CA, US & World
Oklahoma Couple Completes Route 66 Journey in 1926 Hupmobile for Centennial Anniversary
SANTA MONICA, California — An Oklahoma couple hit the ultimate milestone this weekend, successfully driving the entire length of historic Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica inside an antique 1926 Hupmobile.
The cross-country journey, undertaken by Ed and Jackie Fogel, began about a month ago in the Windy City. To kick off the adventure, the couple had the century-old vehicle towed from Oklahoma to Illinois, where they officially jumped into the driver's seat and pointed the classic car west toward the Pacific coast.
Completing the nearly 2,400-mile road trip in a vehicle manufactured the exact same year the highway was officially established served as a ultimate tribute to the 100th anniversary of Route 66. However, traveling in a vintage automobile came with its fair share of mechanical hurdles. Over the course of their month on the blacktop, the Fogels had to entirely replace the car's radiator and repair a broken motor mount on two separate occasions.
The unique car features eye-catching wheels made with wooden spokes, drawing a crowd of onlookers and car enthusiasts at the finish line. While some automotive purists might question the wear-and-tear of putting so many grueling miles on a pristine piece of history, the Fogels successfully braved the elements to complete the trek.
The couple arrived safely at the end of the trail in Santa Monica, wrapping up a memorable and uniquely authentic tribute to America's most famous highway.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
May 25, 2026


