Fifteen years ago today the deal was closed with Rick Hendrick's Volvo of Charleston that inducted another Brick into our family. As it is also my dad's birthday, I am guessing that my parents had decided to treat themselves to a new car as part of his birthday.

The car, for which I am now the primary driver, replaced a green 1979 242. My parents drove that car to the dealer, I assume with the intent of selling it after they brought home the new one. However, the secretary at the dealer's heard that we were replacing the old Volvo, and she made an offer right there that my parents accepted. She was just as aware of the durability and longevity of the 240s as my parents are.

I don't know whether we went just once and made a purchase or made more than one trip, but I do remember we test-drove several cars. I was only 4 1/2 years old at the time, but some of my earliest memories come from riding in those Volvos with my parents. Of course, I don't know the Volvo models my parents considered, but I remember riding in one with a moonroof/sunroof. Since none of the 240s came with factory moonroofs, I *guess* that the car was a 740 or 760 (I don't think the 780 was considered, because of the price and two doors).

Sadly, I don't remember anything else about the car purchasing, but I do know that 15 years ago today my parents brought home a wonderful blue 1989 240 GL sedan. My mom drove that car for about eleven years, until I started driving. My parents realized things would be much easier if I had my own car to drive, and so they began the hunt for a new car for her. Eventually they settled on a white 2000 S40, and that became her primary vehicle while I got the 240.

I hated driving my car at first, practically begging for my neighbor's old Mercedes, a used 300ZX, anything to get me out of the boxy Swedish Bricks. My parents ignored me, and over the years I've driven my car I've come to love it, recognizing the incredible safety and ingenuity that went into the production of these cars. I finally began enjoying the Volvo make, and I started wondering if I would be happier in a 700- or 900-series cars. Consistently something crops up that pushes me back to the simplicity and workmanship of the 200-series cars.

So, by now, I'm definitely an addict. This car has been with my family for 15 years, and it is my utmost hope that the car will stay with me for at least another 15!
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'89 244 GL -- 104,774 miles (see profile for info on car)