Posted on 12/07/2006 1:01:32 PM PST by Responsibility2nd
Peter Gilbert of Glendale, Wisconsin drove his 1989 Saab 900 SPG a little more than 1,001,385 miles, according to a Saab verification.
Gilbert originally purchased the Saab new in November 1989 after the divorce of his wife. He says the car survived eight collisions with deer, one claiming the radiator of his car.
Perhaps the success of Gilbert's ride can be attributed to his meticulous care regiment. For example, Gilbert only used premium synthetic oil in oil changes, and changed his tires every 45,000 miles. Not to mention, he strictly followed the maintenance schedule.
Gilbert donated his prized possession to the Wisconsin Automotive Museum. He says the transmission was rebuilt at 200,000 miles and the hood and a few other parts were replaced after the deer collisions, but otherwise the car sports its original equipment.
So, why is he retiring his ride after all the years of service?
"There was no point in driving the car any longer," he said. "Even though it might have gone another million miles."
Wisconsin's winter seasons took their toll on the Saab. Apparently, the road salt had rusted its frame. Maybe the next time he came across a deer, he might not be so lucky.
If you'd like to see Gilbert's car, you're going to have to make a little road trip of your own to the Hartford museum in Wisconsin. Before Gilbert donated his car to the Wisconsin Automotive museum, he made sure it looked as good as new. The museum houses a number of rare vehicles, including a Nash built in Kenosha in 1916.
Don't worry, Gilbert won't have to walk now that he turned in his coach. He is the proud owner of a newer Saab--with a few less miles.
ping for you!
Quite a Saab story.
At first I thought this would be like the hammer that lasted 75 years - the handle was replaced 5 times and the head twice, but otherwise it was as good as new.
His ad in the weekly didn't go over to well:
Saab: Gently used, new tires, high miles. Good maintenance schedule. Filing cabinet not included with paperwork to support service schedule. Drivers seat slightly worn. only 1 million miles. Call now before I donate it to a Mueseum!
Mine had a smidge over 250K when I traded it. Ran like a top. The salesman who sold me my truck bought it.
There are cars on the road with over 200,000 miles on them...I stay away from them..
I put 400,000 on my 1975 911T Porsche before it just fell apart. - Literally.
ROFLOL!
"Perhaps the success of Gilbert's ride can be attributed to his meticulous care regiment."
If I had an army to take care of me I could go a million miles, too.
I believe the writer meant regimen.
Although I doubt even a 4x4 truck or SUV would have been adequate for where they were.
You've got to be kidding?
In '89 we had Chrysler LeBaron, Chevy Celebrity, Ford Festiva and Oldsmobile Calais which one of those have you seen lately?
Wow that is 58,906 miles per year. I thought that I drove alot at around 25,000 a year. I think that the average American drives around 12,000 per year.
"quite a saab story."
rothflmao
Especially if you have a regiment to take care of it!
Two round trips to the moon.
Good point.
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