Ok - so after 22 years and 390,000 kms my trusty Volvo has joined the Nordic Gods in Valhalla. It is with a tear in eye that I handed the keys over to the wreckers and ripped the plates off (the screws had rusted over some time ago).
This thing managed several runs to Brisbane, Melbourne and everywhere else.
It survived me learning to drive manual.
It survived the 1997 scavenger hunt, (despite Linsell's effort playing 'guess who' with the driver).
It survived the Australia Square parking station, where the attendant destroyed the reverse gear, 5th gear (and the gear knob).
The 1998 Tasmania Rally (see foto) - note the surprised look on the driver of the Corolla. And the fact that the Volvo still has all 4 wheels firmly on the ground.
In 2000, on a trip via Newcastle Uni, the aircon locked up - ripping a fan belt and setting fire to the engine. Despite the scars, it continued to run fine (except for no aircon or power steering).
In late 2004, it barely limped up to Newcastle - blowing black smoke with several rings and one cylinder missing. The car was diagnosed as deceased by NRMA. For a liturgical donation of $130, the tech-priests at Hunter Viking were able to pray for the machine spirit and breathe life back into the engine.
The last run was (fittingly for a Nordic car) to Homebush IKEA. On the way back through French's Forest, Vernon lost the timing belt and all engine power whilst in motion at 70kph. Engine function was pronounced as ceased at 5.45 on 7th January.
Hopefully there is a better place for this car - watching a sunset like this somewhere.
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