– By Eric Fantin – This is an article about an unsung hero, is in a sense long overdue. I am talking about Volvo wagons. The latest I have owned (after a long series of 122, 145, 240, 740, 760, and 960 wagons over the last 30 years) is my 1993 940 turbo wagon.
This car represents the last evolution of the red block cars, in Volvo speak, which indicates the B23 engine (painted red) used from 1976 to 1995. This also represents the last of the rear wheel drive, 4-cylinder cars before the switch to front wheel drive. The 960 6-cylinder model was produce a bit longer but in a way that engine has no family relation to the old red block.
As a Volvo enthusiast, I have owned Volvos since the mid-eighties. From the 544 model all the way to the 960, sedan or wagon with a sprinkle of P1800 in the mix. Probably over 40 Volvos in all!
At first I bought a 122 in 1986 for my everyday use. The 20 year-old car handled the winter with ease. The heater was excellent and it looked vintage enough for my tastes. The downside was starting at 20 below! The twins SU were not in the best condition. Over the years we always had one or two Volvos in the fleet… 140, 164, then 240 with fuel injection, a miracle in wintry weather starting!!
I started buying used 740/940 in the late 90’s. I was not thrilled about the styling but figured it was a bigger 240 in a way, so a good proven technology. The 700/900 series is an ergonomic improvement with big windows, a slightly wider body. As I started using them more often, I realize, it was a nice efficient car with all the things I needed in an everyday transportation.
As the years went by, I kept a Volvo wagon as my camping/hauling car. They became hard to find in good condition for an affordable price. The last one I bought was the 1993 Model. It got relegated as a summer use only so the body would not suffer the ravage of the salt during the winter months, With over 250,000 miles on it it is doing its job faithfully hauling and transporting for car or house projects and the occasional camping trip.
The turbo intercooler and stiffer suspension add a little of oomph to an otherwise slow car by modern standards. There is no glamour to the car, no fancy engine (still a turbo) Italian styling or amazing performance. The body has been bruised, scratched, there is some sun fading on the roof from its California days, but still looks decent and rust free.
I could not function without this car. There is not a week when I have to hauling something and I would be lost without it. Although it is almost 30 years old it is still considered a regular car, just old. I do get notes once in a while about asking if I would be interested in selling it but it fits like an old shoe and it would be hard to let go.
I have tried to replace it with pickups, a suburban and the like, and found out that although the trucks are way more capable in payload and pulling power, the space and gas mileage makes them difficult to keep. So the old turbo wagon carries on and rewards me with faithful service, in return, I have done the usual maintenance. Latest is to replace the original water pump, fluid changes, tires, brake pads, but so far nothing serious.
Will that car achieve collector status? For sure like its older brother/sister, the 240, on my end, it does not matter. I will take care of it as long as possible.
Eric Fantin: straigh8@gmail.com