Street Sighting ~ Volvo 240

Cut your teeth on what you know. That's what Cliff Chambers told me regarding an internship at RetroRides. And so while I have enjoyed the last couple of feature posts I've produced, it's time to get back to what I know - documenting SA cars.

This Volvo 240 felt like a good starting point. On the road where so many of my early sightings took place, photo'd on my way to the bus stop en route to University.

Nothing special, no crazy colour, and yet enough to brighten up my day.

  

It takes a minute or two to let go of an attitude that you have seen one before, and to instead just admire what's in front of you. I remember sitting in the back seat of my old mans Challenger, driving back from the Flinders Rangers. My mum telling me to look outside and appreciate the landscape. It would always take a bit to change mind frames. Yes it's a lot of the same but there is no guarantee I will see it ever again. So take in all moments.

 

I reminded myself this car had come from Sweden. I have never been to Sweden or anywhere in Europe for that matter. Old news - I took pleasure in its patina and visual history presented through condition.

Front on you can see the sibling DNA of Saab a lot more in this generation.  

With the obvious knowledge of Volvo's commitment to safety I admired and wondered what kind of testing took place before some well postured Swede - likely a man but you never know, sitting down wearing his short sleeved white shirt and dark navy tie (dressed like a NASA employee) signed off on these headrests.

Or maybe there was a team of designers hugging and celebrating like ground control when America landed on the moon, after finding out they'd managed to sneak this into the final product. Who knows?

What I do know is we should celebrate anyone who fights the good fight of driving an older car. The unsung hero's who aren't artists, but broadcasters of design. It's thanks to their decision to walk not the path of least resistance that makes the world more interesting.

If handed the keys I would throw the right stuff in the back and go see the roads to the Flinders Rangers again, Paul Kelly - Give In To My Love to keep me company.