Hi everyone. Seeing how you're all sharing your experiences, I figured I'd
post my response to Svelte here too. I originally responded to him directly.
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Hi Svelte,
I have a 1972 3 litre Volvo Marcos which I've owned since 1975. The car was
one of the last of the earlier models and I brought it over from England
when I emigrated later that year. I subsequently had the car switched to LHD
because it's easier to drive over here if the steering wheel is on the left.
I work out of town and the Marcos web site is blocked by my employer so I
can't respond to your poll as you have asked, so here's my 2 cents worth. I
live in Ontario, Canada, not far from Ron McLeod (who isn't rich, by the
way, but he's probably doing OK). My car is my pride and joy and I keep it
in top condition. Considering how long I've had it, it has cost very little
on average to run. Mind you, I only use it in dry weather and only for about
2000 miles per year. It obviously isn't my everyday car now but it was when
I lived in England. I sometimes worked 60 miles away from home and had no
problems with the car from a reliability point of view. Back then I was
single and there was only me and sometimes a girlfriend to transport around.
These days I'm married with a young daughter so the three of us need
alternate transport if were going out together. My daughter loves being out
in the Marcos and comes with me every chance she gets. My wife is nervous in
it because its small and low and she feels vulnerable besides other
vehicles, especially trucks.
My car has a steel chassis which I've kept in top condition by ensuring that
it doesn't rust. It's the one problem that can cost a lot of money to fix,
so it's worth the time to protect it. I had a fire in my car in 1978, which
I'm sure was deliberately set, so I shipped the remains back to the Marcos
factory for a rebuild and the switch to LHD. Fortunately my insurance
coverage paid for most of it and I got back a practically new car into the
bargain. I paid extra for a new chassis because the old one had started to
rust, badly in places, (even though it was only 6 years old at the time)
because it was exposed to everyday English weather. That's why I don't drive
the Marcos in the rain over here, apart from the fact that visibility is
terrible in the rain in traffic due to wheel spray and its low height. The
'new' chassis is now 22 years old and as good as new after a coat of POR15
chassis paint recently applied.
Personally, I wouldn't give my car up for the world but it would be totally
impractical if it was the only car it could afford. Fortunately I can afford
a second vehicle so it isn't an issue but about the largest package I can
carry is a case of beer. Sometimes I'll squeeze my golf clubs into it but
it's tight if I want to include my cart. For me, running costs have been
very reasonable but, as I can fix most problems myself, I haven't needed to
pay for someone to maintain my car for me. In 22 years, my biggest expenses
involved having an overdrive gearbox installed and having my overdrive unit
reconditioned recently. I had to replace a broken windshield last year and
I'll need new tires soon. I've spent quite a bit of money putting in a high
performance engine but that was by choice, not by necessity. The car was
running fine but I wanted a little more oomph. I change the oil regularly
and I've changed the brake and clutch fluids a few times. I've rebuilt the
clutch slave cylinder and I've replaced the brake pads. I lubricate the
front suspension and steering occasionally and I've had a few batteries. As
you can see, my car hasn't been prohibitive to run but other owners haven't
been so lucky, though I believe that problems occur to people who don't do
proper maintenance, and they can be avoided.
I saw my first Marcos in a Sunday Times magazine when I was 18 and fell in
love with it on the spot. I saw my first one up close at University when a
law student used to park one regularly right outside the student union bar.
It turned me green with envy and I swore I'd have one myself one day. I was
finally able to afford one when I was 26 and I've never regretted buying it.
I hope you get to realise you dream too, Svelte. If you get the chance, go
for it and to hell with practicalities. Just make sure it's in top condition
to begin with.
Regards,
Paul Dransfield