Is the 850 a modern classic?

[jm1489]

I have just bought a plan Jane Volvo 2.5 850se estate as a load lugger whilst I swap the gearbox in my ml270 (possible future classic?).
I have had several Volvos in the past, 164, v70 and 240.
I know the T5 and R variants have always had a following, can the humble 10v and 20v also be considered a modern classic?
I now seem to be restoring the car back to A1 condition, can't help myself but I do love the unloved and forgotten. Took the car for a handwash as a treat and the cleaner commented "don't see many of those, what are doing with it?" It doesn't drive like an old classic and doesn't really look like a classic... is it a classic?

[m0bzy]

If they are'nt they should be,wish I still had my 2.5 20 Valve,if only for the exhaust note!!

[ITSv40]

If my experience of trying to get agreed value cover on my C70 is anything to go by definitely no.

On contacting many specialist brokers who advertise agreed value on modern classics so long as the car is 15 years old and used as a second car -which mine is: the response was 'that is not the type of car we deal with' in a very condescending tone.

Herts Insurance Consultants came up trumps with no problem at all.

[T5R92011]

To be honest, that scrappage scheme from a few years ago seems to have wiped out tonnes and tonnes of late 80's/early 90's cars.

If you look on autotrader, the going rate for anything from this era in good condition is just going up and up.

I would say especially with vehicles like boxy old volvos. They are very distinctive and as literally nobody makes vehicles like that anymore, their value is just going up and up.

[DAN AT ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi,
Just to let you know that we have classic car insurance schemes that could accommodate this type of vehicle.
Regards,
Dan.

[biggbn]

No connection to above, but Adrian flux will insure a c70 or the like. Are 850 classic, yes I say. Getting to the last in line of iconic boxy volvos yet with modern underpinnings and an iconic five pot motor. Still very cheap, I would buy a clean, low miles saloon tomorrow if I could find a really good one!!

[jm1489]

It is interesting to see how the saloon 850 has become popular, few years back unless it was an estate you couldn't give the saloons away but maybe because of their rarity and that they look more angular than the estate, the prices seem to be on the rise.... who knows, there maybe some hope for the C70 coupe, my local Garage ended up breaking one as it just wouldn't sell.
I think insurance companies need to understand that more people are buying "modern classics" as daily drivers and usually the second car, my generation has to justify the expense as the kids are still at home. I think the enthusiasts who bring their pride and joy out for one week a year are thinning out a bit. I keep my FC insurance below £200 by reduced mileage and social use. I think an indicator for the whole "daily driver" market is the huge value increase in 70/80/90 vehicles whereas the Austin/Morris/MG of 1950/60 era values haven't really moved much and buyers seem to be stepping over these as projects in favour of younger models?
I have stopped thinking about the cars I have owned and "if only" I don't have a wallet or garage that big!

[jm1489]

As an older driver and a 70's child I am at the grumpy old man stage! When I were a lad we drove around in bangers not new cars like the kids of today! I found myself saying that to a Customer until I realised that other than my 66 Beetle all my mate's cars were less than two years old... XR3.. XR2.. Manta.. Minis.. Even my Gran's Allegro, which I would borrow when skint.
They just seemed old by modern standards.
My point is that the 850 doesn't feel old or so what makes a "modern classic"?
Is more about its impact on the motoring world or good fortune to its manufacturer rather than how it looks or drives?
Alfa 156 is not far off classic status in my mind.

[Prufrock]

[QUOTE=jm1489;2390265...Alfa 156 is not far off classic status in my mind.[/QUOTE]

I'd agree although I'm biased. I was a member of the team that launched the 156 in the UK, there's one in the Alfa Romeo museum and that'a good enough for me.

Get a 2.0 Twin Spark while still reasonably cheap.

Jon.

[biggbn]

Cracking engines. I had a 'breadvan' 145 green cloverleaf with same engine, absolute hoot of a car, where have they all gone?

The real collector status always goes to the busso engined big bangers in the modern range. I notice both 164 and 166 are getting expensive. I find the 166 a distinctive car of unusual elegance.