First day...in my ownership

Classic cars ownership is like an addict problem. Once you start, you always want to have more and more cars.

This PV544 came to my garage by chance.  I was checking a white P1800 for friend willing to buy it. Car was stored in Auto-Sueco, Porto (portuguese Volvo importer) in the basement, where special cars are stored (like the famous P1900 #6) and others from CPVV members.

After checking the condition of the '65 P1800S (by the way, in superb condition) saw the other oldies parked there. Just for fun, was guessing with my cousin (the red '61 Jensen owner) to each car their value and how much we were willing to pay. Just for fun...

I always had a 'thing' about 164s and there was a electric metallic blue, a late 164E 3 liter injection. Next to it was a red, neglected PV544 Sport. I was never very found of PVs but somewhat enjoyed that car. Read somewhere that they're very reliable, easy to maintain and confortable.

My cousin asked me if I would like to have one. I said, yes, of course, but that car must be quite expensive. He insisted, probably knowing that the car was for sell. 

Just few days after, he phoned me telling that the only car for sell was this Sport '61 PV544. I was not in a buying mood, but price seemed fair enough. Decided to go there, just to give a better look to it.

Meanwhile, my friend decided to buy the white P1800S. And I started to dream with the PV544...

To start, bought the red Revell 1:18 544 kit. Gorgeous! As I looked to it, I couldn't keep my mind away of that PV544. Asked to ride the car. Since it was sitted there for over a year (probably almost two), Volvo manager had it prepared: oil changed, and a quick revision to check overall condition.

Later, I went again to check it, but was still untouched, covered with dust and not very good looking. A more detailed check and found out that upholstery had been restored not long ago, to mint standard. Only horn ring was missing. And a lit bit of dust allover. Outside, under the thin dust layer, seemed to have a fine painting job.

E-mailed some friends, like Derek Scott (who owned one once) and they gave me some hints. I had to make a decision and after some days (or nights) not sleeping well,  decided to go forward.

Car was prepared. The horn problem was not solved. Also had a bad 6V battery.

Nevertheless, heart overruled the reason and I decided to ahead. I already have the P1800 and wouldn't trade it for this PV544, or any other car, I guess. At least while I can keep it. But the temptation of owning this sexy shape old Volvo was too much. I even brought my kids once to see the car, just to check their reaction. Of course, didn't told them anything about my ideas, but loved their enthusiasm when they saw the car. Just look those sparkling eyes!

Any remaining doubts disappeared that precise moment. By that time I still didn't had saw the engine running or checked the other issues, but decided that this car was going to be mine. Even draw an excuse: I have two kids, so one will get the P1800 and the other the PV544.     

Was told that car would be ready by the end of that week, just in time for Easter. My older boy 10th birthday was the 28th March, just before Easter. So the car would be Gonçalo's birthday present. Wow! No wonder he says I am the best father in the world!

When he woke up, a small 1:18 PV544 was in a box sitting in his bed.

He almost guessed what was going to happen later that day.

I had promissed to take him and some of his young friends to the movies, so we went. Still was not sure if the car would be ready on time to collect it. Still had the battery problem. But a phone call to my classic cars electrician, Mr. Valentim, and he told me he had several 6V batteries ready to take away. So, I picked one 160Amp battery after the film, and off we went to Auto-Sueco to collect the car! Time was short, traffic heavy, and lot after the closing time. Nevertheless managed to get to Auto-Sueco on time. Battery was down, as I expected and was told to use cables. But to connect where? to a 12V battery?!? Fortunately the 24 hour mechanic helped us to install the new 6 volt I had brought. And off we went!

First stop was just a very few kilometers after. Engine refused to start. My cousin had went with us, to see the car, and was our salvation. Around 8 pm, my wife waiting home for dinner and I was with 4 kids and an old car. She didn't knew exactly what was going on otherwise would have called me crazy. And I am.

We thought the failure could be from many things but I had a hint. Probably too short on fuel. So, we went to a gas station and bingo, pour some leaded 98 and engine was working again! I was happy for my intuition and for having the new battery, otherwise would have to call toe truck and the kid party would be ruined.

Later  that day, we had a small party for close family and friends, for Gonçalo's birthday, but the visits to the garage to spot the new 'creature' were the most remarkable thing that evening.

 Now my garage looks like a Volvo Classic shed! Fortunately (or not!) I don't have any room left, otherwise, who knows!

Happy Family!