Salesman donates million-mile car to museum
As a traveling salesman, Peter Gilbert has put a
few miles on his car — 1,001,385 miles, to be precise.
As a traveling salesman, Peter Gilbert has put a few miles on his car — 1,001,385 miles, to be precise.
It took the Glendale man 17 years to cross the million-mile mark with his 1989 Saab 900 SPG. He recently donated the durable vehicle to the Wisconsin Automotive Museum after Saab verified the mileage.
The transmission was rebuilt at 200,000 miles and the hood and a few other parts replaced after eight deer collisions, but otherwise it has original equipment.
But Wisconsin’s harsh winters took a toll on the car. Its sporty exterior still looks good, but road salt has rusted its frame. Gilbert realized it might no longer be safe if he hit another deer or had a serious accident.
“There was no point in driving the car any longer,” he said. “Even though it might have gone another million miles.”
He had it detailed and parked it at the Hartford museum, which houses a number of rare vehicles.
Nice to see he still has as much confidence in the same brand — after all those years. He just bought another SAAB.
Posted: Thu - December 7, 2006 at 12:27 PM