For a lot of people, getting a collectible Volvo is a natural choice - especially if you live in Sweden. Here are the top ten reasons why buying one.
1. The Swedishness and the rich history.
Volvo is an obvious part of modern Swedish car history. In close to 100 years, generations of Swedish auto workers, and engineers have built cars that is a natural part of everyday life in Sweden. To own and drive an older Volvo is to be a part of that history. As Volvo Cars states in a film about its history: ”Nowhere else in the world could have produced such a company”.
2. The supply.
There is a lot to choose from for the enthusiast considering buying a classic Volvo. The natural choice for the majority is off course the models from the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies: the P1800s, PV544s, Amazons, 140s and 240s. This is where the volumes are, regardless of if you are looking for a restoration object or a thoroughly restored car.
3. The spare parts.
Given the volumes Volvo has sold in Sweden, there is a substantial market for spares for classic models. Companies like VP Autoparts, CVI and GCP are specialists in the field and thanks to internet, their services are available worldwide. For models like the PV 544, Amazon and P1800, the majority of the spare parts are being remanufactured - and the rest is usually possible to find on the second hand market. The challenges are bigger when it comes to Pre-War cars, but also for more recent models like the 700-series and the 850 since remanufacturing has not taken off in the same way.
4. The uncomplicated mechanics.
There are still a lot of Swedes that can work on a 140 och 740 blindfolded. Uncomplicated and robust design, lots of info on the internet and a lot of people to ask for advice. A Volvo is an ideal first collector car for the enthusiast that wants to learn to restore or maintain.
5. The clubs.
There is a big variety of Volvo clubs, both in Sweden and around the world. Being a member means that the social part of the classic Volvo ownership can be developed, and help and advice can be found. The membership also opens up to favorable car insurances. Wouldn’t it be nice to combine a vacation in the USA with the annual big meeting of the Volvo Club of America? Or a rally in the Andes with Club Volvo Chile?
6. The internet.
The amount of information about classic Volvo models on the internet is huge. Volvo enthusiasts around the world share their knowledge and experiences in, for example, videos on Youtube.
7. The appreciation.
It is actually very nice to get a thumbs up from other car owners on the road, them staying extra-long in the left lane in order to take a god look at your Volvo. Or people coming up to you at the petrol station, telling you about their memories of the Volvo model you are driving.
8. The investment.
Even if it is the joy of the classic Volvo ownership that is worth the most, it is a good chance to get your money back when selling - plus an increase. It is important to go for a car in good technical condition, if the engine and gearbox needs an overhaul it will be difficult to make ends meet. But of you purchase for example a bit worn PV 544 Sport from the Sixties for 50 - 100 000 SEK, puts money on its interior and a paint job, that car can be sold for 200 - 300 000 SEK.
9. The Youngtimers.
The car drawing most attention on a Volvo meet in 2032 might be a surviving low milage 2002 XC90, the first model year, in original condition and celebrating its 30th birthday. Maybe even in the intro color ”426 Silver Metallic”? Now is the time to look for such future classic. The first generation C70, especially as a coupe, and in an unusual color might be another exciting alternative.
10. Pre-War classics.
The Volvo models from before WWII are unknown to many, also in Sweden. The first car, the OV4 from 1927, might be familiar but few can identify the Volvos from the Thirties like PV36 or the PV51. Here comes an opportunity to own a Volvo that not many have seen and even fewer has driven. Spare parts might be a challenge, but definitely not impossible. A lot of mechanical parts were used also in American cars, which make sourcing easier.
During 2021 we sold several classics from Volvo, many sold for price records. Below some examples:
Volvo Amazon 122S Estate Sport
During 2022 we have 17 auctions and all of them will have classics from Volvo on the list. The first auction presented a low-milaged Volvo 940 that was sold for 300 000 SEK. Also a price record.
