Rolls-Royce Picadilly P1 Roadster Still a Classic

Graduation Gift from Dad Lasted a Lifetime

Lori Gunn
In 1928, Allen Swift, Springfield, Massachusetts, received a new 1928 Rolls-Royce Picadilly P1 Roadster from his father as a graduation gift. Over the years, he put 170,000 miles on it, and drove it until October , 2005, when he died at the age of 102. Mr. Swift set a record for being the oldest living person to have owned a car from new. The vehicle was left to one of the Springfield Museums, in addition to $1 million dollars to create a new history museum. See the story on page 88 here .

The Rolls is said to still run smoothly, and as you can see from the picture, was kept up beautifully. This story is making its way around the internet, and is listed on several websites. How great to know that Mr. Swift's father had many years to watch his son cherish and care for his gift. Sometimes the thought that you put into an expression of love and pride can last for a lifetime.

Sources:
http://www.californiacarclubs.com/index.htm
http://tagfoot.com/nightbear/news:how-long-have-you-owned-a-car.DDBD1A5D-C1F2-4C0A-931E-769ECBA31702

http://www.springfieldmuseums.org/news/view/51-new_springfield_history_museum_made_possible_by_connecticut_entrepreneur

Page number and link updated 1-31-11 - Thanks, Kree

Published by Lori Gunn

Hi. You've known me as Zona Zirconia, but I've changed to Lori Gunn to enhance writing opportunities. Life is about learning, and I'm a willing participant. I graduated from CSU Chico, CA, majoring in Politi...   View profile

  • Do you appreciate the gifts you receive?
  • What is your most memorable gift?
  • Would you own a car for 82 years?
Gifts from the heart, large or small, are usually the best to receive.

7 Comments

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  • Lori Gunn 3/27/2011

    I guess driving a car 70 plus years will do that

  • LarrWayne Po 3/26/2011

    That's a lot of miles for a car made in the 20's.

  • Lori Gunn 1/31/2011

    Thank you very much, Krees. I will update it

  • Kees 1/31/2011

    The article is now on page 88. Here is a direct link to the article.
    http://www.springfieldmuseums.org/news/view/51-new_springfield_history_museum_made_possible_by_connecticut_entrepreneur

  • Lori Gunn 1/23/2011

    Thanks for the question, Dorel. He died in 2005.

  • Dorel 1/23/2011

    Now , did he die in 05 or 2010 ?

  • leroy coffie 9/24/2010

    hi5

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