by Maria Bellotto @thecashmerediaries 

They say the clothes don’t define the man, but certainly the vehicle defines the Gou Gou, especially when we are talking about villeggiatura. Indeed, one can recognise this rare specimen among the crowd by the maniacal attention not only to the destination, but also to the transportation chosen to reach it. 

Whether you’re a cabriolet jaunt or a two-wheeled mini-escape type, this reasoned compendium of wheeled vehicles will be your one-stop resource for driving in style next summer. Warm up your engines, here we go! 

Driving through sand dunes and treacherous reed beds requires a reliable vehicle with a somewhat safari-like allure. 

Whether you’re confronting a wild desert or the dirt roads of Corsica, what you need – paired with a scarf, safari jacket and must-have binoculars – is a reliable but still sporty vehicle. We’re talking about a beige and tobacco Jeep C7 Golden Eagle or, for those who don’t take themselves too seriously, the old school charm of a Mini Moke, perhaps military green, or orange for those who like a bit of Seventies style. 

Their angles and delightfully spartan lines (not to mention nonexistent shock absorbers) will provide you with unforgettable adventures amidst breathtaking views and dusty, Mediterranean-scented roads. 

Indispensable accessory to complete the road trip: an old school map, which once opened you will never be able to fold as before. 

Who doesn’t remember Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck’s vespa-riding jaunts in Vacanze Romane? Get your sunglasses and helmet ready (and silk scarf to protect your hair!) because two-wheelers are a très romantic vehicle for Gou Gous devoted to out-of-town trips. 

And if the classic vespa or lambretta aren’t aggressive enough, don’t worry-there are plenty of other models to suit you. Maybe your passenger will have to be a smart one (and climb on an uncomfortable micoscropic seat), but shall we discuss the allure of driving through the countryside on a BMW R80 GS or Yamaha XT? Sure, you’ll be a little noisy, but for the sake of the style, that and more! 

And speaking of two-wheelers, a necessary vintage digression must be made: if you are among the lucky ones who can go to the garage and-under a gasoline-stained tarp find a BMW with sidecar, jealously guarded by at least two generations of far-sighted family members who are passionate about this stupendous vehicle of locomotion-what are you waiting for? Helmet, goggles, white cotton perforated mittens and off to the horizon.  

Warning: you need a consenting Gou Gou seated in the sidecar with a picnic basket, a bouquet of wildflowers and/or a small dog on your thighs.

Fans of on the road travel can hardly resist the timeless appeal of a convertible and the sense of freedom that traveling with the wind in your hair on a hot summer day can give.

But of course, not all cars are good for this kind of purpose: it takes the right mix of style, sportiness, class, and good taste, a little démodé but not too much. To tackle the tree-lined avenues of the Provençal countryside, the winding roads that line the Riviera, the hairpin turns that follow each other through fir forests, the Gou Gous know that some iconic cars can never let them down.

A Porsche 964 convertible-whose original owner lived his golden years in the very early Nineties-or a 911 from the Seventies may not give the best performance, but with their understated charm (so to speak) they never stop touching the hearts of legions of enthusiasts.

On the other hand, if nostalgic style is your signature, why not to opt for a great classic from the Eighties: the strictly convertible Volkswagen Beetle, with a canvas roof. We love the red model or the black one with the beige interior, but don’t be too fussy. Lower the canopy and off you go to adventure!

Secretly, it is known that Gou Gous do not like to go unnoticed. That’s why sometimes the medium becomes a real business card. And if you want to go overboard, but always with good taste, you might as well aim high, or extremely high.

And what car has made automotive history more than a Ferrari Testarossa? This striking red Berlinetta is a baby that never has to ask, and it looks great parked outside a Tuscan estate for a weekend of poolside cocktails.

Looking for a more classy and nostalgic option? We, you know, like to play outside the box: a Lancia Fulvia HF is just perfect for the romantics. Inspired by the design and lines of Riva speedboats, it is the same model in which Pat Moss, sister of the great Stirling, won the Sestriere Rally in 1968.

Returning instead to those who never have to ask, we are closing this roundup of icons on four wheels (or two) with a classic that has made – even – movie history: it’s her, the stunning Aston Martin DB5. This old lady is truly a gem, to be driven strictly with a silk scarf around your neck, cat-rimmed glasses, and driver’s gloves. And if your passenger gets annoying-you can always eject him. Tant pis!