Hi George - things are fine here except the weather (rather dreary lately in Melbourne! Typical winter but without the rain unfortunately as we really need it).

Thanks for the info re: mass. Remember pulling the M41 trans out of my 1800ES shortly after I bought it. I was surprised that when I was under the car and simply "eased" it down on top of my chest that I was suddenly unable to breathe, and had to rapidly offload it onto the floor!

We're still hemming and hawing about the EV project. The 145 is a candidate because we already own it, and it's already licenced and on the road. We were also considering a 850 wagon or V70, but with FWD it's a little more difficult. With RWD, some motors can be directly swapped in where the transmission was, with the only requirement being a coupling to join the motor output shaft to the driveshaft. With FWD, you usually have to use the transaxle and make an adapter plate for the motor. Also, if you use the trans, you want a manual, and 850/V70 are hard to find with manuals here.

Took the 1800ES up to Toowoomba, QLD for the Volvo Clubs of AUS national rally back in May - had a great turn-out of cars (approx 60) and the ES ran well as always.

Regards,
Greg