Old Volvos: Cool or Nah?

Japan’s car culture is eclectic - but no one expected this! A new niche is emerging… and it involves old Volvo barges. Specifically, Volvo 200 Series ‘bricks’, the matronly saloons and estates that peppered European middle-class driveways from 1974 to the early ‘90s.
That's right, the chunky cardigans of the car world have a fan club. And we’re talking stock items here too, none of that modified malarky.
Yet it’s that utter ordinariness that makes these Volvoisti smile. They love these cars, and don’t care what anyone else thinks.
Time for Top Gear Magazine's Tom Ford to embrace the slow life…
Subscribe to Top Gear for more videos: bit.ly/SubscribeToTopGear
WATCH MORE TOP GEAR:
First Looks: bit.ly/TGFirstLooks
First Drives: bit.ly/TGFirstDrives
American Tuned ft. Rob Dahm: bit.ly/TGAmericanTuned
LISTEN to the Top Gear Magazine Podcast: topgear.podlink.to/Podcast
Sign up for our newsletter: www.topgear.com/newsletter-si...
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:51 Why old Volvos?
06:09 Conclusion
MORE ABOUT TOP GEAR:
Welcome to the official home of Top Gear on KZbin. Here you'll find all the best clips from your favourite episodes, whether that’s Ken Block drifting London in the Hoonicorn, Chris Harris in the latest Porsche 911 GT3 or classic Top Gear clips from Clarkson, Hammond and May. You'll also find the latest performance car reviews from the TopGear.com crew, our brand new series American Tuned with Rob Dahm and the fastest power laps from our in house performance benchmark: The Stig.
This is a commercial channel from BBC Studios.
Service & Feedback www.bbcstudios.com/contact/co...

[@TopGear]

Name the coolest Volvo ever 👇

[@jaxonjaxoff3291]

P1800E

[@volvo_940_gl6]

940 d24tic

[@PallesWorld6309]

164/264, even if i did have a Amazon in my Youth..

[@evoracing001]

850 T5-R or 850R

[@Dennisheterjag]

360 GLT

[@Nior_]

We know that everyone, no matter who they are or where they live, has a soft spot for old Volvo wagons. It's just impossible to dislike them!

[@johnjuiceshipper4963]

I’m 27, I got a 240 when I was 24 and it’s been my daily. It’s such a chill car, and it’s the car that people who aren’t carpeople like. Folks that never even notice an AMG or GTI will come up to you to tell you how someone in their family used to own a brick like it. It’s do wholesome.

[@StargateMaker]

Much like the American small block……. Combine the 2 and you got yourself a stew going.

[@Brock_Landers]

I would really love to have an older Volvo coupe, or even a boxy sedan, so that I could put a Honda J32A (3.2L SOHC 24V V6) in it with a Nissan CD009 six speed manual and turbocharge it. I LOVE oddball builds, but I also love my Hondas...even though I drive a BMW.

[@DJPleasureSeekingMissle]

@@johnjuiceshipper4963so true. I was at a coffee shop with my wife and as we were drinking our coffee, we sat by the window and saw a younger guy with his girlfriend taking pictures of my 240. It was so heartwarming 😊.

[@evolicious]

@@StargateMaker nah, american garbage.

[@carlhenriksson3692]

As a swede this makes me very proud and happy😊

[@TopGear]

🇸🇪🇸🇪

[@matmul4850]

As a swede, this makes me a vegetable 😊

[@theonlyguyman]

Let’s gooo brother 🙌🇸🇪

[@friktionrc]

I remember seeing vids of these racing back in the 80s….was great fun to watch

[@lukeclifton4392]

As an Aussie, I’d love to see Saab make a comeback!! But more so, I just wish the likes of Volvo, Asko (Asea Skandia), Saab and Electrolux could return to their roots… there’s something sooo satisfying about that Swedish use of steel and that “thunk” when you close the door, the electrical contactors and their “clack” when you start the dryer. 🥰🥰🥰

[@lolza-qh2xw]

The shot of those Volvos cruising at night is actually so beautiful.

[@rantalaatwork]

I dont know why the reporter felt like he could speak for the entire Europe when he said volvos are considered not cool. They have been popular for tuning for a long long time and people really like them.

