#283306 - 16/06/2006 06:34
Classic/convertible hire in California?
|
veteran
Registered: 01/10/2001
Posts: 1307
Loc: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
|
Will be in CA in July, and planning on doing the stereotypical Highway 1 drive. Amusingly enough, Elaine hasn't ever done it, while I have done it a couple of times myself, but both times in a compact tinbox of a car.
Of course, the only True Way of doing it is in a classic convertible (or on a motorcycle). Any pointers to rental places for classics and/or convertibles? An added complication is that we would have to pick up the car in SF and return it in LA, so a one-way rental...
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#283307 - 16/06/2006 09:14
Re: Classic/convertible hire in California?
[Re: julf]
|
carpal tunnel
Registered: 19/05/1999
Posts: 3457
Loc: Palo Alto, CA
|
I did the top bit of hwy 1 in Zandr's M coupe that he lent me a few years back. I was very scared, as the insurance position was a bit unknown & I wasn't used to shifting with my right hand... hence I didn't enjoy it like I really should have  Need to do that again, a miata would be ideal! Hugo
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#283308 - 16/06/2006 09:27
Re: Classic/convertible hire in California?
[Re: julf]
|
carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/01/2002
Posts: 3937
Loc: Providence, RI
|
Hertz at SFO had (automatic, sadly) Mustang convertibles, and may have also had (automatic, sadly) Sebring convertibles. So there's a baseline, low effort answer. As to doing better, there was a place called Specialty Rental associated with Budget, I think, at SFO, I rented a Prius from, I bet they have such things.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#283309 - 16/06/2006 10:11
Re: Classic/convertible hire in California?
[Re: julf]
|
carpal tunnel
Registered: 21/05/1999
Posts: 5335
Loc: Cambridge UK
|
I did the Hertz Mustang thing last year, from SFO down Highway 1 to LA, then across to Vegas and dropped it off there. The 2005MY Mustang is a huge improvement over the earlier ones, but if you're really after a classic then you might find it hard to find a one way rental.
If you need somewhere to stay about halfway down Highway 1 I can recommend the Ragged Point Inn, especially if you're with your significant other (get a Tier 4 room - cliff edge, second floor, jacuzzi and balcony).
Rob
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#283310 - 16/06/2006 12:21
Re: Classic/convertible hire in California?
[Re: julf]
|
veteran
Registered: 08/05/2000
Posts: 1429
Loc: San Francisco, CA
|
Quote:
Of course, the only True Way of doing it is in a classic convertible (or on a motorcycle). Any pointers to rental places for classics and/or convertibles? An added complication is that we would have to pick up the car in SF and return it in LA, so a one-way rental...
You want a Harley or a sportbike?
- Jon
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#283311 - 16/06/2006 13:47
Re: Classic/convertible hire in California?
[Re: Daria]
|
veteran
Registered: 01/10/2001
Posts: 1307
Loc: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
|
Quote:
Hertz at SFO had (automatic, sadly) Mustang convertibles, and may have also had (automatic, sadly) Sebring convertibles. So there's a baseline, low effort answer.
Indeed, good as a backup solution! Thanks!
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#283312 - 16/06/2006 13:48
Re: Classic/convertible hire in California?
[Re: rob]
|
veteran
Registered: 01/10/2001
Posts: 1307
Loc: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
|
Quote:
If you need somewhere to stay about halfway down Highway 1 I can recommend the Ragged Point Inn, especially if you're with your significant other (get a Tier 4 room - cliff edge, second floor, jacuzzi and balcony).
Sounds pretty good - will check it out!
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#283313 - 16/06/2006 13:51
Re: Classic/convertible hire in California?
[Re: jbauer]
|
veteran
Registered: 01/10/2001
Posts: 1307
Loc: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
|
Quote:
You want a Harley or a sportbike?
Well, if I went the bike route, a "classic" road bike would be my choice - upright, no fairings, but not a heavy plodder like the Harley. But I'm afraid it will be a 4-wheeler this time.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#283314 - 16/06/2006 14:15
Re: Classic/convertible hire in California?
[Re: julf]
|
carpal tunnel
Registered: 13/02/2002
Posts: 3212
Loc: Portland, OR
|
Quote:
Quote:
Hertz at SFO had (automatic, sadly) Mustang convertibles, and may have also had (automatic, sadly) Sebring convertibles. So there's a baseline, low effort answer.
Indeed, good as a backup solution! Thanks!
I have a friend in Boston who rents convertibles when he comes out to visit, and usually ends up with a Sebring. They're really the most common, it seems. Hertz does have a variety of convertibles, though, and I expect that other places would have similar.
