A couple from Claremore is turning heads across America as they celebrate the upcoming centennial of Route 66 by recreating their honeymoon journey in a nearly 100-year-old vintage car.
But while the trip is filled with nostalgia and excitement, it has also come with plenty of mechanical problems and unexpected delays.
Ed Fogle and Jackie Fogle are attempting to drive the entire 2,448-mile Route 66 in their antique Hupmobile as part of the historic highway’s 100th anniversary celebrations.
Couple Retraces Honeymoon After 25 Years
The Fogles said the trip is deeply personal because it recreates the honeymoon adventure they took together 25 years ago.
This time, however, they decided to complete the journey in a vintage Hupmobile that is around a century old.
Their goal is to travel the full length of Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica while participating in several centennial events along the way.
Ed Fogle explained that preparing for such a trip in a historic vehicle required huge amounts of planning.
He said:
“It’s amazing how much preparation goes into this.”
Mechanical Problems Started Immediately
Unfortunately, the adventure faced trouble almost from the very beginning.
The couple said the Hupmobile experienced mechanical problems on the very first day after reaching Chicago, the traditional starting point of Route 66.
Soon after beginning the trip, the engine started overheating badly.
According to Ed:
“The engine overheated big time.”
As they continued driving, the vehicle’s coolant levels repeatedly dropped, causing more concern.
Radiator Problems Forced Them Home
The situation became even worse near Rolla when the temperature gauge suddenly spiked again.
Ed recalled:
“We didn’t get 20 feet before it just went like that.”
At that point, the couple realised they could not safely continue with the damaged radiator.
They were forced to load the vintage car onto a trailer and return home temporarily for repairs.
Fear of Missing Major Route 66 Parade
One of the couple’s biggest worries was missing an important Route 66 centennial kickoff parade in Springfield.
The Fogles had been selected to lead the parade in their antique car, making the event especially meaningful for them.
Ed admitted the possibility of missing it was heartbreaking.
He said:
“That’s a pretty big disappointment. I don’t want to miss this parade.”
Local Shop Helps Save the Trip
Determined not to abandon the dream journey, the Fogles managed to get the Hupmobile back to Springfield despite more setbacks.
Fortunately, a nearby repair shop agreed to examine the car and help fix the ongoing issues.
Thanks to those repairs, the couple was finally able to participate in the parade as planned.
Drone footage and videos from the event showed the pair smiling and waving to cheering crowds as they slowly drove through the celebration.
Vintage Car Still Facing Challenges
Even during the parade, Ed joked that the vehicle was still causing concern.
He laughed:
“It’s holding steady… as long as we don’t run out of gas.”
Despite all the problems, the couple said they are determined to continue the trip because they spent years preparing for it.
Ed explained:
“We have spent years dreaming of this… planning.”
Destination: Santa Monica
The couple’s ultimate goal is to reach Santa Monica, which marks the western end of Route 66.
For Jackie, completing the journey will be emotional after all the difficulties they have faced.
She said:
“It’ll be difficult to not jump out and kiss the ground.”
Every Setback Becoming Part of the Story
Even though the mechanical breakdowns delayed the trip, the Fogles now see those problems as part of the adventure itself.
Ed said the struggles will eventually become part of the memories they share about the historic drive.
He added:
“We are going to finish… and then it’ll be a story.”
Route 66 Centennial Celebrations Continue
The famous Route 66 highway will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, leading to special events, classic car gatherings, and parades across multiple states.
The Fogles plan to continue their road trip and eventually participate in the Capital Cruise Classic Car Parade in Tulsa later this month.
Why Route 66 Remains Iconic
Often called “The Mother Road,” Route 66 remains one of America’s most famous highways.
| Route 66 Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 2,448 miles |
| Opened | 1926 |
| Starts in | Chicago |
| Ends in | Santa Monica |
| States crossed | 8 states |
The highway became a symbol of American road trips, travel culture, and adventure during the 20th century.
