’ve measured my yearly success by my summer driving experiences for a long time. Driving has always meant hopping into one of my 1929 Ford highboy roadsters and reminiscing about that unforgettable summer spent in my 1927 Ford lowboy roadster, crisscrossing the country. Each journey has been an adventure filled with great stories and just enough hiccups to affirm my status as a hot rodder capable of finding my way home. Unfortunately, there have been fewer and fewer of these drives. Please tell me this is merely an anomaly and that there are more trips ahead in the future.

While all these drives were enjoyable—some more than others—the cross-country trip in my 1927 Ford stands out as the least comfortable. Yet, when you’re in your late twenties or early thirties, comfort becomes a relative concept with plenty of room for flexibility. Ultimately, the fact that I made it to the Nats and returned home safe and sound felt like a significant victory.

Today, I find myself pondering whether to embark on another cross-country journey. There are numerous reasons supporting this idea and compelling arguments against it. As summer approaches, the dynamics of summer driving are affected by various factors, including current economic conditions, fuel prices, driving conditions, and changing travel preferences. While gasoline prices are high on the West Coast, they don’t pose as much concern for destinations in the South, such as the NSRA Nats in Louisville, Kentucky, possibly the Goodguys Columbus, Ohio, event, or Nashville for the Triple Crown of Rodding.

Driving conditions seem to be an ever-evolving factor. What do I mean by this? For as long as I can remember, highway construction zones have been a constant presence and we navigate them as best we can in our hot rods. However, increasing traffic makes long-distance driving more tiresome and potentially a bit more dangerous. Thankfully, road infrastructure has continuously improved, with upgrades and expansions to accommodate rising traffic levels. This ongoing evolution makes a significant difference, especially when driving a hot rod—particularly one without fenders and a roof!

Despite being steeped in tradition, our hot rods have also embraced modern technology. The industry has provided sensational upgrades, such as air conditioning, GPS navigation, infotainment systems, sophisticated suspensions, state-of-the-art shock absorbers, disc brakes, and modern rubber, making long trips more enjoyable and less labor-intensive—and safer. While it’s true that the average hot rod today boasts considerably more horsepower compared to past decades, it’s interesting to note that this increase in power hasn’t necessarily led to a decline in fuel economy; in many cases, the opposite is true. The advent of modular-style modern V-8s from Detroit has given us options that produce impressive amounts of power while remaining incredibly efficient, allowing us to get more “bang for our buck” in fuel economy. We also enjoy more powerful and efficient headlights and collapsible steering columns, all contributing to a safer driving experience.

And let’s not overlook how widespread cell phones are. Everyone has one, making communication much easier while on the road. Although you can still find yourself in a remote area with limited service, such situations are becoming less common. Connectivity is generally not an issue if you stick to the main routes to your favorite destinations. Still, the best and most reliable way to communicate is to travel in a group of three hot rod buddies. Larger groups of six or more can lead to longer travel times, turning gas stops, rest breaks, and meal stops into their own adventures. When one or more have similar powertrains, drivetrains, or other characteristics, it enhances one’s internal comfort and sense of security. I have traveled in larger groups and noticed they often consist of linked smaller groups. If trouble strikes one, this “one” is usually left behind with one or two buddies while the rest of the group continues. It’s understandable why this happens, but it does create cliques within a larger circle of hot rodders.

In conclusion, while my summer driving experiences have evolved over the years, they remain integral to my identity as a car enthusiast and hot rodder. As I consider the pros and cons of hitting the road again, I’m reminded that each journey brings its own stories and adventures, a driving tradition I am always eager to embrace. Each day brings new friends made, old stories shared, and a few bugs in the teeth—a time-honored tradition.