Volvo "cellular radiotelephone"

[Ian HT]

My "new" (1.8.89) 760 GLE estate is still fitted with its original Volvo carphone. The handset is clipped to a bracket roughly between the steering wheel and the radio console and there is a black box in the near-side-rear underfloor storage where the electric aerial motor also lives. The phone's aerial is fitted on the outside of the n/s/r side window.

It has novelty value and was presumably quite expensive when new, but are any still in use? Does anyone know whether they can be reconnected?

[Simon Linton]

My 1992 850 had an old car telephone transmitter left inside - sadly the frequency it used is no longer active, and I would imagine that the one on your own Volvo would have the same problem.

Re-connecting it would be an interesting project, but would cost many times more than a current telephone installation, even if it were possible at all.

[sheerwater]

Think your phone is probably analogue which I dont think runs any more in favour of new digital systems. There is a market for good old phones on ebay amongst collectors if you check the site. Best use for old''brick'' phones I saw recently was in a ski magazine. Carry one when skiing and if you happen to crash into someone pretend to be working on a ski film and talk into your ''walkie talkie'' and say ;'' did you get that take or will I have to do it again'' Cheers Nige