Bit of an unexpected one this one. Until 3 weeks ago, I had a modern-ish (2005) Mk3 Mondeo Ghia X to do the daily duties for the coffee shop.
Smashing car, bar the usual slightly notchy gear change. I'd seen PsYcHoSiS 's lovely E39 in Velvet Blue advertised on this here forum for a good few weeks, and thought it a bit of a stunner, but out of current reach. I have no current desire to be messed around by time wasters replying with stupid questions to adverts, so I thought no more of it.
One evening about a month ago, the previous owner of the Mondeo messaged me to say if I was interested in selling it, he had a genuine buyer lined up who was after another Mk3. The cogs started turning. Sometimes they turn smoothly. Sometimes they splinter to fook. This time, the cogs determined to leave me selling the Mondeo to the keen chap, and hopping on a train three weeks ago to collect the E39. What a stunning machine it is too.
Drove beautifully up home from Northamptonshire. Polished up well. Looked the part. Carried out daily duties well, having a big boot, and was such a lovely place to sit on my short commute to work and back. Here's the bit that I don't get about myself though. I just didn't gel with it. And I knew I wouldn't. No matter how long I had it. Happens every time I buy a big German car. Merc S320, E55 AMG, CL500, Audi A6, E34 and now E39.....all great cars, but I just find them, erm, a bit clinical, cold, soulless. I know everyone will think I'm mad, but hey, we're all different. So....yes, the E39 is with a fellow Retro Rider, in a deal which brought me into the ownership of a proper load lugging workhorse for the shop, and a car I've always loved..........
1995 Volvo 960 3 litre 24v auto.
The Volvo was in London, so we met halfway on Sunday at Trowell Services on the M1. And what a lovely chap he is. I can't have wished the E39 to go to a better home. Another proper car guy. This was the first view of the Volvo...
It's only covered 138k miles in 24 years, so well under average. The bodywork up top is rot free (although there are advisories for underbody stuff to check/monitor/sort), and the colour is so nice. The car spent 21 years (1997 - 2018) living mostly in Spain which probably accounts for the lovely panels and arches. So far, all I've had time to do is give it a quick wash, clean all the glass and treat the tyres, but I think with some more elbow grease, it'll look smashing....
The boot is huge...as expected I guess...
And was put to use for the first time this morning....
Engine bay needs a tidy...
Needs a screen wash bottle cap haha....
So, thankfully it has some bits and pieces to sort. Would be a bit boring if it didn't. The previous owners has said the front mats get damp after rain, so I'm thinking blocked drain holes. Hoping not heater matrix., Screenwash bottle cap, as mentioned. The rubber gearshift lever has been picked at, like, literally picked at! Bored driver on long runs to and from Spain? Who knows, anyway, I'll be seeking a replacement. The underside will be sorted and treated.Apparently the exhaust needs a new hanger, although it's not really apparent if it's fouling or knocking yet. Trying to think of anything else that needs sorting, and I'm struggling.
I've always loved the boxiness of Volvo's up to this shape. Very much liked my old V70, and I'm chuffed with this one. I really should get it in writing never to buy German again. Stick to Japanese, British and Swedish. I'm hugely happy with my driveway at the minute. Welcome to life in 1995. I reckon this driveway said 'intelligence and success'. Maybe not....
Smashing car, bar the usual slightly notchy gear change. I'd seen PsYcHoSiS 's lovely E39 in Velvet Blue advertised on this here forum for a good few weeks, and thought it a bit of a stunner, but out of current reach. I have no current desire to be messed around by time wasters replying with stupid questions to adverts, so I thought no more of it.
One evening about a month ago, the previous owner of the Mondeo messaged me to say if I was interested in selling it, he had a genuine buyer lined up who was after another Mk3. The cogs started turning. Sometimes they turn smoothly. Sometimes they splinter to fook. This time, the cogs determined to leave me selling the Mondeo to the keen chap, and hopping on a train three weeks ago to collect the E39. What a stunning machine it is too.
Drove beautifully up home from Northamptonshire. Polished up well. Looked the part. Carried out daily duties well, having a big boot, and was such a lovely place to sit on my short commute to work and back. Here's the bit that I don't get about myself though. I just didn't gel with it. And I knew I wouldn't. No matter how long I had it. Happens every time I buy a big German car. Merc S320, E55 AMG, CL500, Audi A6, E34 and now E39.....all great cars, but I just find them, erm, a bit clinical, cold, soulless. I know everyone will think I'm mad, but hey, we're all different. So....yes, the E39 is with a fellow Retro Rider, in a deal which brought me into the ownership of a proper load lugging workhorse for the shop, and a car I've always loved..........
1995 Volvo 960 3 litre 24v auto.
The Volvo was in London, so we met halfway on Sunday at Trowell Services on the M1. And what a lovely chap he is. I can't have wished the E39 to go to a better home. Another proper car guy. This was the first view of the Volvo...
It's only covered 138k miles in 24 years, so well under average. The bodywork up top is rot free (although there are advisories for underbody stuff to check/monitor/sort), and the colour is so nice. The car spent 21 years (1997 - 2018) living mostly in Spain which probably accounts for the lovely panels and arches. So far, all I've had time to do is give it a quick wash, clean all the glass and treat the tyres, but I think with some more elbow grease, it'll look smashing....
The boot is huge...as expected I guess...
And was put to use for the first time this morning....
Engine bay needs a tidy...
Needs a screen wash bottle cap haha....
So, thankfully it has some bits and pieces to sort. Would be a bit boring if it didn't. The previous owners has said the front mats get damp after rain, so I'm thinking blocked drain holes. Hoping not heater matrix., Screenwash bottle cap, as mentioned. The rubber gearshift lever has been picked at, like, literally picked at! Bored driver on long runs to and from Spain? Who knows, anyway, I'll be seeking a replacement. The underside will be sorted and treated.Apparently the exhaust needs a new hanger, although it's not really apparent if it's fouling or knocking yet. Trying to think of anything else that needs sorting, and I'm struggling.
I've always loved the boxiness of Volvo's up to this shape. Very much liked my old V70, and I'm chuffed with this one. I really should get it in writing never to buy German again. Stick to Japanese, British and Swedish. I'm hugely happy with my driveway at the minute. Welcome to life in 1995. I reckon this driveway said 'intelligence and success'. Maybe not....
