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Mint 440

Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 5:29 pm
by Norm57
Hi all, am considering an offer on a mint 440 xi . Only 22,000 mls and looks pristine.its a J reg so 91 or 92 so I take it that it has the n/a engine and gearbox from early model 480s?. Also does it share the running gear and switch gear as well? It is an auto and appears to be completely original with all docs to support its history. Any thoughts much appreciated.

Re: Mint 440

Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 6:09 pm
by Alan 480
the 440 was based on the 480, so from that assume 'yes' :-)

interior obviously will be differet but driving proably all the same?

Re: Mint 440

Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 6:37 pm
by WRDendy
Nice cars if you're into Volvos, probably a bit dull if you're not. I considered getting one when I was between 480s, although I was looking at later models. The pre-facelift versions are much more similar to the 480 both in terms of design and styling, which I presume a J reg ought to be. The post-facelift ones feel very different and have a different (and wider) selection of engines IIRC. Definitely feels less sporty and more 'sensible' than a 480, and also bigger, but that must be down to the driving position and the layout of the interior as underneath they're fairly similar.

I'd say go for it if you like it. Even though they were far more common than the 480 you really don't see many on the roads now, so if that's genuine mileage and the condition is good then it might be some time before another one comes up.

Edit: just had a look on Car & Classic and there's one on there now so perhaps my last paragraph wasn't entirely accurate. It looks rather nice and quite reasonably-priced, plus it's a GLT with all the toys: https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1123425

Re: Mint 440

Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 6:54 pm
by dcwalker
Is this the one at Mathewsons in Thornton-le-Dale? If so, I drove past it yesterday afternoon and it caught my eye - at a glance it looked in good nick but sadly I didn't have time to stop and look at it...

The Xi was a limited edition in its day and quite a basic model. Based on the 480 as has been said, the 440/460 were good cars in principle. Unfortunately, having been good-selling "bog standard" cars, they are now rarer than the 480s!

The GLT that Will (Jaster) has flagged up will be higher spec'd, although that might equate to more to go wrong, of course! Equally I know from experience (albeit many years ago now!) that the GLT will give you a more engaging drive - but then, you do have a 480 for that, of course!

If you want further details about the relative models, I have a full set of 440/460 brochures as well as my 480 collection, so just shout!

Good luck if you go for it - I'd love to see it if you do, so we might need to get together again soon :D

David

Re: Mint 440

Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 7:34 pm
by Norm57
Yes D C it's the one at Matthewsons, failed to sell in Sept auction so vendor has left it with them to sell or put in Nov auction. It's in superb condition, but was a cat s write off, claims a broken rear light?. Am thinking of getting contact details of vendor and having a chat about it. If the mileage is genuine I think it might be worth an offer, it looks remarkably clean and straight almost concourse.