A man who drove over 1,000,000 miles in his 1991 Volvo has become the subject of national attention after receiving a surprising and controversial gift to commemorate the remarkable milestone. The man, identified as Gordon Matthews, a retired schoolteacher from Wisconsin, spent more than three decades behind the wheel of his faithful Volvo 740, meticulously maintaining it with regular oil changes, careful driving habits, and a deep personal attachment to the vehicle.
Matthews, who bought the car new in 1991, never imagined it would become a part of his legacy. “It wasn’t just transportation,” he said. “It became a trusted companion. Through blizzards, road trips, job commutes, even camping — that car never let me down.”
He documented his journey over the years, keeping meticulous records of every oil change, part replacement, and fuel-up in a stack of worn-out notebooks. As the odometer approached 1,000,000 miles, excitement built in his local community. Neighbors, friends, and even mechanics who had worked on the car gathered for the big moment when the dashboard finally ticked over from 999,999.
The celebration was heartfelt, with local news covering the story and several auto enthusiasts praising his dedication. Matthews expected perhaps a certificate or a modest thank-you gesture from Volvo. What he received instead sparked unexpected debate.
To mark the million-mile milestone, Volvo corporate sent him a brand-new 2025 electric SUV — with a note thanking him for his loyalty and inviting him to be a brand ambassador for their electric future. While many saw this as a generous and modern gesture, others, including Matthews himself, were conflicted.
“I’m grateful, of course,” he said. “But the new car just doesn’t feel the same. No gears to shift, no engine hum — it’s silent, like I’m gliding through space. And I miss the feeling of connection.”
The 2025 SUV, while technologically advanced and packed with features like autopilot, touchscreen controls, and voice-command functionality, seemed cold to the man who had grown up checking tire pressure with his fingers and listening to engine noises to detect problems.
Critics online quickly weighed in. Some praised Volvo’s gift as visionary, applauding the company’s pivot toward electric vehicles and rewarding loyalty. Others accused the brand of “greenwashing” — using Matthews’ nostalgic story to push their EV agenda. One post on a car forum read: “He spent 30 years proving that old tech can be sustainable. Giving him an electric car misses the whole point.”
Even Matthews’ mechanic, Joe Salazar, had mixed feelings. “I’ve worked on that 740 for twenty years. It’s a beast. Giving him an EV is like giving a cowboy a drone instead of a horse.”
Volvo defended its decision, stating in a press release: “We honor Gordon Matthews’ incredible journey with a symbol of our future — a car that reflects our values of sustainability, safety, and innovation. It’s a tribute not only to where we’ve been, but where we’re going.”
Matthews, ever gracious, accepted the gift, but admitted he doesn’t drive it much. “It’s lovely, but I still take the 740 out on weekends. I just can’t say goodbye. The feel of the wheel, the sound of the engine — it’s like an old friend.”
His story has sparked broader discussions about sustainability and the real meaning of long-term environmental responsibility. Some argue that keeping old cars running longer, as Matthews did, may be more eco-friendly than buying new cars every few years, even if they are electric. Others point out the benefits of reduced emissions and cutting-edge safety in modern vehicles.
Auto historians have praised Matthews’ achievement as one of dedication, consistency, and care. “One million miles in a single vehicle is incredibly rare,” said Dr. Elena Singh, a transportation expert. “It speaks to both the build quality of the car and the character of the owner.”
Volvo later offered to place his 1991 740 in a company museum in Sweden, but Matthews politely declined. “Not yet,” he said. “That car’s still got life in it.”
Now, Matthews divides his time between driving the old 740 on country roads and taking the electric SUV to local car shows where he answers questions from curious onlookers. “Kids love the new one,” he said. “But the old one? That’s the one they remember.”
Whether seen as a marketing stunt or a heartfelt reward, the story of Gordon Matthews and his million-mile Volvo has touched a nerve — a reminder of the bond people can form with their machines, and the complicated emotions tied to progress.
He keeps both cars in his garage, side by side. One powered by gasoline and time; the other by electricity and innovation. And in the middle stands a man who bridged the journey between them — mile by mile.