[@eliaswallin9272]

Yeah in Sweden you will see tuned old volvos everywhere many people in seden when they turn 15 they can drive A-traktor/EPA thast goes 30 km/h almost every single one off them are old volvos like the 740 or the 940 and you may see some v70s to

[@davidcarlsson1396]

@@eliaswallin9272That's not really true anymore, sure on the countryside, but most EPA I see are v70 or maximally 10-15 years old. The RWD volvos has started to become expensive.

[@eliaswallin9272]

@@davidcarlsson1396well yeah were i live they still have many older Volvos but yeah the V70 is like the most popular now

[@adam.s007]

@@eliaswallin9272 Well they are tuning them for the worse. Personally I think it's very sad to see these young teenagers chopping the rear up and converting them into EPAs, they are after all becoming less and less and harder to find one in good condition.

[@chevyguy1422]

​@@adam.s007 you mean "more and more"

[@Megnanus]

Japanese knows quality when they see it. Cheers from Sweden!

[@ayaken5972]

Japan brought us JDM, and now they're creating a new wave of laid-back car culture.

[@Raketbaever]

Japanese Domestic Market

[@OscarLagerstrom]

Calling old Volvos an unlikely passion shows how little you know car people.

[@alvdansen7172]

Yeah, it's rather the opposite! The love for old Volvos is huge both in Sweden and outside of Sweden. They can be found in North Korea used as taxi cars, even if North Korea didn't pay for them it's still interesting how they chose old volvo cars and use them still today. Old vovo is just a very good car and those who appriciate quality will like it.

[@user-py8di4nm2t]

4 cylinder, possibly 5 speed manual, rear wheel drive, relatively light. its the ingredients for a racing machine

[@davideurenius5272]

The condition of these Volvos are insane! 😍

[@noah2530]

These cars were built to last!

[@CyberDunk2077]

To own a car of this size in Japan costs an absolute fortune, even owning a small car is out of the reach of many. Having a car is a big portion of your wages, so most cars are very well taken care of. It’s great to see these older Volvos looking factory fresh.

[@nakit_muusilla]

@@CyberDunk2077how does the size affect to cost of owning a car?

[@CyberDunk2077]

@@nakit_muusilla Parking Space Requirements: To purchase a car in Japan, you must have a designated parking space. The dealer will ask for proof of ownership or rental of a parking spot within a 2-kilometer radius from your residence. Managing a parking space can be costly. The bigger the car the more expensive it is to park. Average parking spaces are very small, so you would probably need 2 next to each other to park a car this size. Taxes and Fees: Automobile Tonnage Tax: This tax is based on the weight of the vehicle.

[@MaxmilianDao]

​@@nakit_muusillaTax, insurance and parking etc.

[@matts2496]

My mates dad had one of those. It had done 250,000 miles, enough I think to reach the moon, and still drove strong.

[@evolicious]

Friend of mine just got one, it has 320,000m, just needed to replace the belt and it's ready to go another 300k, lol

[@petergrandien1440]

@@evolicious nice buy, 320,000 miles for a Volvo 240/245 means its just broken in

[@rainbowwarrior2635]

I was very impressed with my volvo, but when I got my 1984 Mercedes 300SDL and it had 380,000 miles on it, and everything worked, and it never broke down or left me stranded on the road, I really had to give it up for mercedes then. Let it be said that Mercedes Turbo-diesel sedans from 78 to 2006 are probably the best car ever made, just all around for what a car is and what a car should be. My CDI is large luxury car that get's 50mpg on biodiesel and hauls ass effortlessly. and for the same reason volvo are also incredible cars just for what a car is and what it should be, We're not always on a race track, they're just so comfortable and easy going. They make a lot of sense.

[@Sinnerboy88]

Only 250,000 miles?! In other words.. it's not even broken in yet? Old Volvo and old Mercedes.. specifically diesel.. they can do millions of miles. Not unknown for MB taxi in Europe and Africa with 2-3 million miles plus on original engine.. OM617, OM602 etc. bear in mine many of these are cars that are not even particularly well looked after, just probably topped up with some generic oil from a barrel, maybe changed once every few year. The guys in Africa aren't going to fancy store and buying little can of specialty oil that costs a small fortune.. they just get whatever is available. Average age of car that goes to Africa is like 17 years old, then it has maybe another 20+ years life ahead of it there. I myself have one W201 with OM602 5-cyl diesel with close to million miles on still drive like new.. I have another with very low miles because some old man owned it, less that 100k I think, need to check again. I have the W202 OM605 turbodiesel with 350 thousand miles and I refer to it as "the new car" 🤭 OM605 and OM606 good engines too. Similar but 5cyl vs 6cyl. Some prefer the 605 but 606 does have a bit more power potential. You can make these engines like 450bhp (OM605), 600bhp (OM606) with relatively few modifications and not a huge amount of money. Just upgrade pump, intercooler, turbo, management, gearbox etc.

