This sounds like a bare-bones version of Auto-Train that was described in a Q&A format in an article in TRAINS in 1962 or so. As mentioned in other posts, a version like this overlooks a lot of safety and other issues.
I cannot imagine that many people would prefer sitting up in their cars all night to sitting in a reclining coach seat with legrests and footrests or sleeping in a berth. Also, would the auto carriers have windows so that the people sitting in their cars could see what is going on outside the train?
I agree with Paul that safety is overlooked in the idea.
I agree that safety is very important. Other countries have something similar from the looks of some of the links attached to other entries. Safety issues can be addressed. In thinking about who drives their cars to Florida, it’s families looking to save money. Well-off families fly there and rent a car. The majority probably drive straight through, or stop in a hotel for a night or two. They might be interested in “bare-bones” Auto Racks. They could be modified with some windows, solid floors, carbon monoxide detectors, ventilation fans…the technology is there to pull it off. I was just trying to look at a way to make it desirable to the average midwesterner. You could have passenger cars/diners, and sleeping berths too for people with bigger budgets.
Just sayin…
There is absolutely no way an insurance company would ever underwrite a “ride in your car” scheme in the US. FRA/DOT crash safety regulations would prevent it as well…It’ll happen about the same time as when the airlines install subway style hanger straps for standing-room-only passengers in their Boeings and Airbusses…
However,back in the day (when the Autotrain concept was first proposed) the idea was considered. There is an old edition of TRAINS from the late 60’s or early 70’s that has drawings of people traveling with their vehicles in semi-open two level autocarriers…
OK…never mind!