The original purpose of Virgil, the original 544 I bought in 1983, was to address the Buffalo winters ...with a little smile. I bought a 1972 1800ES in 1980 and didn't want it to suffer through the winters so I decided to do a "winter car". Something bought cheap and kept through the cold months and dismissed in the spring right after the potholes were filled in around March 22. In 1983 I got Virgil and loved him and March came around and I just couldn't do it. So he was parked under a tree and in September I rolled him out to see what needed to be fixed and made better so I could survive a new winter while my 1800ES rested comfortably in a warm dry condition from October to March. This process went on for 21 years. Still have the 1800ES and Virgil was my daily transportation for the winter 2003-2004 and each winter since 1983. Throughout these years I learned about cars and such and came to the conclusion that cars are for transportation. Sure I could get a new V70 ....but why would I? I know what makes a 1960's Volvo tick and run well and I now know how to Mig weld and build an engine and make fiberglass parts and drive in the snow.All of these talents were caused by necessity....I had to drive it to work each day. So, V2 is transportation and real cool looking. AND I designed him like the "Monster Garage" series where he looks stock but some modifications have been made for the specific purpose of being a "winter car". First, all fenders are fiberglass. No rust possible. Second, 4 wheel disc brakes....I can stop with and when the traffic does...very important!. Third, B20 Built and balanced to be a daily driver. Fresh pistons and valves and carbs and a GM 100 amp alternator. Comfortable seats (cloth), overdrive to keep the torque where I want it. 2 Heaters, a 16 gallon plastic fuel cell because it is a "winter car" and it is cold and I don't want to stop too often to fill up. Inside the car I painted all metal surfaces with a brush and Rustoleum...then I placed a layer of fiberglass mat on the inside of the floors to be sure to be durable and last forever. Inner wheel wells are also covered in fiberglass mat after paint. So, I have taken precautions to protect against corrosion and even then I know there will be problems and I recognize that I must still chase the rust gremlin. Iin the spring I will steam clean and paint again anything needing attention. I also will not be parking under a tree this spring. Nope. I'll be driving V2 and the 1800ES will continue to rest until called upon in a year or two. Anyway.... I just returned from my road trip to Philadelphia and it was great. No problems, I ran past the ice storm going down and came back after it was over. 25 MPG, 930 miles, no oil consumption, squeaky brakes still there. They stop great but I need to put some anti- squeal silicone on the pads so the tiny vibration (loud) stops as well as the car does. Observations include that perhaps I need a heavier sway bar in the front than the stock 140 and I cannot wait for the next opportunity for a Road Trip!

Christopher VirgiltheVolvo V2 Georger