Today, I got a surprise that I will cherish forever. No, I didn't get a 240 or money, but I got the Volvo 240 story from a wonderful Woman of slight build and sharp as a tack even though She was in her late 70's / early 80's. As I mentioned, She is small in stature, four foot eight at 80 pounds soaking wet, articulate in her speech and clarity of thought that exceeds the norm of your average CEO.

How did I get this story? Simple, I pulled into the Staples parking lot and parked (needed a 25 foot CAT6 cable) while driving our 92 245 that is lowered, running Hydras and has a rather loud custom exhaust. I parked, stepped out of the 245, saw this GORGEOUS cream color 240 Sedan. My immediate assumption was that the car had been rebuilt as it didn't have a scratch on it and none of the plastic was faded. As the owner was putting her purchases in the trunk, I commented that she had a beautiful Volvo.

Her response, as she walked towards me was a very quiet "what year do you think it is?" I looked at the tail of the car (only view of the car I had at the time), and concluded that it was an 89 and told her so. She wasn't bashful at all, She told me I was wrong with resound despite her quiet voice. She replied that the car was an 88 with 69K miles. This beauty of an 88 244 has original cream paint, brown (not tan) cloth interior, not a stain anywhere on the interior, not a scratch, not a faded or cracked piece of plastic including the dash.

At this point, I walked around to the front of the car and saw clear headlights and turn signal lenses (an impossibility if they were original). I asked Her what repairs outside of normal service that she had to have done to the car. Her response darn near set me on my butt: "The only parts I've had to have replaced were the headlights and the front turn signal covers as the originals looked like they were stained by cigarettes."

She then moved on to the entire story of picking up the car (custom order) at the dealer and her efforts to "hide the 240 in Her garage" so her Children and Great Grand Children wouldn't find it right away. When they did, via one of the Grand children, they all freaked out and were so happy for her. I knew at this point that I had found one of the greatest 240 fans on the face of the Earth!

I asked Her what she thought of our 92 245 with 249K miles, she looked at it and was very direct... It is dirty but I understand that. Why is it sitting so low, why does it have the wrong wheels and tires? Sorry folks, the 245 was filthy today. I briefly explained to her that I had heavily modified the car for autocross and road course racing. Her response was stunning, "I don't know why you modified your 240, because the 240 never felt like a sports car, but your understanding of the 240 tells me that your efforts are honorable, even though I don't understand why.

At that point, I stretched out my hand to shake Her hand, She didn't grab my hand, she gave me a hug and said "God Bless", keep driving Volvos and you will be fine. I blessed Her and told Her to keep taking care of her wonderful 240 as if She did this, it would take care of Her.

I walked into Staples, bought a 25 foot Cat 6 cable, and walked out of the store. What did I see? She was still in the parking lot, with a bottle of windex and a cotton cloth and was wiping down the windshield on her 240. Yes, She had a HUGE smile on her face!

I waved good bye to Her as She did to me in response. What a lesson in Volvo pride. I thought I was "Volvo Nuts", but this encounter with a Lil' ol' Lady, told me I have a long way to go! She was as proud of her 240 today (if not more), than the day she drove that custom order car home from the dealership!

Sorry, I didn't have the strength to ask Her if She was willing to sell the car (museum quality), as I knew what her response would be... "Sorry young man (I'm 43), I won't give up this wonderful car until the day I pass.

I'm not sure why I feel so honored to have met this original Volvo owner, but perhaps my opinion is due to her raw Volvo honesty. Is She the greatest 240 owner ever? I don't know, but I was very impressed with Her commitment!

jorrell




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92 245 245K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently in pieces