click above image for more pics of the 2.6 million-mile Volvo P1800
We've reported on high-mileage cars here before. There was the Jetta diesel that Volkswagen found in Ohio with 562,000 miles on its odometer. Then there was the Saab 900 that had traveled 1,001,385 miles in its lifetime. Finally, there was also a 1995 Dodge Ram that passed the million-mile mark. We know of these cars because Volkswagen, Saab and Dodge sought them out and have been using their mere existence as marketing tools. At least the driver of the Volkswagen was given a 1-year lease on a new Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI. The Dodge Ram owner got a call from Tom LaSorda and a book about DaimlerChrysler's history, while the Saab owner actually had to buy himself a new set of Swedish wheels.
All high-mileage vehicles still traveling our nation's roads, however, must tip their rusty hats to this one, Irv Gordon's 1966 Volvo P1800 with 2.6 million miles under its belt-line. Gordon has been the only owner of this P1800 since it was purchased new in 1966. A 125-mile round trip daily commute and a penchant for regular maintenance got the car this far, and in 1998 it made the Guinness Book of World Records at just 1.69 million miles.
Since retired from teaching science, Gordon now plans on hitting the 3 million-mile mark sometime in the next five years. Keep in mind, he's slowed down to 80,000 miles/year from his record pace of over 100,000 miles/year in 2002. While not promising to retire the car once it hits 3 million miles, Gordon says he might break down before the car does. We hope if that if he does reach that milestone, Volvo will pony up a free replacement for his Energizer Bunny-esqe P1800. How about a C30?
[Source: Volvo]
We've reported on high-mileage cars here before. There was the Jetta diesel that Volkswagen found in Ohio with 562,000 miles on its odometer. Then there was the Saab 900 that had traveled 1,001,385 miles in its lifetime. Finally, there was also a 1995 Dodge Ram that passed the million-mile mark. We know of these cars because Volkswagen, Saab and Dodge sought them out and have been using their mere existence as marketing tools. At least the driver of the Volkswagen was given a 1-year lease on a new Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI. The Dodge Ram owner got a call from Tom LaSorda and a book about DaimlerChrysler's history, while the Saab owner actually had to buy himself a new set of Swedish wheels.
All high-mileage vehicles still traveling our nation's roads, however, must tip their rusty hats to this one, Irv Gordon's 1966 Volvo P1800 with 2.6 million miles under its belt-line. Gordon has been the only owner of this P1800 since it was purchased new in 1966. A 125-mile round trip daily commute and a penchant for regular maintenance got the car this far, and in 1998 it made the Guinness Book of World Records at just 1.69 million miles.
Since retired from teaching science, Gordon now plans on hitting the 3 million-mile mark sometime in the next five years. Keep in mind, he's slowed down to 80,000 miles/year from his record pace of over 100,000 miles/year in 2002. While not promising to retire the car once it hits 3 million miles, Gordon says he might break down before the car does. We hope if that if he does reach that milestone, Volvo will pony up a free replacement for his Energizer Bunny-esqe P1800. How about a C30?
[Source: Volvo]
PRESS RELEASE:
At 2.6 Million Miles, Irv Gordon and his Historic Volvo Roll On
Retired Long Island Science Teacher Sets Sights on 3 Million Miles In His Record-Breaking 1966 Volvo P1800
IRVINE, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2007) -- With 2.6 million miles on his record-breaking, shiny red 1966 Volvo P1800, 67-year-old Irv Gordon is now aiming to achieve a near impossible milestone - driving three million miles in the same car.
Gordon, a retired science teacher from East Patchogue, N.Y., purchased his sporty Volvo in June 1966, and immediately fell in love, driving 1,500 miles in the first 48 hours. With a 125-mile round-trip daily commute, a dedication to vehicle maintenance and a passion for driving, Gordon logged 500,000 miles in 10 years. In 1998 with 1.69 million miles, he made the Guinness Book of World Records for most miles driven by a single owner in a non-commercial vehicle.
Today, Gordon breaks his own record every time he drives, whether it's to Cincinnati for coffee, Rolla, Mo., for lunch or Green River, Wyo., for dinner. And now, the treasured Volvo P1800 continues to roll through the ages despite the wear of road and time, Gordon - like any mighty record-holder at the top of his game - has begun to think about his legacy.
"My goal is to reach three million miles in the next five years," Gordon said. "But, whether I reach that mark is more up to me than it is the car. The car's parts may be able to take it, but I'm not so sure about my own.
"I turn 72 on July 15, 2012," he added. "That seems like a nice day to clock three million and park the car once and for all. It will be a fantastic testament to the engineering genius of Volvo as well as to the resiliency of folks my age.
"I'll also feel comfortable that three million miles is a record that no one will ever be able to reach in the same car," Gordon continued. "That is, unless Barry Bonds decides to start driving his car more after he retires from baseball."
Slowing the Pace in Recent Years
Through the late '90s and early part of this decade, Gordon had been driving at a near fanatical pace of well over 100,000 miles per year, peaking in March 2002 when he gained worldwide attention for turning two million miles while driving down Broadway in Times Square. Today, to reach his next milestone, he is allowing a more conservative pace of 80,000 miles per year, thanks in large part to doctor's orders.
"You tire a little easier when you reach my age," Gordon said. "Gone are the nights when I'd be driving through Nebraska at 3 a.m. on I-80 West, jacked up on two pots of delicious Waffle House coffee.
"Last year, when my doctor told me I could no longer drive 24 hours at a time, 1,000 miles a day, I thought he was out of his mind, but I now realize he's right," Gordon said. "Today, I get a full night's sleep, eat healthy and take eight days to drive cross country, rather than six. The car gets plenty of exercise no matter how I plan each trip."
Gordon Seeking New Places to Drive
Gordon drives for the pure pleasure of driving but, these days, what motivates him most is an invitation to drive to an event to show off his car and visit friends. As he drives toward three million miles, he's looking for new places to go.
"I've traveled pretty much every Interstate in the U.S. many times over, so these days I'm looking for fresh, alternative routes and sights," Gordon said. "I'm hoping for some invitations to some faraway places like Europe, Australia or Hawaii.
"I can hold my own with almost any trucker at any truck stop in any country - discussing roads, construction, or the best nearby, small-town diner with a good cup of decaf and piece of raisin toast."
What to Do After 3 Million
Gordon is unsure what to do with his Volvo after three million miles, though he has considered selling it for no less than one dollar per each mile he's driven.
"I also think it should go in a nice, cozy museum where people will get to enjoy seeing the car that beat the odds - all with the same engine, same radio, same axles, same transmission and of course the same driver," Gordon said.
"So, maybe I'll sell it. Maybe I'll donate it to a museum," he concluded. "Who knows? Maybe I'll keep driving it."
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