If you want to go the expensive route, Enterprise has convertible BMW Z4's in their fleet -- I came close to renting one when my truck was in the shop, but couldn't justify the $200+ a day it was going to cost just to drive it three miles to work where it would just sit in the parking lot.
Edit: As for classics, though, the problem is that the major rental companies aren't going to have those in their fleet, so, once you find a place that rents one, you'll likely have to pay a pretty hefty drop charge to go one-way.
Let me know when you're in town...
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#283315 - 16/06/2006 19:29
Re: Classic/convertible hire in California?
[Re: julf]
|
carpal tunnel
Registered: 17/12/2000
Posts: 2665
Loc: Manteca, California
|
I'll recommend the Sebring, they just manage the air better. Very little wind in the cockpit (front seats). All in all it will be a much more enjoyable ride for that.
Enterprise always has Sebrings available, but put in a reservation to make sure you get one.
_________________________
Glenn
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#283316 - 16/06/2006 23:43
Re: Classic/convertible hire in California?
[Re: canuckInOR]
|
carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/01/2002
Posts: 3937
Loc: Providence, RI
|
I like the Sebring, I own one. It's just that, well, mine's a stick. I'd like to rent one which was the same.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#283317 - 18/06/2006 02:40
Re: Classic/convertible hire in California?
[Re: Daria]
|
carpal tunnel
Registered: 17/12/2000
Posts: 2665
Loc: Manteca, California
|
You own a Sebring convertable that has a stick? Didn't know that was ever offered, excpet in an autostick variant.
_________________________
Glenn
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#283318 - 18/06/2006 02:52
Re: Classic/convertible hire in California?
[Re: canuckInOR]
|
carpal tunnel
Registered: 17/12/2000
Posts: 2665
Loc: Manteca, California
|
Quote:
I have a friend in Boston who rents convertibles when he comes out to visit, and usually ends up with a Sebring. They're really the most common, it seems.
Has something to do with their popularity. As I recall, the first couple years they sold more Sebring Verts than the next 3-4 most popular models combined.
They really are great touring cars. But no they arn't hotrods.
_________________________
Glenn
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#283319 - 18/06/2006 15:57
Re: Classic/convertible hire in California?
[Re: gbeer]
|
carpal tunnel
Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
|
Quote:
You own a Sebring convertable that has a stick? Didn't know that was ever offered, excpet in an autostick variant.
I think it was offered in Canada. Perhaps he imported it?
_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#283320 - 18/06/2006 19:25
Re: Classic/convertible hire in California?
[Re: robricc]
|
carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/01/2002
Posts: 3937
Loc: Providence, RI
|
2002-2004 GTC was offered in stick in the U.S.
It wasn't easy to find.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#283321 - 18/06/2006 19:40
Re: Classic/convertible hire in California?
[Re: rob]
|
pooh-bah
Registered: 19/09/2002
Posts: 2494
Loc: East Coast, USA
|
Is THAT why I saw so many Mustangs when I did Highway 1... because that's the proper way, eh?
Don't be fooled when you look on the map and see "towns" along clifside Highway 1, thinking you can stop there for the night. They are actually self contained comunes which have a few rooms, a bar, and some gas pumps. One of them even claimed to keep its own livestock instead of relying on the vastly infrequent supply trucks. Wild.
When you get to the southern end, the bay where the seals hang out, there's a restaurant with a great view to give you a break from all that winding road. Enjoy.
_________________________
- FireFox31 110gig MKIIa (30+80), Eutronix lights, 32 meg stacked RAM, Filener orange gel lens, Greenlights Lit Buttons green set
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#283323 - 19/06/2006 05:41
Re: Classic/convertible hire in California?
[Re: Mach]
|
veteran
Registered: 01/10/2001
Posts: 1307
Loc: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
|
Quote:
I posted over on the classic mustang forum. I know that there are several places to rent exotics but haven't heard of anyone renting classics.
Thanks! Appreciated! Might just fall back to a modern Sebring. Still better than your average rental box
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#283324 - 19/06/2006 05:43
Re: Classic/convertible hire in California?
[Re: FireFox31]
|
veteran
Registered: 01/10/2001
Posts: 1307
Loc: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
|
Quote:
Is THAT why I saw so many Mustangs when I did Highway 1... because that's the proper way, eh?
Well, it should really be in a 60's convertible 2-seater Merc, but...
Quote:
Don't be fooled when you look on the map and see "towns" along clifside Highway 1, thinking you can stop there for the night. They are actually self contained comunes which have a few rooms, a bar, and some gas pumps. One of them even claimed to keep its own livestock instead of relying on the vastly infrequent supply trucks. Wild.
Part of the experience
We will play it safe and pre-book accommodation.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
Previous Topic
Index