Preparing a classic for its first long drive after a restoration is different from preparing it for a short local test drive. The systems that are adequate for a 20-minute drive may not be adequate for 400 miles.

Cooling system: run the car to full temperature at least twice before the trip. Fill the radiator, run to temperature, let it cool, recheck the level. Air pockets in the cooling system reveal themselves this way and can be addressed before they cause overheating on a highway.

Fuel system: verify the tank is clean. Debris in the tank will overwhelm the fuel filter at highway speeds. If you're not certain the tank is clean, run the car until the filter clogs before the trip, not during it.

Transmission: check the fluid level and inspect for any leaks at the seals. A new rebuild may need a seal to seat — the first several hundred miles are when that happens.