Content overview: “Driving a $135,670 Range Rover to the James Gandolfini Service Area: A New Jersey Road Tri”. The Autopian takes a $135,670 Range Rover on a uniquely New Jersey journey to the James Gandolfini Service Area, named after the late actor famous for his role as Tony Soprano. The writer, a Texan adjusting to New York, admits that New Jersey occasionally outshines its neighbor, and this trip becomes a test of both the luxury SUV and the Garden State's character. The Range Rover's opulent interior and smooth ride contrast with the service area's gritty, pop-culture homage, highlighting the state's blend of high-end and working-class culture.
Along the way, the writer reflects on the rivalry between New York and New Jersey, from pizza to bodegas, and how the service area—renamed in 2022—has become a quirky landmark. The drive underscores why such destinations matter: they turn an ordinary highway stop into a cultural touchstone, drawing fans and travelers alike. The full version stays on the original page, which this listing opens directly.