Council Connection: The Open Road

What are your favorite countries to drive in and why?

My favorite is Italy, thanks to the historic rally recreation of the Mille Miglia, the annual thousand-mile endurance event for legendary road and race cars. This year, 400 drivers took part in this glorious tradition, which dates to 1927–1957. Since the 1970s, it’s been held as a touring event, tracing a figure-eight route from Brescia to Rome and back. I was fortunate to drive the route about 15 years ago in a 1950 Abarth, and it was the most incredible experience.

In honor of the Italian original, Hagerty operates the California Mille tour on the gorgeous, engaging roads of northern California. To participate, cars must be models that were eligible to run in the original Italian event.

I’m also fond of driving in the U.K. I have taken part in several London to Brighton Veteran Car Runs, the oldest car rally in the world, dating back to 1896. It’s the very definition of a slow drive. The point isn’t speed, as the vehicles are all pre-1905. So, it’s more about finishing the race and enjoying the comradery that comes along with such a long-held tradition. I’ve finished the race several times astride a 1903 Knox. Top speed? About 26 mph…downhill and with a tailwind. What a wonderful experience.

What vehicle would you choose for a long journey on the Pacific Coast Highway? What about touring through Argentina’s Patagonia region?

For the Pacific Coast Highway, it’s an easy choice: I would pick the 1967 Porsche 911S that I bought for $500 when I was 13. When my dad and I found it in pieces behind an old barn under piles of northern Michigan snow, it was in terrible shape—the body was over here, the engine was over there, everything was rusty. It took years, but eventually we put it back together, and I have owned it since. I’ve driven it to the top of Pikes Peak, along the Pacific Coast Highway, and on many other memorable roads.

Because of the memories it holds with my dad, it’s easily my most prized possession. And it’s perfect for the twisty roads and changing weather of the California coast.

As for Patagonia, I’ve never been, but I would want a vehicle with some real capability, comfort, and quite a bit of ground clearance suitable for the terrain and climate. For this, I’m thinking that a well-sorted Toyota FJ or Land Rover Discovery would be the way to go.

What’s your dream road trip?

I love the challenge and adventure of driving, especially when it’s with a loved one. Here are four overseas roads that I have on my bucket list with my family: the Targa Florio route in Sicily, Canada’s ALCAN Highway, Japan’s iconic Mount Haruna Pass, and the Stelvio Pass in Italy. In the United States, I still haven’t had a chance to drive the entire Route 66 from Chicago to California. Everyone should drive it once, don’t you think? It’s the proverbial great American road trip. Santa Monica Pier, here I come!