First day in my ownership...

This thing about owning classic cars is adict. After you get the first one, you want more and more cars. Sometime I say, joking, I'll join a therapy group.

This PV544 came to my possession by chance. Was looking one white P1800 S 65 for a colleague wishing to buy it (and he did)when spoted this car. Neglected for some time, was for sale. Just for fun, my cousin decided to negotiate and when I noticed was trying to find a place in garage.

Was stored in Auto-Sueco, Volvo car importer, near other old Volvos, like the famous P1900 #6. It is usual to see some cars from CPVV (portuguese Volvo classic cars club) for repair or just stored.

After looking for the P1800 went to see the other cars and saw this one. Talking with the man in charge found out that the owner of this PV was trying to sell it for sometime.

Meanwhile we found out the price and was affordable. Depending on car condition, so decided to take a better look. Under the dust was a very good paint job. Inside trim was in good condition too. Minor detailing needed.

My friend decided to buy his white P1800 S and I brought the 1:18 Revell kit, same look and colour of this car.

I was never very found of PV, but started to enjoy its sensous lines. Also realized that since I have two boys, could have one Volvo for each! Asked to drive the car. Volvo mechanics had it ready to go, since the car was there for oveer 2 years or so.

Asked for help in P1800 listers group. Derek Scott gave some hints and told me it was a very good car, lovely to drive and a must. After some sleepless nights decided to go forward.

The car was prepared. Painting was a lot better than it showed. And inside trim was great.

Took my kids to see the car and they loved it! Just look at those eyes! My eldest son Gonçalo 10th birthday was coming soon (and Easter too). So decided he would have the PV544 and my other son Daniel would have the P1800. Wow. No wonder they call me the best father in the world!!

When Gonçalo woke up on th 28th March 2002, had a small 1:18 PV544 pack in his bed.

Almost guessed what was coming later!

I had promissed to take him and his colleagues to the movies. Still didn't knew if the car was going to be ready and time was passing by. Had to find out a 6V battery because at Volvo they didn't had repaired the other. So phoned Mr. Valentim, my old car's electrician and he had one supperb 160Ah for beetle VW. It was getting late, thursday before holy friday (Easter) so I had to be quick. Picked up the battery and drove to Auto-Sueco just in time before closing. Had to convince the mechanic to install the 6V battery and off we went! In the middle of traffic, night and rain falling, driving this over 40 years old car for the first time with a bunch of kids in the rear! 

My wife didn't knew this, otherwise would call me crazy (wich I am). Driving in rush hour and old car, without knowing most of the commands, or condition, with my 2 kids and more 2 other colleagues of them, a complete madness. When I was in the middle of Arrabida bridge, car starts failing. Just after passing it, failed for good. Phoned for help. Was scared that my mad idea could end bad. My wife had dinner waiting and had phoned me twice asking what I was up too.

Failure could be of many reasons. I could not believe that at Auto-Sueco would deliver a car without fuel. But it was. Another hour, to find help, fuel, and the car was working again.  Fortunately all ended well. Arrive (almost) no time for dinner and birthday party.

Later, we had a small party with family and friends, for Gonçalo's birthday, but the visits to garage had most success.

Glad I have place for only four cars. Otherwise...how knows!

Happy family!