Three V8 engines, scenic roads, and an unwavering passion for classic cars. To many, this might sound like madness, but for enthusiasts of American classics, it’s the formula for happiness. And what happens when we add friends and breathtaking landscapes to the mix? An unforgettable journey.
We’re passionate about Mopar, and that’s no secret. Mopar, for those unfamiliar, refers to vehicles manufactured by Chrysler: Dodge, Plymouth, Jeep, and others. These cars possess an aura that simply cannot be found in ordinary vehicles. It was this passion that inspired us to plan something special: a road trip combining Mopar, V8 engines, friends, and incredible scenery.
The Start of the Journey
In late 2017, we began organizing the route. On paper, there were many interested parties. In practice, only the committed: Luiz, Marcelo “Ração,” and me. The date was set for September 2018, and off we went, with two cars departing from Central Brazil, a meeting point in the Southeast, and a final destination: Montevideo, Uruguay.
We first gathered in Águas de Lindóia at the Mopar Nationals Brasil, organized by the Chrysler Club. It’s an event exclusively for Mopar enthusiasts, filled with pure nostalgia. The next day, we headed to Curitiba, forming a convoy of V8s with Mopar cars from the region. Picture this: highways lined with vehicles producing the unmistakable sound of eight cylinders, as if we had traveled back to the 1970s.
The First Hurdle
That’s when the adventure began to reveal its challenges. Along the way, Luiz’s Dart started emitting smoke from the exhaust. The trip seemed compromised. But give up? Never! We returned to Taubaté, where our mechanic friend Glauco worked through the night to replace a blown gasket. With the car back in shape, we resumed the journey.
From North to South in Uruguay
We crossed the pampas of Rio Grande do Sul until we reached Santana do Livramento, at the border with Uruguay. The peculiarity? A square separates the two countries, but to cross officially, you need to go through customs posts. We required the "Carta Verde" insurance, but of course, the insurer’s new system didn’t recognize our vintage cars, so everything was processed manually. After completing the formalities, we moved on.
Taking Route 5, we drove about 500 km to Montevideo. Immaculate roads, steep tolls (96 pesos, or nearly R$12), and expensive gasoline with no ethanol and an octane rating of 97. But it was worth it: we arrived in the Uruguayan capital at night, ready to explore.
Exploring Uruguay
Montevideo welcomed us with its unique blend of old-world charm and discreet modernity. The city features wide, tree-lined streets and a tranquil atmosphere that contrasts with the bustle of larger capitals. We explored its ramblas, long avenues along the Rio de la Plata, a setting that invites you to slow down and take in the view. One aspect that caught our attention was the number of old cars still in use, many in conditions that Brazilians would likely consider "precarious." However, this authenticity has its charm: the small dents and wear are almost like scars telling stories. We visited "desarmaderos," Uruguay's renowned junkyards, uncovering treasures of parts and relics for classic car enthusiasts. We also took time to explore Punta del Este, with its vibrant beaches and luxurious mansions, as well as the quaint José Ignacio, which charmed us with its simplicity. It’s worth mentioning the excellent restaurant "La Huella." Rocha, with its countryside vibe, was another memorable stop, offering postcard-worthy landscapes. We didn’t hesitate to take dirt roads, confident that our Mopars were up to the challenge. Uruguay, with its calmness and authenticity, truly won our hearts.
The Return Journey
The next highlight was the HPV8 event in Garibaldi, a gathering of classic car enthusiasts that felt like a celebration of automotive culture. There, our Mopars, still bearing the marks of adventure—a bit of dust here, a splash of mud there—became the center of attention. While many exhibitors proudly showcased their perfectly polished, spotless cars, we took pride in displaying ours with the stories they carried. Every speck of dirt felt like a medal earned on the road. The event was filled with reunions with old friends and new connections, all set to the unmistakable rumble of V8 engines. The following day, we joined a drive through the stunning Serra Gaúcha, where the winding curves and lush green mountains made the experience even more cinematic. It was impossible not to be swept away by the beauty of the region, seemingly tailor-made for celebrating the joy of the open road. Every kilometer reinforced our adventurous spirit and the camaraderie that only such a journey can create.
The drive through the Serra do Rio do Rastro in Santa Catarina was simply unforgettable. With its sharp curves and impressive elevation changes, the road felt like a scene from a movie. The roar of the V8 engines echoed through the mountains, amplifying the presence of our classic Mopars. At the summit, we were greeted by dense fog, obscuring the panoramic view but creating an almost magical atmosphere. Despite the unpredictable weather, the cinematic climb and the challenge of the curves made this one of the trip’s standout moments.
The final stop was the Mopar gathering in Louveira, wrapping up the journey with friends, torrential rain, and countless stories to share. After 15 days, nearly 8,000 km traveled, and an average fuel consumption of 4.5 km/l, we returned home exhausted but fulfilled.
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