So you’re going on vacation and you need to rent a car. Who says you have to stand in line at the airport and wait for the next Hertz or Alamo sedan to pull up? It’s time to start thinking outside of the box. Why not rent a classic car instead?

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You know exactly what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the cars you see on the roads and daydream about. We’re thinking the 1966 Ford Mustang, a Jaguar XKE, or some other sleek and sexy car you never thought you’d ever see, let alone be able to sit in or drive. These cars are like works of art, and everyone should be able to drive one at least once in his or her life.

Here are some of the best places in the world to rent classic cars.

Sports Car Rentals – Charlottesville, Virginia

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Sports Car Rentals in Charlottesville, Virginia has been in the business of renting classic cars since 1995. The vintage beauties rented by this incredible company include the 1959 MGA convertible and a 1963 Buick Skylark, amongst others. Imagine touring Charlottesville’s country roads with the top down and the wind blowing through your air.

Imperial Classic Limousine Service – Albuquerque, New Mexico

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You won’t get to drive these beauties yourself but you’ll definitely enjoy being chauffeured around the city in a vintage Chrysler Imperial from the 40’s and 50’s. Monte Bruckman, the owner, will customize a trip along Route 66 for those who’ve never explored the area before. The hottest car in his fleet is a 1956 C70 Series Crown Imperial. The car is one of only 8 that remain in existence today.

Dream Car Rentals – Las Vegas, Nevada

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The cool thing about Dream Car Rentals is that they have a nifty knack for making dreams come true. Be honest, now. You know you were jealous about Elvis Presley or the guys in the Rat Pack having such a cool car. The cars at Dream Car Rentals include a 1959 Cadillac Eldorado and a 1968 Pontiac GTO. These muscle cars were incredibly popular almost 50 years ago and still attract the attention of curious tourists – especially those from foreign countries.

The Open Road – Stratford, UK

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If you’re in the UK you’ll want to stop by The Open Road where you’ll find a collection of nine British cars and one 1966 Ford Mustang. The larger, faster cars here are the most popular amongst tourists. While there are only 10 cars here, the owner does publish a web guide known as Classic Car Hire World which helps people locate other rentals as well.

Vintage Classics – Oxford, UK

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If you rent a car from Vintage Classics you’re going to get more than a simple ride. The tours designed by the owner are inspired by the famous “Inspector Morse” series and take visitors on a 156 mile tour around some of the show’s most familiar and popular locations. Your tour will be conducted in a Jaguar MK2 sedan – just like the one the inspector drove!

Motorparty – Dumfries, Scotland

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Martin Edgar, the owner of Motorparty, has a collection of seven incredible classic cars to rent. His collection includes an E-type Jaguar but the most incredible is the 1933 MG Midget. This car is the only car – anywhere- available for rent that was created pre-war. If you want to drive this car you’ll have to take an hour long preparation class with his staff and if they aren’t satisfied with your performance they simply won’t let you rent the car.

Aspirations – Brisbane, Australia

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At Aspirations in Brisbane you’ll find a collection of sports cars from the 1950’s and 60’s. The owner, Richard Gaunt, does have a 1966 Mustang in his collection as well. You’ll also find a 1969 Jaguar S-Type and the incredibly popular 1957 MGA.

Vintage Car Tour – Rome, Italy

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The women running Vintage Car Tour in Rome have something unique going for them. They’ll let you drive a classic Italian luxury car, but only in a small convoy as you are led from place to place on a guided tour. Cars include the Lancia Aurelia and the prized Alfa Romeo 1750.

Vintage Roads – Touraine, France

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Vintage Roads specializes in renting Citroen Traction Avant vehicles, designed between 1934 and 1957. These cars were amongst the first front-wheel drive vehicles and were often admired for their speed. These vehicles are often featured in movies and have made appearances in escape scenes in great movies such as The Great Escape and The Sound of Music.

There are dozens of incredible classic car companies around the world, each one ready and waiting to let you drive (or at least ride in) some of the most popular and beautifully crafted vehicles ever to hit the roads. Look for a classic car company near your next destination. They’re guaranteed to spice up any vacation itinerary.