Route 66: The Enduring American Road Trip Legacy
As the iconic U.S. Highway 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary, it's a testament to the enduring spirit of the American road trip. Despite its decertification in 1985, Route 66 continues to thrive in popular culture, and its legacy lives on through the journeys of those who still drive its historic paths. The YouTube channel Gears and Gasoline recently embarked on a remarkable road trip, retracing the original Route 66 route as closely as possible in a modern-day adventure.
The duo, Ben and Ben, chose two unique vehicles for their journey. Ben's 2017 Ford Mustang, with its rebuilt Coyote V8 and loud exhaust, exudes pure American muscle. In contrast, Ben's 2006 Pontiac GTO, a rebadged Holden Monaro from Australia, is a true muscle car with an LS2 V8 and rear-wheel drive. This diverse duo set off on their adventure, starting not in Chicago but in Virginia, where they navigated the Appalachian Mountains to test their vehicles.
Their journey began with a crucial discovery: one of the Mustang's strut assemblies had come loose. After addressing this issue, they headed to Chicago, the eastern gateway of Route 66. Here, they decided to embrace the old-school approach, relying on a Route 66 guidebook and printed maps, just like the pioneers of the past. However, their journey took an amusing turn when they missed the very first turn, setting the tone for the adventures to come.
Crossing Illinois
As they ventured further, the duo encountered Joliet, a city rich in Route 66 history. They visited the iconic Rich and Creamy Dairy, adorned with dancing Blues Brothers statues, a personal touch for one of the authors. Although the dairy was closed, they explored the Joliet Route 66 Park and continued their journey to Pontiac. Here, they missed a golden opportunity to explore the town's vibrant murals and visit the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum, home to rare muscle cars and the Fiero concept car.
Their exploration continued at the Soulsby Service Station, a historic landmark dating back to the early days of Route 66. Inside, they uncovered a treasure trove of history, captivating viewers of all ages. To engage younger audiences, they visited the Pink Elephant Antique Mall, where they discovered Pokémon cards, a fun twist on the road trip's theme.
The video provides a glimpse into the wonders of Route 66, covering only a fraction of the route's 2,000-mile stretch from Chicago to the western terminus at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. It's a challenging feat to experience everything, even with an extended month-long journey. The authors look forward to sharing more of their adventures, revealing the unique experiences and mechanical challenges that await them as they continue their journey down the legendary Route 66.
