Decade: The 60s

Built: 1966

Name: Volvo P1800s

Brian Wheeler spotted the car of his dreams - a Volvo P1800s - one sunny afternoon in 1987 when he was out walking with the dogs.

Tucked away behind a hedge in a country lane, the car’s bonnet was sticking out of an old shed.  He eventually tracked down the owner and after a bit of haggling managed to buy it.

Built in 1966, the car’s bodywork was in quite good condition at the time, but the rest of her  was a mess and required a considerable amount of work, as he spent the following year renovating the braking system, the exhaust, gearbox and interior.

Back on the road, the Volvo was used as the main family car for about 10 years until it became apparent that the engine needed rebuilding and the bodywork required attention.  Having completed the work and given her a re-spray in her original red colour, Brian moved onto his new Volvo and she was left to rest in the garage for a number of years.

Unfortunately, the rest took its toll and, when Brian finally got around to getting her out  again, the brakes had seized up and mice had made themselves at home, feasting on the carpets and upholstery.  Brian started again…..and since then has used her on as many occasions as possible, without any further problems!