I got a few photos today and a closer look at at the damage. Just a very slight distortion of the front panel behind where the trumpets fix on (see photo), radiator looks to be burst (and resevoir empty). Apart from that just bumper trumpets, lights and grill and maybe a new number plate. A pre-existing exhaust condion also needs some work and the choke situation needs looking at.

As for plans for the car,

The first aim was to make sure the car was saved from scrap/breaking as it was known to be in otherwise good condition. When I've got it fixed up, I'll get it it ID checked/M.O.T.

It may be a little while as I've got to get the cam belt done on another car first and need to start on the Mk1.

Goodun ye for taking this on

And here it was for sale before the damage

http://volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=144483

glad it did not end up getting crushed.

Paranoid Chris says run your fingers up and down that chassis rail Andy, feel for *any* rumpling etc. Good luck with it though!

Chris_C wrote:
Paranoid Chris says run your fingers up and down that chassis rail Andy, feel for *any* rumpling etc. Good luck with it though!

I know what you mean, I thought that too when I noticed the damage, I had a feel, seamed OK. I think the flanges on the end bent allowing the front panel to push back if you know what I mean. The force was slightly to that side of the bumper but luckily not that far of centre. Will get a better look from the other side. I don't think there was enough force to do any damage to the chassis rail, I think it's the wiper motor thats pushed back into the front panel which has distorted it.

I'm itching to get started but I know I've got to get the garage tidied before I bring it home.

Great to see this being saved, good work Andy! Personally think the chassis rail will be fine - just looks as though the trumpet has taken the brunt of the impact

Hell Driver wrote:I know what you mean, I thought that too when I noticed the damage, I had a feel, seamed OK. I think the flanges on the end bent allowing the front panel to push back if you know what I mean. The force was slightly to that side of the bumper but luckily not that far of centre. Will get a better look from the other side. I don't think there was enough force to do any damage to the chassis rail, I think it's the wiper motor thats pushed back into the front panel which has distorted it.

correct. those lips bend back on any front impact, it's well worth a check if you buy a 300, you instantly know if it has had any front end damage in the past. i wouldn't be worried about the chassis rails etc. check at the obvious points (engine mounts, stabiliser mounting bar) if they're straight and the rest of the damage just looks like its a matter of bolting parts off and new ones on, finding everything (espescially a 218.5 color coded front bumper) will probably be the hardest bit

I have two spare white front trumpets if its any help. Looks quite straight apart from that impact. good luck with it

Thanks for the offer, I should have a pair of trumpets, I saved all the bits I need off a GLT I found in a breakers a year or so ago, the car was even the same colour! I only got them "just in case"!

That was bloody lucky then wasn't it? good luck shouldn't take too much.