Interesting find - any takers? Pictures added 6th Feb

[Ian Mac]

We went to visit my wife's Uncle Andy today - he keeps a farm in Rugby, not far from Coventry. He mentioned to us at Christmas that he had an old Volvo parked-up on the farm which he'd been storing for his brother for a couple of years and now wanted out of the way - he was either going to drag it further into the farm and let it return to nature or else sell it for scrap. He had no idea what model it was so we went over today to have a look.

I was quite surprised to find it was an F reg 3 door Vario DL in red with just about the soundest bodywork I've ever seen on a 340 - the only rust I found was a blister on the sill below the drivers door. The paint is dull with a fair amount of green mould but would polish-up no problem. The sills are perfect and absolutely no rot around the rear jacking points or wheel arches. The front wings and lower valance are perfect apart from a small piece of rust behind the front number plate. The boot floor is perfect and even the tailgate struts are good. The only downside to the bodywork is where the paint has rubbed through at the extreme top front edges of the front wings and the extreme rear edges of the rear wings where the car has previously been stored under a tarpauline.

The last tax disc expired in 2002 and it seems likely that the car hasn't been used since but it appears to have survived in remarkable condition. The underbonnet condition is shabby with lots of erosion on the aluminium bits but its all there and the inner wings and suspension turrets are perfect. The antifreeze is up to level and bright green and the oil is cleanish and to the maximum mark on the dipstick. Recorded mileage is 81k. The battery is totally dead but I don't think it would take much to get it going but I obviously can't vouch for the mechanical condition.

The interior is excellent with fitted Volvo floor trays - seats, headlining and carpets are all near perfect. The only downside is a missing panel in the centre console which on my car is where the cigar lighter fits. I had a look under the car and as much as I could see looks excellent - even the exhaust looks good.

Unfortunately we couldn't take pictures as we took the camera but left the battery at home in the charger..!! I did take some pics with my phone but for some reason they will neither download or email

Andy is looking for an offer in the region of £100 but doesn't want to mess around with casual callers so please send me a pm if you're interested. The car will need to be trailered away but I don't think it would take a lot to return it to the road. I'd have it myself but I simply don't have the room and even MY wife isn't THAT tolerant..

[sven360]

It would be a crime against humanity if nobody here gets this.

[theo2468]

so tempted

[macplaxton]

No room at the inn. Sorry.

[volvosneverdie]

too far away

[foggyjames]

Someone tell Farrell

cheers

James

[Ian Mac]

I've now added some pics to my original posting. I've also been told that the engine has been turned over regularly and until very recently started and ran without any obvious issues. It now seems likely that it's out of fuel although I'm guessing the fuel system could probably use a good clean.

I reckon £80 or thereabouts would buy it.

[Hell Driver]

If only I had a spare barn or two. £80 sounds worth a gamble for someone.

[theo2468]

if i could get there i would

[Hell Driver]

If nobody wants this or buys it to break it (which sincerely I hope they don't) I'd offer to buy the doors to repair my Mk 1's with (if they are A1). Despite green/neglected bodywork it might be sound.

If there really are no takers at all to keep the car together and it HAS to go soon, let me know. I know someone who will buy it (for banger racing ) BUT as least I can save as many parts off it as can be saved rather than the whole lot going to waste and be crushed. (I'd just need to see if a vario was ok)

Once again, better someone save it, come on !

[Ian Mac]

Thanks for the comments guys. Just to be clear I don't have any vested interest in the car but it would certainly be a shame to see it scrapped or used for banger racing. The body shell and panels are incredibly sound and the interior is excellent. If nothing else it would make a good base for modifications given that there is no apparent welding required.

Even I would prefer to see it with a 16v engine and lowered suspension rather than with no glass and the doors welded shut...

[V6 Man]

If it's still about in a month or two I believe Pete Farrell will have it. He's got to do some 'space re-organisation' first hence the delay.

[Hell Driver]

Totally agree with the no windows bit, just a last resort. I put up the last one on here to see if anyone wanted it (1.7 white 4 door, totally solid bodywork where is matters, with some M.O.T.) but got no real interest. The bloke would have sold it rather than race it for the right money (£270 I think it was). It's just getting the right timing with someone looking for one sometimes.