Afraid I needed another estate & just couldn't justify keeping 3 cars for the two of us.
So I set about the task of selling a RHD, French registered 480T Auto here in France.
99% of the replies mentioned "Oh if only it was LHD" & thoughts of having no choice but to drive 'Rocket' to the 'great yard' were looming.........
Also many commented on how rare a 480T with auto box is over here. Apparently this set-up was never sold in France for some reason.
Eventually I was contacted by a young chap who already had a RHD ES. He had bought the ES in Chepstow, then drove it back to France to restore. He was very interested in my car, but the price was too high for a 'student'. We spoke on gchat for about 6 weeks during which time I received no other interest. So we came to an agreement on price, which went IMO very much in the buyers favour (
). That said the 'swaying' element in the deal for me, was the fact that Olivier promised to restore 'Rocket' to his former glory & to keep me updated with the work he carries out. The car is now subject of a rolling-resto' 
I'm chuffed to nuts that 'Rocket' is going to be rolling for many more years
Anyway, for those who can follow a bit of French, Oliviers thread over on 480-org is here: http://www.volvo-480.org/forum/viewtopi ... 75#p240505
This is page 8 of his thread where 'Rocket' is introduced to join with his ES 'Lufy'. Obviously if you wish you can read the whole thread, where you'll read & see that he & his mates are more than capable of putting 'Rocket' back to as near new condition as poss.
Olivier came to my place last week by train to collect. He stopped over then set off of on the 5&1/2hr, 350+ Km trip back in 'Rocket the next morning. This was to be the longest trip 'Rocket' had done in one go since before I purchased him in 2002. Also 'Rocket' had sat on my driveway since early Feb, apart from the trip (20 mins) to collect Olivier from the train station at Redon. Needless to say the trip went without a problem. Olivier emailed me to say that he had sat at 130km on the 'paeage' and finished saying "Rocket pulls like a train". So a happy buyer & a slightly sad, but chuffed seller!
A couple of pics, first with me & second with Olivier, Rockets new keeper!
Clicky Images
Ahh well. At least I've still got my beloved 240Est & now an 850 2.5 GLT 20v too
This car was a mistake 
) causing the light squealing noise when cold, that I thought was a pulley!
