My wife and three of her roller derby friends decided to take a roller derby road trip from Austin to Nashville this weekend.

Envision four well-built women (all between 150 and 200 lbs) and their gear stuffed into our 1987 245. It's a 1000 pound payload.

They left behind a Toyota Prius and a Honda Accord coupe--in other words, they picked a 30 year old station wagon over the more modern options.

I spent the day yesterday going over the various systems--brakes, tires, engine, transmission, electrics--and I gave the car a thorough cleaning. So much glass--but it's beautiful when it's clean and clear.

Years ago I installed overload springs and Bilstein HD shocks on the Volvo, but I haven't always enjoyed the harsher ride. As they drove off this morning, packed with full bags and full women, any doubt of the wisdom of that suspension upgrade was erased.

They are out there now, on the interstate. I hope they make it. I thought this community would want to know that there's still folks out there who are making intrepid journeys with their old Volvos. When I'm driving across America I keep my eyes open for the old Volvos and I smile upon them. I'll update this thread later with a progress report.

kourt
87 245
austin, tx

Fantastic pic! Thanks for the update.

At least you sent them off in one of the most reliable Volvo's built !!!!!

While newer Volvo's have more safety features......the reliability of the
240's lives on.

Nice submittal.


Art

I really do miss Fat Emma. If these cars are maintained they can always be trusted. Not many wagons left thoug...

Update 2: they made it home to Austin on Monday night. No problems--everyone had a good time.



kourt
87 245
austin, tx

That looks like my old 85 Model 245 "War Horse".

It was White too and only 3 years old when I got it.
Like new.

I completely wore out the body, M46 transmission and Overdrive ......after 25 years.

Everything except the engine, it still ran great and didn't use any oil between changes before i parked it. 300K plus.

I used it for a work truck....up and down the mountain....carrying a load of tools and materials.

I always said it was the best Volvo I ever owned....and I've owned my share.

I've still got it in the bone yard.

I can't seem to part with these old 240's.
Good thing my boneyard is not located at my residence cause it would look like a car lot.

Heck, the value of used parts is rising, and my wife may even be glad I kept them someday.

outstanding! I have a 93 240 sedan, last of the breed #915.

Update: they arrived safely and comfortably yesterday evening. All is well! They will play two bouts and then move on to Hot Springs, AR for Sunday night. More later!

This trip will bring our brick to 296,000 miles.

Kourt

This is a great Volvo adventure and hope you will share the rest!! There's a known comfort level w/ a 240, both as a driver or passenger: like an old glove for me. I think we all appreciate seeing a well traveled Brick pounding it out.I still see the occasional 140,122, 544 that is still performing as a Daily Driver. Bricks are rolling likely due to assists from this board.

I don't know how it is where you Bricksters are , but a good well serviced 245 for sale will not last long here in Central Florida. There has been some discussion as to which year late 240 is the best overall since the series is done? Let us know how the Ladies trip went!!!

Kayo in Sunny Fla-- 445,544s-3(parts?),760V8,780,242T(Sale-cheap)'71 GMC-Burb

The image brought a smile to my face. I've got my fingers crossed!

Thanks for sharing. I love Inga, my 93 245 Classic. We just returned from a 1900 mile trip to Indiana and Ohio. She performed flawlessly. Had to remove the Billy Touring shocks though. Too rough for my taste. Enjoy!

"Envision four well-built women (all between 150 and 200 lbs) and their gear stuffed into our 1987 245. It's a 1000 pound payload".


Well...I envisioned it and now I can't get it out of my head.

This!

Wagons are the best.

And plus one on BillyHD and overlaod springs combo. Fantastic upgrade that transforms the usefulness of a 245.

Hope they have a fun trip.