PRACTICAL CLASSICS RESTORATION SHOW STAR CAR DRIVEN
This unassuming Volvo 240 estate is chief contender for highest-mileage classic at the Restoration Show – but it’s the background story of how it racked up its mega miles that made it one of the weekend’s real heroes
As you’ll have perhaps come to realise following our coverage from last weekend’s Classic Car and Restoration Show, this event’s driving force continues to be the car clubs and their members who brought along some truly exceptional vehicles. So you might question why we singled out this particular classic for star treatment.
After all, this Volvo 240 estate on the Volvo Enthusiasts’ Club’s stand undoubtedly lacks the ‘wow factor’ of some of the pristinely polished and freshly restored cars shown off at the event. What it does have, though, is an odometer showing a genuine 830k miles, plus owners steadfast in their conviction that their trusty daily will eventually tick past the magic one million figure.
We explore why these rugged Swedes are capable of such stellar mileages and what it’s like to pilot a car that’s gone the equivalent of driving to the moon and back.
SECURE & DEPENDABLE
Volvo had been imported cars into the UK prior to 1958, but it was only at that year’s London Motor Show that the marque began selling its 120-series ‘Amazon’ officially. Ownership of any overseas car at this time would have generally been frowned upon, but buyers were far more likely to buy their transport on merit rather than whether it had been assembled in Britain by the 1970s. All the while, the Swedish marque had been endearing itself to those – especially among the well-to-do – who appreciated its philosophy of building cars that prioritised safety, solidity and practicality above all else.
The 240/260 range debuted in 1974 – 50 years ago – owing much to its predecessors that had established that envisaged reputation. 240s use the 140-series shell from the screen back, the new bits being the front end, a fresh range of OHC engines, plus MacPherson strut suspension, with the live axle at the back being retained. Safety remained a key focus – crumple zones, rollover safety, side impact bars, ABS, pop-up head restraints and air bags were all features that the 240 either enjoyed from launch or gained throughout its long production run. Further developments included fuel injection, electric windows and power steering – all of which ‘our’ Volvo 240 ‘Brian’ (a namesake of its first owner) enjoys.
WHAT TO PAY
■ PROJECT £500-1000 ■ USABLE £1650-3500
■ GOOD £3500-5000 ■ CONCOURS £5500+
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