[@Frajmando]

@@evolicious 320,000m? 320km is literally brand new, why did they need to replace the belt? Becuase of age?

[@RSID]

Here in Jakarta Indonesia, we have a respect for old Volvos. I always pass through a specialised Volvo workshop on my way to work. They work on Volvos from every age there, from the boxy classics, all the way to the newer modern Volvos. My parents were married in a Volvo, cause my dad opted for something else other than the typical Mercedes wedding car at that time. I still see old Volvos driving around the city from time to time, alongside rich SOB's driving the latest XC's.

[@MrRygaard89]

Any chance you can link that workshop website here?

[@noriyaro]

The flying brick nickname “sora tobu renga” (空飛ぶレンガ) is also used in Japan. However, “tiny kei cars” (doesn’t show a kei car) “shockotan” (it’s sha-kotan) “boosazookoo” (it’s boh-soh-zoku) Top Gear please, I’m available for consulting next Japan shoot. 😅

[@andyflorence2827]

They look cool. I like the retro style. We are almost forced to get new cars in the U.K. the government don’t make it easy to keep and run older cars. It’s nice to see older cars still on the road.

[@johnvigolo4972]

How true & it’s false economy from an environmental point of view. We should be recycling, using & preserving what we have instead of being a throwaway society. On cars, we use to hold onto them for many years, now everyone replaces them every 2-3 yrs like they are some easy disposable throwaway item. How is this environmentally friendly?

[@kennethlaycock4724]

A+ to all the above comments about the 240.

[@henri988]

Not really, our government is actually quite supportive, no mot for cars over 40 for instance. However our climate means old cars just don’t survive that well

[@sonicstep]

Spell it out. ULEZ.!

[@Stuntman175]

Anyone, and I mean ANYONE that's into automotive culture has a soft spot for old Volvos, especially the wagons. They have racing pedigree, are legendary for their toughness, reliability and affordability. They could have been considered boring cars at the time, but there is a lot to be said about how charming it is to sit or drive in. One of the saddest days for the automotive world was the day that Volvo and SAAB were shut down. They should have never sold Volvo to Ford and SAAB to GM, American companies can't seem to build a decent car to save their lives. That's why the only American manufacturer that sells here is Ford, but it's Ford of Europe, almost a completely different brand than the US counterpart.

[@evolicious]

Volvo lives on in the polestar cars, they are phenomenal.

[@Pimpinainteasy91]

Lol, Ford only owned it for less than 10 years. And during that time volvo produced some of the safest and reliable cars on the road (xc70 wagon). Since 2010 Volvo is owned by a Chinese company.

[@Ce0ammer]

​​@@Pimpinainteasy91that's an eventough situation not because of.

[@JorgenKreedz]

@@Pimpinainteasy91Management remained in Sweden under Ford, thats why they kept getting safer, not because of Ford. They are still competing at the top for safety to this day, under Geelys ownership, but under Swedish management.

[@Ce0ammer]

@@JorgenKreedz Geely has managed to let Volvo become a bit less boring. Might be staff that moved over from SAAB as well.

[@M1R00TJ3]

volvo 240 is definitely the most volvo-like volvo there ever was and ever will be, my orange volvo 245 from 1975 is my dream car and i wil drive it 'till the day i die

[@joelbolton7252]

I absolutely love this. As a Volvo owner for the past 20+ years, I feel it. My parents 240 was a star, and we miss it. Nowadays they are harder to find, and were unappreciated for many years. What a world these cars have around them, and I am so thankful they have a faithful following in this part of the world. Amazing!

[@rainbowwarrior2635]

You're right, part of the appeal is that modern cars suck! It's stupid the way the engineering ruins the car, like you can't turn of the head lights and pull up quietly in the dark, it wont stop beeping at you, the touch screen is shinning in your face and you can't figure out how to turn of the screen, it wont stop beeping at you for not wearing the seat belt. Nobody want';s this new crap, we all want a old mercedes or volvo and maybe a 1997 toyota trucks or something.

