Top 8 Road Trip Cars: Classic Edition

Driving is still one of the best analog ways to unwind on the open road, even if we live in a digital age where most of our hobbies and diversions involve gadgets. There is no better way to spend the weekend for a vehicle enthusiast than to take a long drive while enjoying music and keeping track of the miles. The ideal road trip vehicle brings you joy, is trouble-free, and helps you enjoy driving. Sometimes the ideal car for a road trip isn't the fastest or most comfortable, but it's intriguing and adds to the journey's appeal. The ideal automobiles for a road trip are listed below. This collection of vehicles is varied and can deliver many giggles per gallon. Prepare for an enjoyable ride by packing your belongings, and don’t forget to check out some of the best car-themed bars and restaurants in the U.S. once you’re on the road! 

RUF CTR Yellow Bird

This automobile is an essential part of 911 history even though it was conceived and constructed by a tuner rather than by Porsche. It is among the fastest Porsches ever produced. Numerous variations of the Porsche 911 with increased power or aesthetic improvements were released by independent tuning companies during the entire production cycle. This demonstrated that there was still a lot of promise for the 911 idea. RUF, a German tuning firm, was superior, nevertheless. More potent, quicker, and agile than anything else on the market in the late 1980s was their Yellow Bird. Porsches make great road trip vehicles, but the more recent models are a little dull. Except for Yellow Bird, they are so flawless and comfortable that they destroy the spirit of driving a sports car.

In 1987, RUF unveiled the CTR, while the Yellow Bird was a highly modified 911 with a variety of improvements. A distinctive aerodynamic package, NACA intercooler intake ducts, a sizable rear wing, a front bumper, and unique wheels were all included. The 3.2-liter flat six engine with a whooping 469 HP and 408 lb-ft of torque was the biggest news. The Yellow Bird became one of the era's quickest vehicles as a result. It was capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.65 seconds, and its top speed was an astounding 213 mph. The Yellow Bird demonstrated the 911 concept's incredible potential despite being brutally expensive and scarce. It also demonstrated how much a flat-six engine can yield. You will need to look for one if you want one. Only 29 Yellow Birds were created entirely from scratch, while a couple were modified using client cars.

Cadillac CTS-V

The V-Series was finally introduced after years of Cadillac being without a proper performance series to rival Mercedes or BMW. It had everything Cadillac enthusiasts could have wished for: potent motors, top-notch suspension and handling systems, and limited manufacturing. According to Motor Junkie, when Cadillac arrived with the new V-Series cars, even the rivals took notice. The second-generation CTS-V model, which was created between 2008 and 2014, was maybe the most popular. The CTS-V is the most potent performance sedan on the market thanks to its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, which has 556 HP. They regarded the CTS-V as one of the best driver's vehicles available due to the suspension and the rest of the drivetrain's technological advancements. Cadillac offered the CTS-V in three different body designs, including a sedan, a coupe, and an intriguing wagon. The vehicle was a thrill to drive and incredibly quick, but it was also luxurious and well-equipped for a Cadillac. This American luxury sedan is the ideal choice for a road trip vehicle because of this.

Mercedes 500E

Mercedes produced the popular but subdued W124 E-Class in the early 1990s. Instead of being known for its power and speed, the beautiful sedan was renowned for its comfort and refinement. That was set to change thanks to the insane German engineering team, who in 1991 unveiled the powerful 500E model. This was the primary sedan's high-performance variant. It had a whole unique drivetrain, suspension, brake system, and engine. In reality, Mercedes asked Porsche to build the 500E since it was so difficult to produce. The 500E's 5.0-liter V8 engine, which generated 326 HP, was its standout feature. By today's standards, this is not a noteworthy sum, but in the early 1990s, especially in a formal sedan, it was. The 500 E could reach 60 mph from 0 in about six seconds, making it nearly as quick as a Ferrari 348.

The design was excellent since it gave the 500 E the same appearance as the standard W124 Sedan. Nothing else indicated there was a monster under the hood; you would only notice the larger wheel arches and brakes if you paid close attention. For no additional charge, Mercedes offered badge deletion to its clients. You would also receive a stealth sedan that consumed Corvettes for breakfast if you selected the black or silver color. It's interesting to note that a good-condition German muscle sedan can be had for roughly $20,000. There is no reason not to get one of these super cars and travel across the country quickly and in style.

Lincoln Continental

This iconic American sedan is deserving of a spot on this list because, despite its overuse, luxury four-doors make for excellent road trip vehicles. The Continental's history began in the late 1950s, a time when Cadillac was far ahead of Ford's luxury subsidiary, Lincoln, in terms of popularity, sales, and fashion. Even though Lincoln produced large, luxurious cruisers with strong engines in the late 1950s, they couldn't compete with Cadillacs. Ford saw that things needed to change, therefore the Lincoln Continental was created in 1961. The car industry was in a state of shock when Lincoln unveiled their new model. 

