145s remaining

[volvulus]

Hi, does anyone know how many 145s there are left? And how many big bumper 145 models are left? (does VOC have a registrar for 140 cars?) I ask because I need to make a decision if my rather rusty example is worth restoring or breaking for spares.

[222s]

There is a registrar for 140s - he does post on here so I'm sure he will be along shortly

I have no idea about the rarity of late 140s (very early ones do seem to be rare though) but I would say that the condition & spec of your car would be the more critical factors. E.g. is it complete but just in need of the rust repair that you mentioned? Also, can you do the bodywork repair yourself? Is the car to the spec that you want, i.e. once it's restored, is it something that you want to keep?

Other things to think about: is the car worth enough to you from a personal / sentimental point of view? Also, paying someone else to do body / rust repairs can be very expensive, especially to have the work done properly. Half the battle can also be finding somewhere that will do the work properly, rather than just plating over the rust......

[Citizen.Agfa]

Generally the 140 series is rare as, unlike some other Volvo models, they were not galvanised; however rarity alone is not enough when it comes to these cars, as the poster above states. If you were to restore this with a view to selling it on you could find yourself disappointed in the present market; compared to the Amazon, the 140 has never commanded a premium.

C.A. owner of the 144.

[Audrey Old]

Years ago we always called the Volvo 140 range "The forgotten Classic" which is a shame as the number of survivors is indeed declining rapidly.

I had a late big-bumper 145 that I bought from a farmer to tide me over whilst my Amazon was being straightened after a clown drove into it: thats when I fell in love with them. Apart from heavy steering when parking, they gave the impression of being so much more modern than the 120 range.

Since then, though, all my 140s except my late 144GL project have been slim-bumper cars: I have the same dilema with this car that started this thread off! However, my 142S is an early one with the B18 engine, so worth more (if that is important) than later cars, if it came to sell.

A couple of years ago a poster on here received info from the DVLA, under the Freedom of Information act, of all registered 240s, SORN'd and legal. I was going to follow the guidelines for the 140s and 164s, but my computer crash lost me that link! Has anybody else tried - I mean, does it have to be an authorised applicant to not get told to mind your own business? Perhaps Nigel335, the clubs 140 registrar, might be able to use his authority and go down that route for us all?

Any offers Nigel?

Paul

[volvulus]

Originally Posted by 222s

There is a registrar for 140s - he does post on here so I'm sure he will be along shortly

I have no idea about the rarity of late 140s (very early ones do seem to be rare though) but I would say that the condition & spec of your car would be the more critical factors. E.g. is it complete but just in need of the rust repair that you mentioned? Also, can you do the bodywork repair yourself? Is the car to the spec that you want, i.e. once it's restored, is it something that you want to keep?

Other things to think about: is the car worth enough to you from a personal / sentimental point of view? Also, paying someone else to do body / rust repairs can be very expensive, especially to have the work done properly. Half the battle can also be finding somewhere that will do the work properly, rather than just plating over the rust......

Thank you a very considered answer; I would do the work myself and never sell it.However as I have three other classics to restore you should have added the age of the owner as well and his long suffering wife's opinion to the list of things to consider. If they survive in enough numbers then it would more prudent to sell her for spares or repair and maybe find a good example although that wouldn't have the history,I've own mine since 1984 and it's complete but rusty.

[Citizen.Agfa]

Originally Posted by volvulus

Thank you a very considered answer; I would do the work myself and never sell it.However as I have three other classics to restore you should have added the age of the owner as well and his long suffering wife's opinion to the list of things to consider. If they survive in enough numbers then it would more prudent to sell her for spares or repair and maybe find a good example although that wouldn't have the history,I've own mine since 1984 and it's complete but rusty.

In that case the Volvo lover in me says "KEEP IT!"

Too many have gone.

C.A.