[@LifeofnotBrian]

Volvos deserve all the love they can get. We love volvos here in Norway, too! My dad had a 164, a 144 and a 240 when I was growing up (in the 90s), so I've always had a soft spot for the angular shapet swedes. I had a '71 144 de luxe, colorcode 04 - turquoise. Lovely, lovely car. Should never have sold it... But I did...

[@SimulatorAdventures]

I hope Saab culture grows there in a similar way 😎

[@jclouw321]

It has! The main character in the movie Drive My Car which won an Academy award for best international movie (based on a story by famed author Huraki Murakami) spends 90% of the movie in or around a beautiful Saab 900 SPG in Talladega Red. Absolutely beautiful movie featuring an equally beautiful car.

[@SimulatorAdventures]

@@jclouw321 Yeah that was a truly stunning car. I don't think Saabs were imported into Japan in high numbers but those that remain are definitely looked after.

[@ScienceStuff15]

Here I am with a 2007 XC70 and a Saab 9-5 Aero . Whatamachines!!!!!

[@AwesomesMan]

I think it'd be harder to upkeep a Saab though

[@Ce0ammer]

​@@ScienceStuff15sell the XC70 and get a 9-3X instead. So much more fun!

[@gtrkz1]

Owned 270hp 850 T-5 wagon. Rare purple color along with an iconic 5 cylinder turbo B5234T engine. Still have a love for this car! Enormous trunk sizes, quiet inside and never ending torque of turbo engine. Volvo 4 Life ! ❤

[@atmartens]

My favorite Volvo model… the 850.

[@dazedfrog700]

have a purple 850 wagon too but sadly its not turbo. T5 in that color must have been insanely rare.

[@Pandolcee]

As a proud 1987 240 GL Sedan Driver, I am so happy Japan is getting into Volvos, they are truly a cozy, chill, fun and easy going car that last FORVER

[@niki7040]

When Volvo was Volvo. Miss it.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Volvo is still Volvo. nothing stays the same. They're just more modern now.

[@niki7040]

@@benjaminsmith2287 Not correct at all. In the past, Volvo was different, for better or for worse. But they had something very special. Today, would not consider buying anything owned by the rotten country of China.

[@user-mv6he6gl8m]

For sure, they are trying hard to climb the value lather and compete with BMW, Mercedes and the likes. Hmm, owned now by China...

[@OTOWN2STOCKTOWN]

Show how much you know about cars or Volvo in particular There is a heck of a lot changed that it hardly could be viewed as the same brand now

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@OTOWN2STOCKTOWN OK. What's changed? What has changed at Gothenburg in terms of design and development and teams that direct the brand?

[@Detah_]

My v70 is still alive 330,000 miles and counting. It’s a stick shift too which adds extra cool factor

[@PaperCoffeeTable]

Fantastic, one of the sayings Volvo has had is that you should feel as relaxed when you arrive as when you started your drive. These dudes feel how Volvo designed the cars and how they are supposed to make them feel. Relaxed, and safe, while also being boxy giving most people all the practicality they need without buying a massive SUV.

[@elestromusicgamesfun1101]

As a Swede, I drove my first Volvo 245 as a 9 y.o. xD Then grew up to be a huge JDM-fan. Makes me happy to see this :)

[@Permuh]

Old Volvos have been a thing in Norway for as long as I can remember. The Volvo 240 is a whole cultural phenomenon. I remember we bought a 90's Volvo 940 in like 2009 (because of its reliability, not the cultural part of it), drove it well beyond 250k km, then sold it some years later with a solid profit to some youngsters who came from >1000km away who wanted to restore and pimp it up. Interesting to see that this old volvo culture is in Japan as well! These people keep their Volvos in a cleaner state than the ones in Norway though, I like this better.

[@fnnpc746]

It's a great relationship. We swedes love JDM cars and the Japanese our old Volvos.

[@TheZebinatorofficial]

🤝

[@jaxonjaxoff3291]

Japan continues to be awesome

[@TheManinblack1011]

The thing about modern cars being rounded 👏

[@Gamleprofil]

This makes me a proud 240 owner. My first car that I got from my dad when I was 16. Never selling it. Restoring it bit by bit every season and it is my summer daily driver

[@TheZebinatorofficial]

makes me happy to hear, these cars deserve to be treated well and be appreciated!

[@hupert9421]

I love my 240T and will love it forever

[@DonChillum]

Grew up with a 245 as the family car. My first time driving was in a 240, for the next 2 years leading up to my license I drove in a 740 and a 745. Absolutely love these cars. So happy to see them still turning heads and making people happy.

