In August 2014, at a Bonhams classic car auction, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta changed hands for 38 million US dollars, setting the highest price for a classic car auction to date. And in 2012, at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California, even a 1939 GM Futuliner truck was sold for 4.32 million US dollars… However, this is just the market. If you truly want to explore vintage car culture, you have to set foot on Route 66 in the United States and enter another world.
We set off by car from Toronto, Canada, crossed the border between Canada and the United States, and the first American city we reached was the renowned Motor City – Detroit, a "city of cars" that carried the dreams of several generations. Unfortunately, Detroit has long lost its former glory, and what came into our view was dilapidation and depression everywhere. In some street corners, groups of young black men gathered, and looking into their lost eyes made one instinctively step on the accelerator to leave quickly. Hit by the subprime mortgage crisis that began in 2007, and affected by poor financial management, rampant corruption, and political issues in the Detroit area in recent years, this once infinitely glorious "giant" has completely collapsed. Just a few years ago, this once vibrant city for decades officially declared "bankruptcy" to the world.
But the desolate scene did not affect our mood, and our vehicle still sped past this giant-like city. But unexpectedly, the shadow of the Motor City would accompany us along the way.
Schematic diagram of the self-driving tour route on Route 66 in the United States
Going deep into this city reborn from the ashes, the overall feeling is newer than other American cities. In the morning, groups of well-dressed office workers shuttled between buildings, making it hard to associate with the era when gangs ran rampant in the past. This is the starting point of Route 66. It starts from Adams Street in Chicago in the east and ends at Santa Monica Beach in Los Angeles, California in the west. It is one of the most famous roads in American history. It passes through eight states, three time zones, approximately 3,939 kilometers, and is known as "The Mother Road of America". If you are really interested in American history and culture, you can start a dream-seeking journey from here.
After having a "last breakfast" at the famous Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant, the two of us imagined following the adventurers who rushed to the northwest in the past and started heading west. Leaving Chicago, the road began to narrow, and the buildings along the road became increasingly messy and dilapidated. It was like stepping into a time tunnel and traveling逆向 back to the era of the American Renaissance.
The small town of Pontiac, which shares the same name as the car, although not related to the production site of the car brand "Pontiac", carries the entire soul of Pontiac. The small town is clean and tidy, sweeping away the gloom of a "ghost town". It was a weekend, and the entire city seemed to still be asleep. We wandered aimlessly in the streets, at a loss. A car suddenly stopped, rolled down the window, and asked if we needed help? When we were still surprised, he had already opened the car door and began to introduce this small city like an expert. This middle-aged man was well-dressed and behaved appropriately, like a person of status, but his eagerness to recommend the small city made him look like a salesman. Unconsciously, the rise and fall of the small city became clear in our hearts. He said he wanted to reshape this small city. Finally, he handed over a business card and said to call him if needed. Looking at the business card: "Mayor". Unexpectedly, the first person we talked to in the small city was the mayor.
Since it has the same name as the car brand, the small city is naturally filled with various vintage car models. Cars wave to you, cars guide you, and even there are many vintage car-themed murals on the walls. Seeing that it was still early and the car museum was not open, we had to continue wandering. An antique store opened, and the owner was very enthusiastic. Visiting antique stores during the trip has become an important part, and a few pleasing small items made our mood even brighter.