I can't imagine what it would be like to keep a car for 78 years. Of course I've never owned a Rolls-Royce.
Mr. Allen Swift died in 2005 at the impressive age of 102, but his automotive story is even more remarkable. Not only is the gentleman credited with owning a Rolls-Royce automobile longer than anyone else in the world, but he had the forethought and funds to ensure its future preservation after his death.More at autoblog
Via Clusterflock
I'd read about him before, I thought it a wonderful story, and I loved the fact that he never fell prey to the siren call of planned obsolescence, staying true to the knowledge that his Rolls-Royce was a wondrous thing.
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine what an uber-cool dude he must have been, driving that, as a young man? Then again, I bet a lot of people looked upon it with jealousy and hatred, as a symbol of great wealth, and an indication that its owner had not the same concerns as humbler folk.
As a teenager I would have found a Rolls-Royce driving dude unbearably pretentious. I liked guys with worn out jeans, bare feet and guitars.
ReplyDeleteHe left a million dollars to display the car at the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, in Springfield, MA, where his car was built. They also have the Duryea (first US car), the Indian Motocycle collection, and a bunch of things made in the area like Gee Bee aircraft, Milton-Bradley Games, Breck Shampoo, etc.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bruce, I figured you'd have the scoop on this.
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