1990 Turbo Auto - VOL 480T
Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2019 8:11 pm
Hi All
OK, let's get these two bits out of the way.....
1) I bought the ‘6k White Turbo’. It was me.
Why? Because my motor mechanic skills and never-ending pit of cash are both rather close to zero so I wanted to get a 480 that could hit the ground running in terms of preservation and enjoyment.
2) No, I didn’t pay £6000. I spoke with the trader before I made the 200 mile journey and told him that I did not have £6000 to spend. I know he’s had it for sale since the last quarter of 2018 so was hopeful that he could perhaps move a little on his price. And, of course, unless its fresh off the production line mileage/condition, we all know that it would be difficult to sell at that price.
On with the nicer bits
It's coming home this weekend so I thought I'd start my thread. This is my fourth 480 and my intention was never to buy a lower priced fixer-upper if I ever got another. I wanted to get one as a second car (all of my others were my main car) to preserve and love and keep clean and dry! I’ve never been into white but with it being in such good condition, colour-coded and a turbo (something I was hoping for) I quickly became converted.
I had spoken to a few members whilst looking for a new 480 (thank you guys!) and Andrew (Kent) invited me to see his 2 celebrations as I was going to look at the white one not far from him. I really liked the auto of Andrew’s despite never even having sat in an auto (of any breed) in my life but the white turbo was just exactly what I was hoping for my next 480 so it won me over. I am rather partial to the cloth interior as opposed to the leather too. Again, I can see a few of you furrowing your brows! Haha.
So, on with the details: The car has been used little and often and standing at 38k which, for me, is important. I have had a few low mileage cars that have been stood a long time and my personal preference is the ‘little and often’ reason for low mileage.
Doing my own ‘Deep Googling’, I can see that the car was purchased at auction for £2576 in May 2017.
I have seen posts about it being in Auto Trader for, what, £10000? I don’t know if that was this trader or another but before now, the car was owned by a couple (one ownership each). It’s not done much between then and now.
In terms of the “only three left on the road” claim: I, probably like many others, can only go by the How Many Left* website and this particular model (Turbo Auto S/R) says there are currently 5 on the road and 15 SORN....Mine will currently be one of the 15 I guess (5/15). Of course, there is the Turbo (22/59), Turbo S/R (12/40) and Turbo Auto (4/6). *numbers as of Q3 2018.
The current vendor showed me all of the history and recent parts and work it’s had and, without the paperwork in front of me, I know it’s had around £1000 worth of parts/paint/wheel work in the past 6 months or so. It’s had the minute paint chips sorted and I was questioning if the sills had been resprayed (as I have seen done often just to hide the rust!) but looking at the 2017 auction pics, it pretty much looks the same (minus the bright studio lighting of its current ad pics). He had the black line re-done by a guy who does wraps so hopefully that won’t deteriorate either. He was a nice guy selling decent cars, whatever their price may be. He wasn’t pushy, I wasn’t rushed (I’ve bought and sold enough cars to last me three lifetimes and heard it all!) and the transaction was simple.
There are three, minimal, not-so-good points: The 2 black inserts on front Volvo grille are missing (I’m sure I can source something to replace them with!), chip on the dash surround (I have tried many companies to repair and had one positive response of “we’ll take a look” so far. I feel like I could probably do something with that myself if I have to. And lastly, the under-bonnet deadening is missing. Again, I am getting this replaced. So, not exactly bank breaking but I’m well aware that many would want it all perfect if paying so much. I’m more than happy with everything though.
Everything works as it should: heated seats, aerial, sunroof, windows, original radio/cassette. Load cover in tact. The alloys have been nicely refurbished which finishes it off lovely - yes, I'll re-set the Volvo inserts, guys . It is as clean and dry as it could possibly be..... so much so I think I’ll cry if it ever rains and I’m out in it! I’m hoping to get a nice timber garage built (actually just for the 480!) ready for autumn so it’s out of the elements. It will visit my local Volvo service centre for MOTs and servicing. It’s MOT is November so I think I’ll get it done in July or August.....as I really don’t want to take it out on the road on a wet November day! I live in a very muddy, rural area so my cars are a mess in winter...no way I’m taking it out in that! It’s likely to be SORN during winter and just driven up and down the drive to keep it rolling a few times a month.
So far, I have it booked in to display at the VSCC day at Cadwell in July (I’m in Lincolnshire), and Newark Retrofest in June. Will take it along to anything I see and can get to.
My insurance was great and I’m also on an agreed value policy.
Last but not least; I’m not 100% sure I want to do this yet (for preservation reasons!) but I may replace the plates with some personalised 480 ones with my sons name on to include him in the 480 life!
I don’t think I can post images or links until I have written ten posts can I....?
I’ll hopefully find some things to write about between now and then. I plan to make more of a detailed video of it, with my not-so-amazing editing skills too for anyone interested in seeing it.
I’ll be at the Derbyshire meet next month so hopefully meet some of you there.
