The first car to leave a factory (not really a factory, more like a workman's shed...) bearing the Volvo name was the ÖV4 -- the name was an abbreviation for "Öppen Vagn 4 cylindrar" (open carriage, four cylinder). The ÖV4, launched in 1927, used a classic longitudinal 4-cylinder engined mounted to a wooden chassis and powering the rear wheels, basic stuff that went unchanged for over 70 years. Sure, a few extra body panels were added, seat belts, turbochargers, FM radio, but the last rear-drive Volvo to leave the Swedish assembly line was a 900-series car, the final note in a long line of ice-hoonable vehicles. Find this 1991 Volvo 940 Turbo
for sale in Riverside, RI currently bidding on ebay for $5,327 reserve-not-met with $10,900 buy-it-now.
The seller advertises this car as being previously owned by "1 fussy older owner since new." I'm sure the original owner (not the current seller based on how I read it) would be proud to be called fussy on his tombstone, but who doesn't want some glorified image of the previous owner in his head. If the seller told you some meth-heads had been living in the back and it looked this nice would it make a difference to you? Do you really believe that the owner was "fussy?"
Under the hood is another piece of Volvo history now only seen in print - the B230FT, a 2.3 liter turbocharged and intercooled inline-4 that makes 162 horsepower. Not exactly a barnstormer, but it will be faster than an ÖV4, and it is fitted with an automatic transmission. This could be remedied, but do you lose the minty-clean all-original appeal if you transform it from the torque converter equipped penalty box that it is today?
The cow hide seats look surprisingly well preserved, because seats don't need someone sitting on them to get cracked and dry, it is usually correlated more with how hot the car gets during the summertime days. In places like Texas, even the best leather seats become beef jerky in only a few years. Not to mention leather care & conditioning - something most car owners never even think of.
See another 20 year old car with about 15k miles on the clock? tips@dailyturismo.com
I'd personally prefer a wagon with a later 93 to 95 vintage to get some of the engine internal changes (oil squirters to reduce slap, timing belt changes), but this one looks darn clean. Wish the vinyl in my '92 245 had held up as well.
ReplyDelete~ think that looks like leather, Zach. although i prefer cloth, i'd sure like to find two interiors that clean for my pair of 745s. and completely agreed on that piston slap issue. simple solution? V8lvo!
Delete@ Fleetwood T. Brougham, sympathy, bro. went through that wiring harness problem on my '88 745.
Scot - yes - just lamenting the wear and tear on my vinyl - you are correct that is most certainly leather.
Delete~ amen, Zach. i've spent a couple years now trying to accumulate enough interior parts of one color to upgrade my wagons. any leads? ;)
DeleteI've been watching this guys auctions for a while to pick up new seat skins- http://www.ebay.com/itm/380730335820?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 -
DeleteWhat color(s) are you trying to get a full set of? There is a Volvo graveyard not too far from me that may have the bits you want. http://www.flickr.com/photos/51556967@N00/1487333677/
~ thanks, Zach. good links. most of what i have now is black leather, seats, skins, door pockets, misc. trim.
Deletei still have some red leather and trim which came on my '89 740-V8 wagon. i switched it to grey cloth shortly after i got it. the seats were terribly UV faded so i bought a case of spray dye and gave them a heavy dose. that only lasts so long before it begins to show wear but the fabric is still whole. love to find a complete wagon interior, either 7 or 9 series, of any color. looked at a few complete cars but something falls short each time, so far.
is the gold car at the yard your driver? where are you located? that's some impressive landscape photography! THANKS sc
No, my fleet is in the background of this picture -
Deletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/51556967@N00/11521088153
Wife's DD here two winters ago -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zachz/6831065309/
We're up in Alaska - and you?
I'll check with the guy who runs the graveyard to see what he has for full interiors.
Scot - if you're still looking - http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/4291965955.html
Delete~ thanks Zach!
Deletei callled and left a message, immediately. i am hoping he will consider accepting an additional fee for taking them to UPS for shipping to St.Louis.
i really appreciate your looking out!!!!!
My brother is in Denver if you need help facilitating.
DeleteAnd depending on the size and rush you're in, Greyhound Parcel Express may be a fast but more affordable option. I shipped a few large things cross-country using in in previous years at about half the cost of USPS/UPS/Fedex.
DeleteI had a 740 Turbo that featured Volvo's innovative disintegrating wiring harness. Was that problem solved by the 900 series evolution?
ReplyDelete