Posted 01 August 2008 - 17:37
Re: Meet...I figured we'd do the usual...line the cars up, peer under each others bonnets, chat, chat some more, then go for a little drive (in something fast, preferably...show you what RWD Volvo performance is about) and then find a pub for eats and (soft) drinks!
I forgot to mention before...John Allam on the video giving you your prize isn't the membership secretary...that's John Smith. Both are club directors, and both appointed within the last few months. I forget what John Allam's 'speciality' as a director is, but I think it may be organising events.
Modification doesn't have to be at the expense of originality, depending on how strict you want to be. Ryan's car looks almost factory under the bonnet, but makes getting on for double the standard power. Volvo also did a factory turbo add-on kit for your engine...they're rare (and not too cheap), but they're out there. Alternatively, there's a lot you can do to your car to make it more fun besides adding power. 240s actually have a pretty good chassis once you look beyond the standard ultra-soft suspension, and will certainly show the FWD stuff a hard time if you tune the chassis settings. The brakes are exceptionally good as standard on 240s (4-pots on the front as standard), so no worries there. When the time comes, there are various routes to more power without ruining the car's originality. Some things will be a little different, but that's not to say they'll be out of place. Personally, as a BKV judge, I have no problem at all with a car which is non-original, as long as it is clean, neatly engineered and "authentic"/period. My 343 now has the wrong engine and various other things, but it all 'fits'. If it had a bike engine, for example, it might be a bit more of a problem in a concours contest...
A couple of pieces of advice I would issue for when you do come to drive...it might be worth keeping that 244 squirreled away over the winter months when the salt is on the roads (salt means rust)...and I'd consider doing at least 6 months driving in something you don't really care about - you're probably most likely to crash when you first start, so I'd do some time in an old banger. I know you'd be broken hearted if you smashed up the 244...and...if we're honest...I think we all had a few close calls when we first started driving. I don't know if your folks have a car you could use, for example, then insure the 244 on a mileage-limited classic policy for use during the summer months for shows, etc. Just an idea...
cheers
James
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The two don't have to be mutually exclusive 
