The Extraordinary Story Of The Million Mile Porsche

Summary

• Guy Newmark has driven his Porsche 356 C for 1 million miles over nearly 50 years, a testament to the quality and durability of Porsche vehicles.
• The Porsche 356 C has been a cherished member of the Newmark family, serving as a reliable mode of transportation for both father and son.
• The story of Guy Newmark and his Porsche 356 C celebrates the joy of driving and the timeless allure of vintage cars, challenging the conventional notion of classic cars as mere museum pieces.

Owning a Porsche isn’t just about having a sports car; it’s about embracing a lifestyle. It’s not just me saying this, the facts speak for themselves: 70 percent of all Porsches ever manufactured are still on the road today. It’s a testament to the enduring quality and timeless appeal of these vehicles. It’s hardly surprising anymore to hear about a Porsche 356 C with 1 million miles under its belt! And that’s not all — its owner, Guy Newmark, has been driving it daily for over 50 years.

The bond between a Porsche and its owner transcends mere ownership; it’s a lifelong companionship built on trust, reliability, and sheer driving pleasure. Certainly, the case of Guy Newmark and his Porsche 356 C is a tale of passion for a sports car, a dedication to philosophy, and a shining example of how, with commitment and respect for the maintenance requirements of an automobile, a sports car like this can last practically a lifetime.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Porsche, Hagerty, and Car and Driver.

A Gift From Dad, Treasured With Love And Care For Over Half A Century

Guy Newmark, a resident of San Pedro, a suburb of Los Angeles, made headlines when his Porsche 356 C crossed the million-mile mark, achieving a remarkable milestone that’s not only personal (thanks to the meticulous care he has bestowed upon it over the past 50 years) but also a testament to the enduring quality of Porsche vehicles that stand the test of time.

Since the day the car became a cherished member of the Newmark family, it has been a constant companion, serving as a reliable mode of transportation for both father and son. From short jaunts to long journeys and everything in between, the car has been there through it all.

His Father Bought It Secondhand With Barely 1,000 Miles

As recalled by Guy, his father bought this Porsche 356 C second-hand more than 50 years ago.

“My Dad paid less than $5,000 for the car in 1964, taking it off the hands of its original owner who had collected it from the factory while on vacation in Europe,” explained Guy. “He drove it on the autobahn and then had it shipped back to the States. It was just eight weeks old with less than 1,000 miles on the clock when my Dad bought it, and has been in our family ever since.”

A Graduation Gift That Will End Up Lasting A Lifetime

For Guy, life with this living legend began in 1968, a year marked by the gift of a lifetime from his father. As a high school graduation present, his father bestowed upon him the then four-year-old Porsche 356 C. It was more than just a vehicle; it represented a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, a symbol of achievement, and a tangible reminder of the bond between father and son.

Its Name Is Blu

The Porsche 356 with a million miles under its belt is affectionately nicknamed ‘Blu’ by its owner, clearly inspired by the stunning blue hue of its body.

“When I think about the future with Blu, I can only recall the past,” says Guy. “Mainly because everything is going to remain the same.”

Despite the passage of time, Blu remains a constant companion, a faithful steed that has weathered the trials of countless journeys and shared adventures.

The Brand Has A Fan In Guy

“The 356 — Porsche’s first production model, introduced in 1948 — is the car that put the brand on the map,” Newmark told The Wall Street Journal in an interview. Newmark is a dedicated fan of the brand — he also owns a stunning 1962 356B cabriolet, which he’s had since 1971.

Longevity: The Guy Used It Every Single Day Since Receiving It, And Quite a Lot

What makes this story truly fascinating is that this Porsche 356 C, far from being carefully preserved and tucked away in a garage, has been in active use throughout all these decades. Its owner acknowledges that he uses it daily, whether it’s for commuting to work or attending formal and informal gatherings. As the right-hand man in his father’s yacht business, Guy often had to get in the Porsche and drive halfway across the country to seal a deal.

“There was no e-mail, not even faxes in those days,” he said. “If you wanted to buy or sell a boat, you had to go and get the signature and the check in person.”

In certain years, he remarked, his annual mileage exceeded a staggering 30,000 miles. This revelation sheds light on the practicality and reliability of “Blu” as not just a showpiece, but a true workhorse capable of handling the demands of everyday life. He also confesses that every time he parks his car, he can’t help but look back and admire the beauty of a machine that would shape Porsche’s history and define the spirit of one of the most popular and iconic sports cars of all time, the Porsche 911.

Upon Reaching One Million Miles, Porsche Threw Him A Party

The best example of this can be seen in the video produced by the brand itself to narrate this story and show us the celebration they organized to mark and witness the exciting milestone of Guy Newmark’s Porsche 356 C. As seen in the video above, it was a momentous occasion when the odometer of this six-digit Porsche 356 C resets after surpassing 999,999 miles. As the odometer ticks over, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement, culminating in cheers and applause as the milestone is reached.

This Story Is A Great Example Of Finding Joy In Using The Car Every Day

The car undergoes regular servicing every 3,000 miles, ensuring that the original engine and components remain in pristine condition for daily use. Both the exterior and interior have been meticulously maintained, with its Azure Blue paintwork remaining unblemished and flawlessly polished — a testament to the care and attention lavished upon it.

In a world where technology advances at a rapid pace and new cars seem to roll off the assembly line every day, Guy’s dedication to his Porsche 356 C serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring value of craftsmanship, heritage, and the simple pleasure of driving. It’s a story that resonates with anyone who has ever felt a connection to a car — a story of passion, dedication, and the timeless allure of the open road.

Guy Newmark’s story challenges the conventional notion of classic cars as mere museum pieces or collector’s items. Instead, it celebrates the joy of driving and the thrill of experiencing a vintage car on the open road. It’s a reminder that these machines are meant to be driven, enjoyed, and shared with fellow enthusiasts, rather than being locked away and kept out of sight.

Undoubtedly, it’s an extraordinary achievement for an extraordinary car. Here’s to hoping that the Porsche 356 with a million miles continues to accumulate stories on its record-breaking odometer. With each mile traveled, it adds another chapter to its remarkable journey, embodying the spirit of adventure and the enduring legacy of Porsche.