Three Million Mile Man and the secret to a long-lasting car
Guinness World Record holder Irvin Gordon chats to locals about car care after driving more than 5 million kilometres in 50 years
Johannesburg, South Africa, 8 February 2017 – Irvin “Irv” Gordon (76) was recently in South Africa to film a video about the special relationships that people have with their cars. While there, he took the opportunity to speak to locals about how to care for their cars and keep them running for longer.
Irv is certainly an expert in this area; the retired science teacher from New York is the current world record holder for the most miles driven by a single owner of a non-commercial vehicle. Along with his 1966 Volvo P1800S, Gordon has driven well over three million miles.
Also read: New Castrol oil can extend your engine life
When he purchased his new Volvo in 1966 it arrived filled with Castrol motor oil. Irv has used Castrol for every service and for top-up maintenance ever since. His Volvo, which still has the original engine and gearbox, has driven a remarkable distance that’s equivalent to 127 laps around the world, or six round-trips to the moon and back! And he’s still going strong, setting a new world record with each passing mile.
“Irv has reached some incredible milestones using Castrol products,” says David Bouet, Castrol Africa managing director. “Castrol GTX aims to extend engine life and in Irv’s case, the product has absolutely delivered on its promise. Irv has been a great supporter of our brand and we look forward to continuing the journey together.”
“I have thoroughly enjoyed driving around the world in this car over the past 50 years, during which time Castrol has been with me for every curve in the road. It’s terrific stuff,” says Gordon.
Gordon is a big advocate for car maintenance and using the best quality products. In his recent film he speaks to likeminded South Africans to find out what maintenance and car care means to them.
“I’ve had a great time in South Africa. It has been wonderful talking to people who love and take special care of their cars because they want to keep them for longer,” says Gordon.
Over the past 50 years Gordon has racked up more than a few stories from the road. He’s used more than 112,889 gallons of gasoline (that’s about 427,331 litres of petrol), 3,480 quarts (3,293 litres) of Castrol oil and performed 907 oil changes. He has driven more than 170 000km per year since retiring in 1996, his Volvo’s odometer currently stands at 3.175 995 million miles (5 111 268km) and he has no intention of slowing down.
Via Castrol Africa