Route 66

Part I-

In the mid to late ‘90’s I was fully engrossed in the computer game “Interstate ‘76”.
IIRC it was the first networked game that players could leave and join dynamically.
The damage model was great- you could tell if you had a flat tire.
The main vehicle the player drives is a representation of a 1970 ‘Cuda.
Kind of a cross between an AAR and a Hemi.
The setting is portions of the SouthWest, heavily influenced by Route 66, circa the mid 1970’s.

Part II-

When I bought my Coronet, I had to drive cross country to pick it up.
This took me along portions of Rt66 in Oklahoma and Texas.
I really enjoyed this trip, although it was the longest drive I’d ever undertaken.
On parts of the trip, I could clearly see where the game developers got level designs from.
I’d find myself saying “cool, this is the “canyon” level, or “this is “Airbase””.

Epilogue-

I did notice that most of the rust free classic cars along the main roadways seem to have already been picked. I did see LOTS of heavier trucks and service vehicles ripe for the picking, though.

I’m stoked that I was able to make that trip, as I consider it one of the great experiences that helps to define “America”.

Note in the screenshots the instrument faces- 100% Mopar. Even the auto gear selector.