Review: 20th Volvo 240/260 annual meeting in Kleinlüder
25.06.2025
Volvo 200 series: A classic even when new – now a true classic
It was a shot in the dark that Karsten Schwob fired in southern Hesse in 2005 – and it hit the mark: the first meeting for Volvo's 200 series. What began 20 years ago with a small number of participants in a gravel parking lot in southern Hesse has now developed into the event of the year for the growing number of Volvo enthusiasts who love the Swedish automaker's most-built model. Even during its construction, many considered its design classic, and today the 200 series is a true classic.
On May 24, 2025, the Volvo 240/260 scene met in Kleinlüder near Fulda and presented the entire range of this model series. The original 244 with round headlights and solid aluminum bumpers was there, as were the 2-, 4-, and 5-door models from the 1980s and early 1990s. Although the basic design remained largely unchanged during its almost 20-year production run, the details reveal constant model refinement and a wide range of engines, from the sturdy 6-cylinder diesel from the VW range to the turbo variants. Initially equipped with the legendary B 20 engine, modified and further developed designs were introduced year after year, demonstrating that this well-behaved sedan, which was more often purchased in Germany as a station wagon with ample cargo space, had a lot to offer. The 240s also proved in racing that they were not only tough on the rims, but also under the hood.
The colorful variety – which was truly evident in a spectrum that showcased nearly every available color – shone in the midday sun on the lawn of the Landgasthof Hessenmühle. Participants from all over Germany were looking forward to seeing like-minded people again and were also able to welcome numerous 200 drivers from neighboring countries, with loyal long-time fan clubs from Luxembourg and the Netherlands among the regulars. Many of them know each other by now, and it is a reunion with familiar faces and equally familiar vehicles, although newcomers to this model meeting also come along and immediately feel at home in the community.
Karsten welcomed the participants shortly after noon and received applause for his 20 years of commitment. To mark the occasion, Karsten had asked three expert judges to select the three most interesting vehicles, who presented their tongue-in-cheek assessments with some rather individual decisions and awarded the prizes...
The raffle, with its now traditional sponsors, had a surprise in store for all participants. SKANDIX and Caramba provided car-related gifts, Nordis provided its magazine, which whets the appetite for Scandinavia, Pagen provided its original Swedish cinnamon pastries, and Volvo Amthauer from Hanau and Volvo Cars Germany provided support. In addition to the traditional rally sign, Karsten also presented an anniversary cotton bag.
Then it was time to start the round trip through the picturesque Vogelsberg region. Coffee and delicious cakes and tarts were enjoyed in the relaxed atmosphere of the café at Eisenbach Castle before the return journey to Hessenmühle began. During the trip, a long-time participant had a problem with the water pump of his 1983 244. Another driver had brought along a fairly extensive stock of spare parts for his 1975 244 DL and was able to help out with a suitable water pump. The car was repaired in the early evening and the journey home was able to start as planned the next day.
Many participants were looking forward to the barbecue evening at the Hessenmühle, which never fails to delight barbecue fans. Unfortunately, the weather forecast predicted that it would not be barbecue weather that evening – and it was right. So a three-course meal was served in the restaurant, which was every bit as good as the barbecue buffet in terms of taste, but did not quite meet everyone's expectations in terms of portion size. The evening was spent in a convivial atmosphere and most of the participants did not set off on their journey home until the next morning.
Next year, the north will once again welcome the 200 community to its 21st meeting at a new venue south of Hamburg – hats off to Karsten for his shot in the dark, which makes the meeting a hit every year. The participants would like to express their sincere thanks to Karsten, his family, and all the helpers and sponsors.
Text: Werner Koop
Photos: Karsten Schwob
Info
What:
20th Volvo 240/260 Annual Meeting
Where:
Landgasthof Hessenmühle
Hessenmühle 1
36137 Großenlüder-Kleinlüder
Tel.
When:
Saturday, May 24, 2024
at 11:00 a.m.
