Inspiration for Driving More Slowly This Weekend

Classic cars can make your ordinary day a special one. They have the power to transmute your backyard country road in the perfect romantic grand touring trip you’ve always dreamed about.

When thinking about grand touring, I believe a lot of people imagine fast, two lane roads stretching on some delicious countryside scenario. I used to think so, too, but after touring in a 1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SS Bertone in the outskirts of Brescia, I just changed my mind—sometimes, it’s better to take your time.

I must admit I was initially skeptical about taking out such a refined piece of engineering in a dusty road (with the potential for stone chips), but then the owner just let me hop in and told me to enjoy myself.

No, I won’t talk about test driving the car: we all know it’s quick, sleek, sexy-looking, and all of the other positive attributes of an Italian car. Oh yes, it was red, too…!

I’d rather talk about the quick drive I had that afternoon. I have to say, that it was one of the most exhilarating rides I had in ages. I had an empty road in front of me, warm weather, and enough stretch to let the angry 1.3-liter engine rev freely and, as we say at Petrolicious, “tastefully”.

Aside from a bunch of cool old Landini tractors along the way, we saw no other cars, and the Giulietta was really happy to take on the less-than-ideal road.

This experience confirmed my theory that you do not always drive too far or too fast to enjoy an epic drive. In fact, you can probably enjoy driving in your own backyard, so to speak. Don’t be afraid to use your toys: enjoy them, and don’t worry about wearing them out.

Think about it: we’re more than fifty years after this car was born and it—and many classics like it—are still in great shape! What’s not to love?