Happy 480ing all
OK, let's get these two bits out of the way.....
1) I bought the ‘6k White Turbo’. It was me.
Why? Because my motor mechanic skills and never-ending pit of cash are both rather close to zero so I wanted to get a 480 that could hit the ground running in terms of preservation and enjoyment.
2) No, I didn’t pay £6000. I spoke with the trader before I made the 200 mile journey and told him that I did not have £6000 to spend. I know he’s had it for sale since the last quarter of 2018 so was hopeful that he could perhaps move a little on his price. And, of course, unless its fresh off the production line mileage/condition, we all know that it would be difficult to sell at that price.
On with the nicer bits
It's coming home this weekend so I thought I'd start my thread. This is my fourth 480 and my intention was never to buy a lower priced fixer-upper if I ever got another. I wanted to get one as a second car (all of my others were my main car) to preserve and love and keep clean and dry! I’ve never been into white but with it being in such good condition, colour-coded and a turbo (something I was hoping for) I quickly became converted.
I had spoken to a few members whilst looking for a new 480 (thank you guys!) and Andrew (Kent) invited me to see his 2 celebrations as I was going to look at the white one not far from him. I really liked the auto of Andrew’s despite never even having sat in an auto (of any breed) in my life but the white turbo was just exactly what I was hoping for my next 480 so it won me over. I am rather partial to the cloth interior as opposed to the leather too. Again, I can see a few of you furrowing your brows! Haha.
So, on with the details: The car has been used little and often and standing at 38k which, for me, is important. I have had a few low mileage cars that have been stood a long time and my personal preference is the ‘little and often’ reason for low mileage.
Doing my own ‘Deep Googling’, I can see that the car was purchased at auction for £2576 in May 2017.
I have seen posts about it being in Auto Trader for, what, £10000? I don’t know if that was this trader or another but before now, the car was owned by a couple (one ownership each). It’s not done much between then and now.
In terms of the “only three left on the road” claim: I, probably like many others, can only go by the How Many Left* website and this particular model (Turbo Auto S/R) says there are currently 5 on the road and 15 SORN....Mine will currently be one of the 15 I guess (5/15). Of course, there is the Turbo (22/59), Turbo S/R (12/40) and Turbo Auto (4/6). *numbers as of Q3 2018.
The current vendor showed me all of the history and recent parts and work it’s had and, without the paperwork in front of me, I know it’s had around £1000 worth of parts/paint/wheel work in the past 6 months or so. It’s had the minute paint chips sorted and I was questioning if the sills had been resprayed (as I have seen done often just to hide the rust!) but looking at the 2017 auction pics, it pretty much looks the same (minus the bright studio lighting of its current ad pics). He had the black line re-done by a guy who does wraps so hopefully that won’t deteriorate either. He was a nice guy selling decent cars, whatever their price may be. He wasn’t pushy, I wasn’t rushed (I’ve bought and sold enough cars to last me three lifetimes and heard it all!) and the transaction was simple.
There are three, minimal, not-so-good points: The 2 black inserts on front Volvo grille are missing (I’m sure I can source something to replace them with!), chip on the dash surround (I have tried many companies to repair and had one positive response of “we’ll take a look” so far. I feel like I could probably do something with that myself if I have to. And lastly, the under-bonnet deadening is missing. Again, I am getting this replaced. So, not exactly bank breaking but I’m well aware that many would want it all perfect if paying so much. I’m more than happy with everything though.
Everything works as it should: heated seats, aerial, sunroof, windows, original radio/cassette. Load cover in tact. The alloys have been nicely refurbished which finishes it off lovely - yes, I'll re-set the Volvo inserts, guys . It is as clean and dry as it could possibly be..... so much so I think I’ll cry if it ever rains and I’m out in it! I’m hoping to get a nice timber garage built (actually just for the 480!) ready for autumn so it’s out of the elements. It will visit my local Volvo service centre for MOTs and servicing. It’s MOT is November so I think I’ll get it done in July or August.....as I really don’t want to take it out on the road on a wet November day! I live in a very muddy, rural area so my cars are a mess in winter...no way I’m taking it out in that! It’s likely to be SORN during winter and just driven up and down the drive to keep it rolling a few times a month.
So far, I have it booked in to display at the VSCC day at Cadwell in July (I’m in Lincolnshire), and Newark Retrofest in June. Will take it along to anything I see and can get to.
My insurance was great and I’m also on an agreed value policy.
Last but not least; I’m not 100% sure I want to do this yet (for preservation reasons!) but I may replace the plates with some personalised 480 ones with my sons name on to include him in the 480 life!
I don’t think I can post images or links until I have written ten posts can I....?
I’ll hopefully find some things to write about between now and then. I plan to make more of a detailed video of it, with my not-so-amazing editing skills too for anyone interested in seeing it.
I’ll be at the Derbyshire meet next month so hopefully meet some of you there.
Happy 480ing all