Go for it! Why your classic car is the best holiday car you own
There’s that one moment that happens every spring in garages across Germany. The classic car is standing there, freshly washed, the paintwork gleaming, the chrome sparkling – and then the fateful words are uttered: „Going on holiday? Nah, we’d rather take our everyday car for that.“
And this is exactly where we need to have a quick chat, fellow motoring enthusiasts.
Because, with all due respect, that statement is the biggest load of rubbish since the invention of the ‘flashing your headlights’ misunderstanding. The classic car stays at home – and the car that instead trundles 1,200 kilometres south is, of all things, the one you’ve only been taking for a service for the past three years when the warning light has already started talking to itself. Whilst your classic car is lovingly put into storage for the winter, thoroughly checked in the spring and lovingly inspected before every drive, your everyday car only really knows your hands from the door handle.
Let's be honest: which of the two cars is actually in better condition?
The myth of the unreliable classic car
The fear runs deep; we know that. Somewhere in the collective memory lives the image of a steaming Beetle on the Brenner Pass, next to it a distraught family man in a ribbed undershirt. It’s a lovely story. It’s just not true anymore.
The truth is: classic cars don’t break down any more often these days because they’re old, but because some owners treat them like silverware – taken out once a year, driven round the block once, then put away again. A car that’s rarely driven plays up. A car that’s driven regularly runs smoothly. It’s as simple as that. Standstill damage is the real enemy, not long-distance driving.
And then there’s the real point that many people forget: you know your car. You know what it sounds like when everything’s fine. You can tell straight away if the carburettor is running differently or the alternator is playing up. Modern drivers have completely lost that intimacy – they only notice a fault when the display shows a pictogram that looks like an angry coffee machine.
The real benefits of a classic car holiday
Let’s talk about the best part – because that tends to get lost in all the technical discussion.
With this classic, your holiday doesn’t begin at your destination, but the moment you close the door and start the engine. No motorway rush, no „get through as quickly as possible“ – just country roads, open windows, the scent of warm tarmac and freshly mown meadows. You’re not driving to Holidays, you're off in Holidays.
On top of that, there’s something no modern car in the world can offer: people notice you. A thumbs-up at every traffic light, a chat at every service station, and at every campsite at least three people who say, „My grandad used to have one of those.“ Your car is an icebreaker on four wheels. Anyone travelling in a classic car never arrives anywhere as a stranger.
And yes – it’s simply more fun. More feedback from the steering, more noise, more life. A bit more work, sure. But since when has the best ever been the most comfortable?
To ensure the adventure remains a pleasant one
Now for the serious bit – I promise, it’ll be quick and painless. With the right preparation, what feels like a risk will turn into a relaxing trip.
The big check beforehand. With a classic car, it’s perfectly fine to carry out a more thorough inspection than you would with an everyday car. Take your time to check the tyres, windows, engine bay and underbody, check all fluid levels, and carry out a lights check with a friend. If you can’t do it yourself, treat your pride and joy to a visit at a specialist garage. And most importantly: take a few test drives beforehand. Any niggles that show up over 50 kilometres shouldn’t only become apparent after 500.
The first-aid kit. This is the real secret to staying calm. You should carry: a few fuses, spare bulbs, a set of spark plugs, a V-belt, cable ties, wire, hose clamps, some duct tape, the right engine oil – and, depending on the car, brake pads, hoses and filters. Convertible drivers should remember a repair kit for the roof. If you’re driving a thirsty classic that needs leaded petrol, pack enough of it – you won’t find it at every petrol station abroad. Plus the essentials in terms of tools, a jack and a wheel wrench. Sound like a lot? It fits easily into a box – and ensures that most roadside breakdowns are sorted in 20 minutes rather than turning into a nightmare.
In stages, not all at once. Not every car from back then was built for 800-kilometre days. Never mind – travelling in leisurely stages is the more enjoyable way to drive anyway. Let the classic car (and yourself) cool down now and then, especially before long mountain passes, when the coolant gauge starts to wander curiously to the right.
Paperwork and safeguards. Modern rules apply to classic cars too: you must carry a warning triangle, first-aid kit and high-visibility vests. Check in advance about tolls, low-emission zones and compulsory lighting in your destination country. And your classic car needs to be properly insured – third-party liability cover is compulsory throughout Europe, whilst comprehensive cover for your own car is practically a must on a trip like this. A travel insurance policy with Europe-wide breakdown cover and a towing guarantee takes care of the rest. Keep your insurance card, breakdown number and accident report to hand.
Keep an eye on the treasure. Beautiful cars are the stuff of dreams, especially in summer. Park them as safely as possible and don’t leave them unattended overnight – it’s more gut feeling than science, but it’s all part of the deal.
What if you want to skip the planning?
It doesn’t have to be a solo expedition. If you love the idea but can’t be bothered with the planning, just come along – on a guided tour with a roadbook, hand-picked hotels and, ideally, a support vehicle in case the carburettor decides to play up. Hop on, follow the route, and collapse into your reserved room in the evening. That’s exactly what we’re here for. 😉
The conclusion, in a nutshell
Your classic car isn’t just a showpiece that needs to be shielded from the real world. It’s a travelling companion that’s better looked after, better understood and, quite frankly, far more charming than most new cars on the motorway. The fear of the long drive is understandable – but it’s costing you the best kilometres of your motoring life.
So: pack a box of spare parts, pick up your passenger, unfold a map (yes, a proper paper one) – and set off. The Brenner Pass awaits. And this time, you won’t be standing by the side of the road with a steaming radiator; instead, you’ll be casually waving to the others.
Have a safe journey, fellow motorcyclists. See you on the road. 🏁