[@Mike-1000]

*My uncle had a motorway crash in one of these. He stated had he have been in any other car, he might not be here today. Just suffered from whiplash and bruising ..... thankfully :)*

[@99carrera]

More videos like this please! Always interesting learning about the people who buy these cars on top of learning about the cars themselves

[@spooley]

Paul Newman Volvo 960 with the super charger. He secured one for Letterman which you can see on Comedians in cars getting coffee. The ultimate sleeper.

[@mfnd502]

I own a 1988 245. The 240 is a special vehicle for sure.

[@benderpeter]

beautifully shot, thanks for that TOP GEAR

[@MrG77]

A friend of mines dad had a Volvo estate when we were kids and I went camping with them. It seemed like a camper back then. The amount of space and comfort it had, with the huge back seats. It was able to hold so much stuff. Great memories of the tank .👍

[@jpg_6]

I always get happy being around japanese people.

[@adamharris5355]

Finally, at age 45, weird school-boy me, the one who loved Volvo’s (and still does) is vindicated

[@Pictoru2]

Really awesome segment, hope to see more like this in the future! ❤

[@KittRembo]

Hell yes more videos of this kind of Japanese car culture. Top Gear cinematography is still amazing

[@timsaxon5825]

What a cool little film. Beautifully shot and edited and some great people and their beloved Volvos.

[@wlpaul4]

My family used to carpool to school with another family on our street, and they had a manual 240. I can still hear the timing of the shifts in my head 30 years later.

[@user-td6ur5nh1t]

Redblock for life iv owned two one being one of the last off the production floor. Out of all the cars iv owned the 240 is truly a special car and they came with race parts from the factory if you wanted to make it fast. Good old b230ft loves boost and super reliable. Let's not forget all the rally and racing pedigree that's behind it

[@Figureight]

There is a famous comedian and entertainer in Japan called Tanaka Naoki, who also owns a 1993 Volvo 240 Estate. He sadly gets a lot of stick for it whenever it's brought up on a TV show for him still owning an old car, but I think it's awesome that he sticks by what he likes and continues to run and use that car.

[@ok_thanks_ok]

top gear on youtube is really one of the best channels. thank you

[@DJPleasureSeekingMissle]

As an owner of a 240 and a Miata, this is so heartwarming. 😊

[@henrikandreasen7455]

The 240 is cult everywhere

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Interesting because it's the same body as the 144, 145. I like the 164. Best front end styling of that body style for Volvo.

[@mesonyxx]

bought an old '88 744 a few months back and absolutely love it to bits

[@tsukuneboy]

Japan is in the resurgence of 50-60s aesthetic starts from their Americana fashion style in the last 5-10 years. Of course, the idea of mass market product with attention to the quality unlike nowadays counterpart, like they perceive from the product of old America will translate to other aspect of life too. Thus, what does represent the same value for a car? VOLVO!!

[@purplehaze7615]

Wtf has volvos to do with america, its european brand and volvos has huge scene in scandinavia.

[@tsukuneboy]

@@purplehaze7615 Americana is the idea in the minds of Japanese people about the American Dream era they try to emulate these last 10 years, especially in fashion. It has nothing to do with the real USA, but more like a fantasy of the ideal postwar American society would look like. Japanese perception of old American product is those made for blue collar people. Tough, hard to break, made for last, thus they associate it with jeans and denim. The Americana Japanese fashion stems from that ideology of old western America from 50s-60s (that's why brands like Dickies or Carhartt are so popular there). If we're talking about cars, the car from that era with a boxy design represents that value the best with the steel rigid body, made to survive the crash unscathed. But my guess is, since it's so hard to get a hand on American car brands from that era in Japan they turn to Europe with similar design and quality value. Thus the old Volvo is the obvious answer to that same "perversion" the Japanese have for that Americana value. Long-lasting and made for the blue collar people.

[@jasonbernard1277]

Always love Tom’s videos!

[@smiIingman]

"It doesn't encourage speeding" Meanwhile every swedish and finnish guy with a turbo brick (Like myself) : *GAS GAS GAS IM GONNA STEP ON THE GAS*

[@user-li8ch1tq4n]

Great video, really nicely shot and edited too

[@thedrvn]

I've nearly finished my 240 saloon with 700bhp CA18DET. The volvo community is one of the best!

