It's almost counterintuitive that even though automotive technology is more mature than 30 - 50 years ago, platforms today seem to have ever-shorter lifespans.
But the larger point is that usually with a new technology we see early models having a short lifespan (Lockheed Constellation 1943-1958) and then, over time, models have longer life (737MAX, or 777X, which has been in testing since 2017, more than half of Connie's production life).
But automotive seems to have gone from long-lived platforms like the VW Type 1, Mini (1959-2000), Range Rover Classic (1970-1996), Volvo 200 (1974-1993), and Ford Falcon platform (1960-1980) to very short refresh cycles.
(In related news, the Rolling Stones have titled their 2026 tour "One Last Ride.")
I am on the lookout for one of these wagons. Prob not this special edition, as I prefer the single round headlight variety, which means 1974-77. And of course, the 1993 models might not cause as much trouble as the '70s ones; thus, the '70s models must be better.
If at all possible, I would like a copy of the yellow wagon from Beetlejuice that drove off the covered bridge to avoid hitting the dog. A guy can be as specific as he wants about his dream car.
About the only more perfect Vermont death to die would have been if they had had to avoid hitting a cow and then drove their Volvo off a covered bridge. Pure poetry, that.
I still see these a lot on the west coast. I also am one of a dying breed of Volvo technicians that can work on them. Younger guys want nothing to do with them but I love the simplicity and translating old manuals from Swedish to English.
Weren't these the original urban assault vehicles esp. with a "baby on board" sign in the window? Haven't seen one in years now. I was looking for one back in the early 90's but my wife refused to be seen in one.
There is a white GL sedan that's been parked on the side of the through road in the mixed use development my gym is in for a few weeks now with a forsale sign in the window. It makes me feel like I'm back in 1998, too bad the 7500 asking price (reduced from 8500 which is crossed out with sharpie) snaps me right back to 2025.
My coworker (and friend) currently has 2 Volvo 240s and used to have quite a fleet (I think he was up to 4 or 5 for a period). Currently, he has an 86' pale yellow wagon with an auto and a 2-door that he is the process of restoring with suspension and brake upgrades, a manual swap, and adding a turbo. Had the pleasure of riding in the wagon during the Woodward Dream Cruise and must say I have a great deal of respect for these cars. I have been told that there is still quite a community around 240s with folks really going the distance to help source parts to keep these on the road.
My first car was a 1949 Chevy convertible (soft top), used, for $650. It featured a three speed stick shift column mounted and an underpowered engine that helped govern my testosterone poisoned psyche. We lived in Los Angeles and I surfed. I drove that car until the roof actually rotted, replaced the roof and drove it some more. You never forget your first girl friend, your first car or your first dog. There are other "firsts" you don't forget but they are probably not suitable for this forum.
It's almost counterintuitive that even though automotive technology is more mature than 30 - 50 years ago, platforms today seem to have ever-shorter lifespans.
It was such a competitor to mbz 300td wagon and looked good being one
Substantially different class from MB, IMO.
But the larger point is that usually with a new technology we see early models having a short lifespan (Lockheed Constellation 1943-1958) and then, over time, models have longer life (737MAX, or 777X, which has been in testing since 2017, more than half of Connie's production life).
But automotive seems to have gone from long-lived platforms like the VW Type 1, Mini (1959-2000), Range Rover Classic (1970-1996), Volvo 200 (1974-1993), and Ford Falcon platform (1960-1980) to very short refresh cycles.
(In related news, the Rolling Stones have titled their 2026 tour "One Last Ride.")
I went to the stones 1981 tour Seattle show, and at the time it was said to be their last tour.
https://youtu.be/-4cTIu0ZpS0?si=F8tJm61uWj6vYHjS
I am on the lookout for one of these wagons. Prob not this special edition, as I prefer the single round headlight variety, which means 1974-77. And of course, the 1993 models might not cause as much trouble as the '70s ones; thus, the '70s models must be better.
If at all possible, I would like a copy of the yellow wagon from Beetlejuice that drove off the covered bridge to avoid hitting the dog. A guy can be as specific as he wants about his dream car.
About the only more perfect Vermont death to die would have been if they had had to avoid hitting a cow and then drove their Volvo off a covered bridge. Pure poetry, that.
I still see these a lot on the west coast. I also am one of a dying breed of Volvo technicians that can work on them. Younger guys want nothing to do with them but I love the simplicity and translating old manuals from Swedish to English.
Our friends called theirs the “Lead Sled.” Served them well.
Pretty nice .
-Nate
Weren't these the original urban assault vehicles esp. with a "baby on board" sign in the window? Haven't seen one in years now. I was looking for one back in the early 90's but my wife refused to be seen in one.
brick
hell yeah
There is a white GL sedan that's been parked on the side of the through road in the mixed use development my gym is in for a few weeks now with a forsale sign in the window. It makes me feel like I'm back in 1998, too bad the 7500 asking price (reduced from 8500 which is crossed out with sharpie) snaps me right back to 2025.
My coworker (and friend) currently has 2 Volvo 240s and used to have quite a fleet (I think he was up to 4 or 5 for a period). Currently, he has an 86' pale yellow wagon with an auto and a 2-door that he is the process of restoring with suspension and brake upgrades, a manual swap, and adding a turbo. Had the pleasure of riding in the wagon during the Woodward Dream Cruise and must say I have a great deal of respect for these cars. I have been told that there is still quite a community around 240s with folks really going the distance to help source parts to keep these on the road.
P.S. I came home from the hospital in a Chrysler Air Flow.
My first car was a 1949 Chevy convertible (soft top), used, for $650. It featured a three speed stick shift column mounted and an underpowered engine that helped govern my testosterone poisoned psyche. We lived in Los Angeles and I surfed. I drove that car until the roof actually rotted, replaced the roof and drove it some more. You never forget your first girl friend, your first car or your first dog. There are other "firsts" you don't forget but they are probably not suitable for this forum.