A gentleman’s guide to the ultimate road trip
Words: Charlie Thomas
Forget resort holidays and coach trip weekend breaks, what we really want this summer is a good old fashioned road trip. Not the kind where you pile into a caravan en route to Dorset though, we’re talking convertible sports cars and the riviera. Whether you’re fantasising behind your desk or planning your very own, here’s our gentleman’s guide to the ultimate road trip.
THE LOCATION
Location is essential for the ultimate road trip. There must be a perfect combination of beauty and distance to travel over challenging roads. These are the 3 destinations at the top of our list:
AMALFI COAST, ITALY
Perhaps the ultimate location for a summer road trip, Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a wondrous stretch of coast on the southern tip of Italy, with bright azure seas, beautiful scenery and, most importantly, smooth winding roads.
SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND
Head towards and through the Swiss Alps and you’ll experience one of the finest drives of your life. If you can find roads such as the Saint Gotthard (above) or San Bernardino pass then you’ll be blessed with some of the most exciting roads on the planet, not to mention the best views.
ROUTE 66, USA
Originally created in 1926 as a gateway from Chicago all the way to Santa Monica, California, U.S. Route 66 spans nearly 2,500 miles. Awesome landscape vistas and impossibly long stretches of highway are coupled with more twisty, mountainous sections to create a truly unforgettable experience.
THE CAR
The most important factor in a suitably stylish road trip, however, is the car. Whilst we usually favour hardtops, convertible cars are perfectly suited for dream drives. The lack of a roof allows you to really take in the environment, absorbing the sights, smells and sounds around you, giving you an element of freedom simply not possible with a fixed roof. The ideal car for the job will be a looker, but performance is key – you’ll want to make best use of those winding roads after all now, won’t you?
ALFA ROMEO SPIDER
Although it likely won’t be reliable – you might want to shun your girlfriend and take a mechanic instead – the classic Alfa Romeo Spider is as stylish as they come.
MERCEDES SL ‘PAGODA’
Originally designed for the American market, the ‘Pagoda’ SL is one of the most beautiful Mercedes-Benz ever made. Its soft suspension and comfortable leather seats cleverly mask swift acceleration and rewarding driving dynamics. It could well be the perfect automobile.
CHEVROLET CORVETTE C1
Synonymous with the ‘American Dream’ of the 1950s, the Corvette C1 is one of the most iconic models to come from the Unites States. With that gigantic, burbling V8 out front and those stunning looks, it’s right at the top of our list.
JAGUAR E-TYPE
When venturing abroad, we try to fly the flag for the United Kingdom wherever possible, and we’d do just that behind the wheel of a Jaguar E-Type, arguably Britain’s finest sports car ever with its singing straight-six engine and sultry design.
STYLE INSPIRATION
Over the last few decades, there have been a few gentlemen who’ve embodied travelling in style like no other. Here are a few shots of them in their natural habitat.
Steve McQueen and his Jaguar XKSS
Alain Delon and his Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider
Frank Sinatra and his Ford Thunderbird
Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret
WHAT TO WEAR
Practical clothing is essential for the ultimate road trip. You don’t, after all, want to be worrying about your finest Sea Island Cotton shirt creasing every time you put the seatbelt on…
THE JACKET
Traditionally, outerwear was important when it came to driving an automobile, so a car coat was worn to protect the layers beneath. Now though, a cropped jacket is just as appropriate, so pair it with a smart shirt, some tailored trousers, the right accessories and you’re good to go.
Lightweight Mac, £89 from Cos // G9 Original Harrington Jacket, £279 from Baracuta
THE SHIRT
A striped Oxford shirt perfectly borders the line between smart and casual, and if worn tucked in to a smart pair of chinos, you’ll look every bit the dapper gent as you pull up to your destination for the day. Alternatively, and for hot climes, a short-sleeved Cuban collar shirt is a louche alternative and one that will look right at home by the coast.
Oxford Striped Shirt, £14.90 from Uniqlo // Kirk Cuban Collar Shirt, £75 from Reiss
THE TROUSERS
For a long drive, a trouser constructed from a soft washed cotton and cut in a not-too-slim fit is your answer. The breathable cotton will feel soft against your skin, and the regular cut won’t be restricting when getting in and out of the driver’s seat.
Chino Trousers, £140 from Sunspel // Washed Cotton Chinos, £19.50 from Marks & Spencer
THE SHOES
For a long drive, there’s only one shoe for the job. The driving moccasin features a rubber studded sole and heel for ultimate control and feel from your toes to the pedal. Alternatively, channel your inner Steve McQueen in Bullitt and opt for a pair of snuff suede chukka boots.
Gucci Horsebit Driving Shoes, £300 from Mr Porter // Sanders & Sanders Playboy Chukka Boots, £175 from Anthony Sinclair
THE ACCESSORIES
To prevent your hands from blistering, and to look bloody cool, a pair of driving gloves complete with knuckle holes and contrast stitching will do the trick. For your sunglasses, an iconic style such as these – made in Italy by experienced artisans – will never go out of style.
Winchester Handsewn Leather Driving Gloves, £81 from Dents // Cran Classic Tortoiseshell Sunglasses, €145 from The Bespoke Dudes
THE LUGGAGE
Quality luggage is often overlooked. Whilst no doubt an expensive investment, purchasing a well-made leather holdall – such as this from Ghurka USA – or a hard-body suitcase from the likes of Globe-Trotter, will last you a lifetime. Put in the hard work now, invest carefully, and you’ll never have to buy another one again.
Kilburn II Vintage Chesnut Leather Holdall, $1,695 from Ghurka USA // Globe-Trotter 21’’ Carry-On Case, £955 from Mr Porter
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