[@edwardfletcher7790]

That's a VERY unusual engine choice. Good luck 👍

[@nzxt1234]

sweet !!! ride sleeper

[@MrBluePoochyena]

@@edwardfletcher7790 CA18DET is quite popular in EU thanks to the 200SX (S13). People like to use it more in Finland for 3 reasons. More affordable than SR, cheap to build and at least people here believe it is capable of more power easier with less reliability issues than the SR

[@FatLingon]

In Sweden there is this saying: "Old Volvos never die, they only go faster". I am however happy to see that this culture in Japan are taking better care of their Volvos.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Great video. Would love to see more like this from Japan.

[@antonsamuelsson1317]

1:36 sounds like Lagom

[@alvdansen7172]

Sveriges livsprincip. Gamla Volvo visar den sanna svenska identiteten. Säker, pålitlig, kvalité.

[@cnd_ion]

Everything looking fresh in Japan☺️🥰They Are Impeccable country and clean

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Fabulous to see classic Volvos getting love

[@adam.s007]

I own a 1998 Volvo 945 myself and am a big fan of Volvos but also a huge fan of 90s Japanese cars. I've always wondered if there was any appreciation and or culture to the old Volvos in Japan and thanks to this video I just found out there is. So cool!

[@Lioin]

Shout out from Sweden. Cool to see the cars we grew up with appreciated on the other side of the planet. Really nice examples too. Awesome!

[@omarmontes90]

This does bring back the feeling of nostalgia when seeing older cars from the 70's and 80's on the streets. I also agree that retro look kind of blends nicely in a large city like Tokyo. Fast exotic cars don't really impress me as much now as much as old classic cars because it gets you thinking like they really care about that car or they would have bought a new one already.

[@Peter1912]

I'm Swedish and i've had 3 240's. A 77, 87 and an 88. Miss all of them :'( Mostly my 77 because it was the 50 year anniversary edition, only 3000 ever made. I bought it for about $400 and sold it for $650. Still my biggest regret because nowadays one in similar condition goes for like $15-20k... Nowadays i drive a S60. But still miss the old volvos, 140,240,740 etc all are too expensive nowadays

[@therealronswanson]

the 244 turbo was the dream car of many kids growing up in Sweden in the 70s and 80s rear wheel drive turbocharged 155 bhp, that thing moved for its time.

[@knut-hendriklajord7048]

Dear Top gear. THIS is what we want! This is just amazing filming, editing and grading. Kudos! And please... More volvos 😍😍😍😍

[@maxinhofco5974]

I bet old Volvo prices will start rising thanks to this😂😂 Sucks for me as I’m looking to buy an 850/V70 for cheap… 🤷🏼‍♂️😬

[@twann74bike]

You're fine for some time as 850/v70s are fwd and are not much sought after, except 850r or v70r

[@brock7405]

Yea if you look for Na 850, you should find one pretty cheap. Also manual 850 is really easy to repair

[@Jakobdk]

I had a similar Volvo back in the days and I still miss it to this day. Volvo's are such underrated cars sadly.

[@FLUSHmediaUK]

Did he just say boxy Volvos are almost not cool in the UK! Urm... no they are cool everywhere

[@JorgenKreedz]

Im a Swede and may come across as a traitor now, but Volvos are not cool. You dont "wow" when one drives by like you would with a R32, however they are one of the most respected cars there are out there, especially the bricks. I think that is way more valuable than being "cool".

[@wesleycardinal8869]

It's good to see ( relatively ) young people wanting to treasure and keep older cars. Volvo, Toyota, VW it doesn't matter as long as someone loves and cares for it, and keeps it alive for the next generation. Mottainai as he said is their word for too good to waste. Very sensible, very good.👍🇦🇺

[@kennethcheng8609]

Bring back memories, my dad own one when I was young.

[@MangoNizer]

As a Scandinavian this makes me proud and happy. Volvo = S. O. L. I. D.

[@NoypiTexan]

This makes me want a Volvo 😅

[@vilhelmiina.]

Fist car was volvo and I've never switched, love the boxy 90s bricks.

[@magwol]

Love from Sweden 🇸🇪

[@csmiley82]

Fascinating to hear the values they look for in a car that they perceive as cool. The dude abides

[@sprintermaximus]

Currently I own a P2 XC70 and a 911. Best of both worlds. Love the older box shapes of Volvo. I have had 5 and will continue to own at least one.

