Survivor found close to me... photo opinions needed

[johnny_e]

I must have been lurking here over 16 years now... waiting for the right car and time. I'm in NI and 480's are a rare sight never mind a clean one!

A Celebration has popped up locally, advertised on a private Facebook group. Mixed bag.... not MOT'd since 2016 but apparently recently serviced and driving. Well... pinch of salt needed there I guess.

It's clean and promising in some areas - but will definitely need work to finish. I'll drop the pics here and see what you think. No mention of the computer/dials.

Description:
1995 Volvo 480 Celebration, dry stored last three years, starts and drives, fully serviced with new brakes all round. No MOT at present as this is a bit if a project, under 58k on the engine, good base for the right person. Everything's there including the roller boot cover, comes with new exhaust to be fitted by new owner and a selection of service parts.



























That drivers side has a fair bit of damage by the looks of it. There's obvious arch rust too... so I guess MUCH more will lurk beneath. I'd appreciate your experience and thoughts.

[jifflemon]

It’s a storm grey celeb - get it bought!

[jifflemon]

Observations:
None original radio - should have a dc942 single disc cd
Missing front splitter
Has it got the missing headlamp cover?
DRL lenses are now reproduced, so one less thing to worry about.

Visit it in person, check the backs of the sills.

[johnny_e]

Yeah, I think going in person is the only way. I guess rot is something I'll have to assume is lurking beneath and needs tackling. I'll get a good look underneath

Are splitters hard to get these days?

Asking price is £1500 by the way. Given the mileage, mint interior and clean looking engine bay .... I'm hopeful!

[jifflemon]

I’d be arguing 1k is closer for something rare with no MOT.

Usual bargaining points:
Check AC
Rear arches
Backs of sills
Info centre operation
Do a mileage check, check speedo has been incrementing

[johnny_e]

I’d be arguing 1k is closer for something rare with no MOT.

Usual bargaining points:
Check AC
Rear arches
Backs of sills
Info centre operation
Do a mileage check, check speedo has been incrementing

When you say "backs of the sills" would you have any pics or links to threads showing exactly where to look? Last car I've owned was an MX5 - so I'm used to the brown stuff

[Jay-Kay-Em]

Quite bizzare... why is it missing its wiper arms !?!

In addition to Jeff's list, the Driver's pre-tensioner has fired. Technically an MoT fail if noticed.

Missing it's fuel release/boot release trim. These always break the bolt holes.

That driver's door has took a fair knock. No way are you colour matching just a door. Before you know it you have both arches, a door, and corresponding panel blends... turns into painting 75% of the car. That alone will be more than the car's value.

And therein lies the crux. Two ways of thinking about this; head or heart. The head part says the economics don't stack up. Only you can choose to ignore that and go with the heart.

For where 480's rust, check my diary in the early days. Backs of the sills, rear seatbelt mountings, boot tool tray, in & around the rear torque arms and boot floor. Front anti-roll bar mountings to the chassis also rot. Check for a cracked windscreen emanating from the perimeter also.

Driver's bolster looks great and the poor thing would benefit from just a simple wash.

Best wishes with what you decide.

[Alan 480]

The seat belt can be reset (not easy but possible), been there!
Seats and rear lights look good as well, always a bonus?

have a darn good poke around front of inner portion of rear wheel arches, then deduct cash as required.

given milage then £1250 is about max, I guess it depends if/how fussy you are to match the paint, what is the last picture of?