George, I always enjoy your posts (and your info), being Dr. IdiotWrenchInTheDriveway myself.

But boy are you striking an interesting chord here! When I first got into Volvos (an '83 DL in '86), saying you drove a Volvo was akin to professing a liking for cannibal practices. A sure conversation-stopper, or an invitation for some patronizing comments.

Now I find that people appreciate 200 series cars more than ever before, and most interestingly, it's often from younger people, even teenagers and preteens. I think they appreciate the fact they LOOK like something, in sharp opposition to most of the jellybean designs on the roads.

The 164e, well if Volvo were to knock a few thousand of these out right now I would wager they would be all 'pre-sold' by dealers before a single car left the production line. Everyone loves the 164, young and old. Pedestrians stop and give me the thumbs-up at crosswalks. I could go on. It's absolutely amazing.

I live in the rust belt, so frankly my 164 is about as close to a Classic Volvo as most people ever get. Precious few Amazons around, even fewer 140s and 544s well forget it.

One thing I have noticed, however. Other Volvo drivers in RWD cars often acknowledge me on the road, when I'm driving the 164. Drivers of FWD Volvos seem completely unaware.

As for the future, well you'll have to pry the keys to my RWD Volvo out of my... etc.

Cheers and happy xmas to all.

Mac
'75 164e
'88 245dl
'79 142s (in pieces)
'60 Mercedes 220s