Not just for gearheads, Vanishing Point is one of those great thematic "death of the 60's" films which pits a final sub-culture hero against the law, driving himself and the rest of his generation into oblivion.
For a film based solely on a massive single car chase, this is surprisingly low-key and atmospheric. Be sure to watch the longer UK version (included on the recent DVD and Blu Ray discs) which adds a vital, melancholic scene which makes the ending much more understandable than the pure action U.S. version.
Makes for a great double-header with "Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry" which is also available in a nice edition from Anchor Bay.