07/17/2026
Anthony packed more than 200 model cars for his Route 66 trip. With that many to choose from, I started noticing that the same four or five cars kept showing up in his photos.
So I finally asked him, "Why do you keep bringing out the same few cars?"
He smiled and said, "Those are the travelers. They've each made the trip during different decades."
As it turns out, he has an entire backstory for every one of them!
Yesterday I spent the day listening to him dictate all of their stories, and I have to say... he had me laughing out loud at some points and getting a little emotional at others. His imagination is incredible.
I've decided to add a special section to the back of the book featuring four of these stories. One of them—about the PT Cruiser—is absolutely hilarious. My only hesitation is that I'm wondering if some readers who don't know Anthony might misunderstand his humor. He loves all cars, but if you're part of car culture, you know there's always good-natured ribbing between different makes and models. He even has an ongoing Ford vs. Chevy rivalry with one of his friends, even though everyone knows he owns—and loves—both brands.
So I'd love to use you all as a focus group. I'll share the PT Cruiser story next, and I'd really appreciate your honest feedback. Should it stay exactly as Anthony told it, or would it be better to soften a few parts while keeping the spirit of the story?
The story of the Pt Cruiser, by Anthony Schmidt
In 2006, Derek finally decided he was going to live his dream of driving all the way down Route 66 in his beautiful pink 4 door 1959 Buick LeSabre. He had everything prepared and had spent weeks polishing the chrome until it practically blinded the neighbors.
Unfortunately, his mom had other ideas.
While Derek was packing, she sold the Buick behind his back. She said, "It’s not safe, it’s too old, and probably haunted." In its place sat a boring grey PT Cruiser that looked like a disappointed loaf of bread.
"It's practical," she said.
Derek stared at it for a full minute before quietly saying, "This is the worst thing that's ever happened."
With no other choice, he loaded his bags into what he immediately nicknamed the "PT Loser" and set off on Route 66 anyway. The trip became less about looking cool and more about surviving the endless jokes from strangers at gas stations, who kept asking if he rented it by accident.
By the end of the journey, though, Derek realized something unexpected: Route 66 wasn't about what you drove. It was about the quirky roadside attractions, the odd people you met, and collecting stories so ridiculous that nobody would believe them later.
He still never forgave his mom for selling the Buick, though. Some betrayals are forever.
By the way if you are interested in pre-ordering the coffee table book just drop a note in the comments and I will point you in the right direction, it's going to be great!
