I am curious what kinds of experiences others have had due to owning their old Volvos.

Since buying my Volvo 4 years ago, I've noticed two groups of vintage volvo owners:

Group 1 - proud of the fact that they own an old Volvo as it says something about them and their beliefs (ie, that they would not drive a car as some sort of status symbol -a Hummer, or vintage Jaguar, for example). (Although, doesn't it say something about your "status" if you're driving an inexpensive Volvo?)

Group 2 - Dad or some other family member gave them the car, it was a cheap ride in college, they obtained it by accident, and/or it has just been in "the family" forever (ie, the owner bought it new). There is a little pride in the fact that it is a Volvo, per se, but not excessive pride. These people usually do not identify and associate with a "Volvo Community," other than here on Brickboard, I mean.

Group 1 can get a little hostile, I've noticed.

Anyway, I enjoy driving my car cause the folks at work think its cool (or not - and then I get to try to convince them why it is in a nerdy way!), and I get to learn about how it works, something I've always wanted to know, it keeps me connected to some sort of nostalgic hertiage (in the 50's, Americans had a love affair with their cars, I've been told)... and out of the bars :) ....and hey - if I make a few friends along the way because of the car - great.

But, I've noticed this psychological element and I'm wondering if anyone else has too, and would like to comment. For the fun of it.

-B