Henrietta's Death Sentence!

Posted by: u5227470736789439 on 22 February 2007

Dear Friends,

It seems I have a buyer for my lovely old Volvo 240, first registered 1/3/89.

The guy wants the engine, gear box, and back axle to put into a racing Ford Escort Mark Two!

Apparently the 2,356 cc Volvo engine can produce about 300bhp in high tune, compared with its rather modest 116bhp in standard form! The mechnics are as fine as the body is rust-free, and a good strting point for tweaking!

So her days are numbered! Poor old girl. She has never put a foot wrong, and it will an ignomineous end, but getting money rather than paying the scrapman has something going for it!

Poor old girl...

ATB from Fredrik
Posted on: 22 February 2007 by u5227470736789439
Also in for a service at my garage today was one of these!

Bentley Mark VI:



I think this was one of the nicest cars made since 1945, though by RR and Bentley standards it was quite small, and economical! 96 mph, 4.3 litre 126 bhp in line F head six cylinder engine, standing quarter of a mile in 20 seconds, and a drive as stable as anothing on the road in saloon form at the time!

Kindest regards from Fredrik
Posted on: 22 February 2007 by JohanR
quote:
Apparently the 2,356 cc Volvo engine can produce about 300bhp in high tune, compared with its rather modest 116bhp in standard form!


That is true. One of Swedens fastest road cars uses a tuned "red" Volvo engine. I work for the Volvo engine factory, btw.

JohanR
Posted on: 22 February 2007 by Melnobone
I miss my 240.

It was the most luxurious car I have ever owned.

I must get another one...
Posted on: 23 February 2007 by Deane F
I was in a Volvo 240 about six months ago. It had a quarter of a million miles on the clock but showed no real signs of wear. The doors still clunked nicely, there were absolutely no rattles when on the move.
Posted on: 23 February 2007 by Melnobone
Mine had 184,000 when it went... Frown
Posted on: 23 February 2007 by Chillkram
Dear Fredrik

My sincere condolences.

Kindest regards

Mark
Posted on: 23 February 2007 by Ian G.
My other half's family had numerous (like 10!) 240's over the years (including her brothers turbo monster). Nover put a foot wrong as you say. Really a classic design and great for long trips. Loadsa room and comfy like an old slipper.

The replacement models are 'better' but rather characterless.

regards

Ian
Posted on: 23 February 2007 by u5227470736789439
It was the last of the classic three light, three box saloons, but more than that it was a great fairly conventional design, made with more care for quality than anything in production today.

My Norwegian Aunt called it a "charmingly style free zone" but still enjoyed the way the old car went. She had a Saab 9-3, which had style but less substance...

I shall miss the old thing, and it would be nice to think she would find a home for a long and gentle decline, but there it is. The engine will become a racer, which is a paradox, if the reputation for solid, sensible, and safe motoring is considered.

Fredrik

PS Johan, does that make you a resident of Gothenberg? I drove the old thing up through the Torslander complex by way of a detour when I landed there on year on the way to Oslo, which frankly was less sensible than getting off at Kristiansand! Travel agents advice!