Driving • July 2015

Five unlikely epic drives

Jodie Kidd’s modelling career began aged 15 when she was spotted on a beach in Barbados. She went on to appear on the covers of Elle and Vogue and featured in campaigns for the likes of Chloé and Chanel. A keen horse-rider and golfer, Kidd is the face of CNN’s equestrian coverage and ambassador for golf clothing brand Green Lamb. She has also become a high-octane racing driver

Interview by Etan Smallman

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Mille Miglia, Italy

The route starts in Brescia and follows the east coast of Italy, through Siena, all the way down to Rome then back up. With the cypress trees, aroma, rolling hills, food and wine, it’s a treat for every sense. Of course, I was doing it at breakneck speed so I didn’t get out and enjoy it as much as I should have!

Car of choice: Jaguar XK 120

A272 through West Sussex, England

I love driving this route along the South Downs. You can stop off at Midhurst, watch polo at Cowdray Park or play golf at Goodwood. You can see the Isle of Wight and the beautiful rolling hills of Sussex where I was born. And there are wonderful little pubs with delicious food and gorgeous hospitality. It’s a lovely part of the world.

Car of choice: Mercedes 280 SL Pagoda

Photo: Getty Images

Gumball Rally, San Francisco to Miami

Eight years ago I spent five days travelling from San Francisco to Miami, via Reno, the Grand Canyon, Vegas, through Texas, down to Louisiana, New Orleans and into Florida. It was very interesting to see the differences in the people and cultures, and it was cool to go from the swamplands of Louisiana to New Orleans, which is the most amazing city in the world.

Car of choice: A 1960s Camaro Z28

Photo: Getty Images

Pacific Coast Highway, USA

There are few roads quite as synonymous with road trips as this one. I hired a hefty American cruiser – a 1950s Buick LeSabre. It was a giggle, because the car was so over the top. I drove from Los Angeles to San Francisco over three days, through really stunning scenery. If you haven’t been, then it’s definitely one for the bucket list.

Car of choice: 1950s Buick LeSabre

Photo: Alamy

Brecon Beacons to Portmeirion, Wales

Portmeirion is one of the most bizarre but pretty places I’ve ever visited. The architecture looks Italian, but the area feels very English and proper. I travelled from Sussex up into Wales and then over the Brecons, before staying overnight in a little B&B. The next day I went up Mount Snowdon before arriving at the village. You really have to visit to get a feel for the place.

Car of choice: Ferrari 250 California Spider

Photo: Getty Images

Five unlikely epic drives

Mille Miglia, Italy

A272 through West Sussex, England

Gumball Rally, San Francisco to Miami

Pacific Coast Highway, USA

Brecon Beacons to Portmeirion, Wales

Mille Miglia, Italy

A272 through West Sussex, England

Gumball Rally, San Francisco to Miami

Pacific Coast Highway, USA

Brecon Beacons to Portmeirion, Wales

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