The 10 Best Summer Vacation Cars, an AW List

Memorial Day is the first long weekend during which car fans can get out and hit the open road. Whether you want to take an “I just won the lottery” trip or a “Let's just get outta here” trip, AutoWeek has you covered. First, the dream road-trip cars and some dream trips, then some practical ideas.

Wherever you go, enjoy the ride.

1956 Porsche 550 Spyder

The 550, known alternately as the “Little Bastard” for killing James Dean, and the “Giant Killer” for destroying the competition on the racetrack, sold for only $6,800 new. Today, that number is about $1 million, but replicas can be had for a tenth of that. A road trip with the 550 would take you to Park Cemetery in Fairmount, Ind., the final resting place of the Rebel Without a Cause.

2010 Audi R8 Spyder V10

When the R8 dropped its top at the end of last year, it became one of the biggest hits at the Los Angeles auto show. So it's no surprise that it makes our summer-car list. A 10-cylinder, 525-hp engine doesn't hurt either. The first stop on an R8 road trip would be Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, then Laguna Beach.

2010 Bentley Continental GTC

The Bentley convertible will whoosh you away with speed, style and room for four. But don't stray too far off the main roads; you will need to find gas stations. Often. We think that's a small price to pay for the royalty that is the flying B. Take it to Los Angeles. Get discovered.

1966 Jaguar E-type

The gorgeous E-type didn't make its stateside debut until March 1961. By 1966, a 2+2 version with an automatic transmission was available for the connoisseurs who had kiddies. These days, you can score an E-type in decent condition for less than 50-grand. The perfect road trip? A week of traveling the back roads in Coventry, England, the E-Type's spiritual home.

2010 Aston Martin DBS Volante

What does James Bond take on vacation? Volante, DBS Volante. With a top speed of 191 mph, the DBS is fast enough to dodge raindrops but still slick enough to step out onto the red carpet. Take it Cannes, France. And win yourself a Palme d'Or. Or pick up someone who did.

2010 Tesla Roadster

Sure, you may need 10 of them to make it across the country, but at least you'll be green! The six-figure roadster goes 245 miles on a charge, less if you're liberal with the gas pedal. But with the top down and a sub-4-second 0-to-60-mph time, you won't even care. Ferry it to Costa Rica; it has a tiny eco footprint, and the locals will be happy to have the tourism. I believe la electricidad is the word you'll need.

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Even though the top doesn't go down, this is a serious road-trip cruiser. Not only will it cover distance, quickly, but it will do it with the comfort Mercedes always affords. Take the SLS on a trip to where it's most comfortable, der Autobahn.

1946 Ford Super Deluxe (Woodie)

Who needs steel when you have wood? The 1940s Woodies were perfect for the surfer generation because they were cheap, they fit a lot of people, and they could be easily fixed with woodworking skills. Same goes for a road trip; gasoline is a lot cheaper when you're splitting it six ways. Strap on some longboards and travel to Australia; Surfer's Paradise is at the southern edge of Queensland.

2009 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

We couldn't leave the world's fastest convertible off the list. Each of the Grand Sport's 16 cylinders accounts for 62 hp and about 57 lb-ft of torque. That adds up to a top speed of just less than 253 mph, with no roof. The only place to take the Veyron is Eyre Highway in Australia. It's said to be the straightest, flattest road in the world.

2010 Ferrari 458 Italia

The newest edition to the Ferrari family will take you and a friend on the road trip of your dreams--as long as your dreams involve gobs of red paint and blurring scenery. With 562 horses on tap and seven speeds to spread them over, the ultimate 458 road trip would include a drive to Stelvio Pass in Italy. The road's 60 hairpins and almost two-mile climb are challenges to the even the strongest-willed driver.

The Practicals--What you'll really be taking

2011 Mustang GT Convertible

The return of the 5.0 in convertible form isn't just a way to road trip; it's a reason. The Mustang is well priced and fits four, or three if you're going to be in there for a while. It has enough cache to get some nods on the highway and enough power to get some revs at a stoplight.

2010 Corvette Grand Sport Convertible

The 2010 Grand Sport is the slightly stronger first cousin of the base model. It gets unique side vents and gently massaged motor to boot. Get it in yellow and look for that 5.0.

2010 Mazda Miata

The Miata is a staple whenever we talk about convertibles for any reason. You know it won't be left off our road-trip choices. The perfectly balanced Miata is a blast on road trips, as long as you don't need much luggage. It's perfect for autocrossing your way across the country.

2010 Chrysler Town & Country

Ha. Ha. Ha. It fits eight, has televisions galore, a stow-and-go table for cards and gets more than 20 mpg on the freeway. That is a road-trip car. It may not get you noticed on the beach, but with all of these goodies, laugh smugly to yourself.

2010 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

If the Jeep was good enough for the Americans to road-trip through Germany, then it's good enough for you. Get rid of the ragtop and hit the forest trails. There isn't much a Jeep can't handle.

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