The four-door luxury vehicle was transformed into a work of modern art by the stunning refinement of the styling, restrained use of chrome, angular lines, and futuristic design. Sales of the new Continental, which had a dignified aspect and understated elegance, immediately doubled, and it was named the White House's official vehicle. The suicide doors, which opened facing oncoming traffic, were the best exterior features. Although this wasn't the finest option, it did make the Continental more appealing. It's interesting that Lincoln had a stylish four-door convertible car that was both well-liked and fairly distinctive on the market.

Volvo 850 R

Is there anything in the world of automobiles more uninteresting than a boxy, outdated Volvo station wagon? There was plenty of room for the kids and their belongings in the standard suburban mom automobile from the 1990s. It was incredibly tedious to drive, but it was reliable and slow. That may be the case for the standard Volvo 850 Wagon, but the 1996 R model is quite different. Following the T5 version of the 850 series, which has a turbocharged engine, Volvo opted to release the 850 R, an all-out sleeper vehicle. A 2.3-liter five-cylinder engine with a larger turbo and improved intake system and electronics was housed under the hood. With a 250-HP output, the 850 R Wagon could reach a top speed of approximately 160 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. 

For the mid-1990s, this was sports car territory. Those dull-looking Volvo vans passing them on the highway must have puzzled a lot of the Porsche owners. Following the 850 R, numerous automakers, including Audi, began manufacturing potent, quick wagons. Volvo, however, introduced the 850 R first. Those performance metrics still call for respect today. Even better, the secondhand car market offers the 850 R for a reasonable price. Additionally, this model is available with a number of power upgrades, so take into account purchasing this top wagon. It has a lot of room, modest performance, and unpretentious appearance. However, the 850 R demands respect, making it the ideal vehicle for a road trip.

Mercury Marauder

Mercury created the Marauder in the 1960s as a high-performance variation of their standard performance sedan. The model was well-liked, but now most people are unaware of it. In actuality, it has been eclipsed by more well-known muscle vehicles from the same era. However, Mercury unveiled the last Marauder model, which was based on Ford's Panther platform automobiles, 40 years later. One of the car industry's most durable platforms is Ford's Panther platform. From 1978 until 2011, Ford utilized it as the foundation for a number of models, including the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car. 

Even police officers and cab drivers used this chassis because it was so solid and resilient under harsh conditions. Millions of Panther-based models continue to be in use today, six years after Ford terminated it. Mercury made the decision to convert the Grand Marquis into a performance vehicle even though Ford never intended it to be one. They added a highly tuned 4.6-liter V8 with 302 HP along with updated brakes, suspension, and gearing. All those modifications transformed this cozy, comfortable sedan into a powerful muscle car. It came in three hues, but the black Marauder stood out from its more subdued siblings with a threatening appearance and an aggressive stance. Even for a large, hefty vehicle, the performance was outstanding. It would take about seven seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. The most advantageous aspect was, however, how it looked. Drivers might want to pull over to the side just by seeing this large, black car in their rearview mirror.

Dodge Charger Hellcat

When Dodge revealed the Hellcat Charger and Challenger models, everyone went nuts. But given that the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 707 HP is a monster of a muscle car that shouldn't be on the roads, they were prepared for this response. But Dodge did just that, making one of their fastest, most potent muscle cars available for purchase. The Dodge Charger Hellcat is surprisingly simple to operate and can be gentle at low speeds despite its excessive power. The ‘harshness’ of the Hellcat package and the power going to the back wheels are only felt when you step on the gas to unleash the fury of 707 supercharged horsepower. The car can reach 200 mph, and the 0 to 60 mph timings are in the upper three-second range. So, is there a better road trip vehicle and a four-door muscle car? With the Hellcat, you can travel the country as quickly as a private aircraft while still fitting as much as you like in a standard family vehicle.

Chrysler Minivan

The idea of a minivan didn't exist in the early 1980s, but they are now an ubiquitous sight on American streets. Therefore, Chrysler made an investment in the creation of front-wheel-drive people carriers with ample interior capacity and comfort but small overall dimensions.

This vehicle turned out to be ideal for the moment. Taking advantage of the Minivan's huge popularity, Chrysler Corporation made a killing. It was the ideal vehicle for American suburbia, replacing large, thirsty station wagons and emerging before the current SUV obsession. Because of this, a vintage Chrysler Minivan is still a fantastic option for a road trip. 

Enjoy Your Trip!

A road trip car is a crucial component of any unforgettable journey. Whether you're looking for a comfortable, spacious ride or a classic, nostalgic experience, there's a road trip car out there for you. With so many options available, it's important to consider factors such as fuel efficiency, reliability, and storage space when making your choice. From practical SUVs to iconic classic cars, there's no shortage of options for making your road trip dreams a reality with our wide-ranging and incredible selection of automobiles. So pack your bags, grab the keys, and hit the road – the ultimate road trip awaits.

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