'Best in Class'
Volvo P1800
Sydney Morning Herald
DRIVE LIFE - July 18, 2008
"In many ways, buying a classic car is like buying a family pet. What may be love at first sight can quickly become a burden and, in the case of some collector cars, a costly burden at that.
Car collecting is all about passion. So before you make a hasty decision and you let your heart rule your head, it's important to sit back, do some research and study the form guide.
In 30 years the automotive landscape has changed dramatically. In a modern driving environment, with a lot more traffic and where car dynamics and performance have moved on, you will more than likely be disappointed in the way your dream car drives.
We forget the advances new technology has brought over time in terms of a car's dynamics and developments in performance, handling and braking. Put simply, driving a 30-year-old car as an everyday driver can become a downright chore in today's traffic.
On the other hand, Australia, with its wide open spaces, is one of the few countries where you can drive a classic car in the way it was intended.
And if you can afford to buy a classic as a weekend fun car then it could reward you with many hours of pleasure. Here, your budget is all-important to ensuring the degree of happiness it will return to you. Aim too high and you could be buying a drain on you finances.
.........Something a little different is the Volvo P1800, made famous by Simon Templar in the 1960s TV series
The Saint, built between 1961 and 1973. the early series were better quality. They are affordable and stylish - pay from $18,000 to $25,000"
