.com.
Drive into the sunset with Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2014.
