Volvo 240/260 Annual Meeting
09.07.2023Follow-up report: 18th meeting of the Volvo 240/260 scene.
If you want to experience the 19 model years of the Volvo 200-series live, the annual meeting of enthusiasts of these models is exactly the right place: Everything that the Swedes had to offer with this classic in terms of variants and versions can be seen here.
With more than 50 vehicles, the 18th meeting took place on 17 June in Kleinlüder near Fulda, organised by the initiator Karsten Schwob in proven cooperation with Daniel Roth and other energetic 240/260 fans. As usual, it was held on the Hessenmühle meadow in a picturesque setting. The participants from all parts of Germany as well as several Volvo fans from the Netherlands and Luxembourg created a friendly togetherness across all borders and ensured the best atmosphere. The timeless elegance of the design, which was created on the basis of the 140 series in the mid-1970s, is still characteristic 30 years after the end of production and recognisable at first glance as a classic Volvo.
Many faces have been familiar for years - but new participants also come along and present their treasures, with vehicles appearing time and again that astonish the scene: for example, a "staid" 244 from the early years of the 80s - quasi new-car condition with just over 60 000 km. A former embassy vehicle, the loving care for which could be seen at first glance. In complete contrast to this, a vehicle whose speedometer has already passed the 1.5 million kilometre mark and is on the road as if it were a matter of course and whose million kilometre performance is not visible.
The model years, equipment and engines showed the whole variety: L, DL, GL as well as GLE, GLT and Turbo - from the 1.9 litre to the turbo and V6, everything was there. The orange or light yellow paintwork of the 1970s, which were considered safety colours at the time, contrasted in colour with the more discreet paintwork of the later models in fjord green, grey metallic or black.
Rims can create a special nuance: at this year's meeting there were even three different BBS versions with gold-coloured wheel spiders in cross-spoke design. Regardless of whether unchanged normal condition or "improvements" to the chassis and vehicle - the Volvo 200 participants showed great tolerance and appreciation for every participant who is proud of their individual Volvo. Spare, wear and special parts were offered at the compact parts market - many a bargain could be made here.
After the participants had arrived in the course of the morning, Karsten was able to open the meeting and hand over a gift box for each vehicle present, for which the sponsors had donated high-quality welcome giveaways. SKANDIX and Caramba showed their generosity, as did Pågen with its delicious cinnamon gifflar and Nordis with its latest edition. The rally sign, also sponsored by SKANDIX and coloured for the first time with a racing 242, was particularly well received.
After the distribution, the start signal was given for the drive through the picturesque Vogelsberg region, where the traditional coffee and cake break was held at Eisenbach Castle under shady trees. The weather was kind to everyone: temperatures over 30 degrees and a bright blue sky. In the evening, there was a cosy get-together and barbecue. At this meeting it was more of a barbecue show - the "cooking artists" at the new barbecues celebrated preparation and selection at its best. The Hessenmühle team once again lived up to its name. In the summery evening air there were many nice conversations about Volvo and beyond until dark at midnight. The next morning was then goodbye and a hearty goodbye in Sauensiek in northern Germany, when Karsten Schwob will invite to the 19th meeting. Special thanks go to Karsten and Christiane, who organise this meeting again and again with great commitment and dedication - as well as to all those who support them. Let's look forward to Sauensiek!
All further information - see www.volvo240260.de.
Text: Werner Koop
Photos: Andreas Onken, Karsten Schwob, Manuel Sturm
Info
What:
18th Volvo 240/260 meeting
Where:
36137 Großenlüder-Kleinlüder (15 km west of Fulda)
Country inn Hessenmühle
When:
17.06.2023