[@pyrolover4ever254]

Well, i want to thank Top Gear for making this video because of you i just bought my very own 240 GL Bignose 1985 Sedan in Pale green! After this video i went looking on marketplace and i found my dream example. Earlier this week i went to take a look i was sold. Can’t wait to take it for a spin this whole summer.

[@jonadolfsson7777]

Back in the day when Volvo was a Volvo!

[@karlbenz4925]

Cool people, Cool cars, It's a great lifestyle ( choice ).

[@Dreamlink91]

I own 2015 V60 D5 AWD Ocean Race Polestar with 230 000km on the clock and Im loving every minute of It. My other one is 2002 S60 Sedan 2.4i , small comfy strong.

[@mr.badluck354]

I know there are many old Volvo lovers but I wasn't expecting this. Japanese are so proud of their own car brands. Imagine a fashion guy stepping out from an old Volvo. The contrary and impact is huge.

[@Z1SMITON_Carspotting]

I need to go to Japan one day hopefully :)

[@coolmoe3289]

A Fresh Volvo From 1988 is A Head Turner For Sure.. I Was Amazed too br driving next too one here in Maryland

[@SiMPLY_240]

Loving the appreciation for old bricks!

[@xsmogxcz]

Love it, unique and also saving old Volvos from scrapping. Meanwhile young folk in the UK all want to drive the same Fiestas, wear the same clothes and have same haircuts lol.

[@o_o6869]

the station wagon and old volvo is love

[@jamesmarshall1673]

❤ the title of this video. Genius

[@Sputnik812]

Over the past 10 years, the number of enthusiasts for the Volvo 200 series has been increasing worldwide! Japan's classic car market is growing, and there are quite a few people who enjoy these vintage European/American cars. Also, during the 80s and 90s when Japan's economy was booming, many European luxury cars were imported, sparking a craze for the classic Mini. However, owning and maintaining large, old imported cars in Japan is expensive and is a hobby only for wealthy and fashionable young people. They can show off their cars on Instagram... and even earn money by offering their cars for movie shoots. (Yes, they are hipsters.) Interestingly, in East Asia, Scandinavian culture, including Volvo and IKEA, is considered very aesthetic and trendy.

[@rainbowwarrior2635]

The 7 series are really the ones. The 200 series interior were crude compared to the 7 and almost all of the 7's have been junked. 7 series are much better cars, magnesium rims, vented disk brakes, turbo intercooled, BOSCH ABS, and mainly just look at the interiors, auto climate, great stereo. It's hard to find a good 7 series anymore.

[@Eastsidegeorgiaboy]

Volvo 240s are prime for all kinds of engine swaps, from 2jz to LS, or you can stay volvo and go whiteblock for 300 or more hp.

[@dcvisuals]

It's wonderful to see that thoughtful and restrained design can cross cultures, boundaries and languages. There's something about a beautiful brick we can all get behind.

[@sebvds8366]

Those Volvos look mint despite their age. It’s really awesome to see. I want one now😆

[@richardc020]

Such love and happiness makes the Volvo owner in me so very proud.

[@ManosS40]

Gen X here, almost 50. Back in '06 searching for a car to replace my beloved E30 (I didn't like BMWs of the 2000s) I chose a Volvo S40 as it still had some elements of the past decades at its design and philosophy. I still enjoy it to this day, cruising relaxed across Europe. If I feel adventurous I ride my bike! So yes, Volvo for life...

[@matslindroth6589]

@TopGear, Thank You! I follow a SAAB fellow in Japan on KZbin. He puts out nice driving video content of SAAB groups cruising the islands. I still have a soft spot for Volvos, so my 21 year old son has both a 960 wagon and a classic 900 convertible. Both fantastic in their own right. Wish I could support these guys from California somehow. . .

[@bengtniklasson1698]

Hej Have you seen the japanese movie from 2021 named "Drive my car" A major part in that movie plays by a red SAAB 900 😊

[@matslindroth6589]

@@bengtniklasson1698 Ja det var en bra film, inte bara för 900 SPGns (eller 900 Aero i Europa) skull. Härligt att se den i så många scener dock 👍

[@socalnitro]

That turbo wagon was my favorite. A real sleeper.

[@LForehand]

Redblocks really have to be driven to be appreciated. These guys described it perfectly. These vehicles are so solid, and so relaxing to drive. I swear the engineers inspiration must have been Xanax and a warm cup of tea.

[@Jeffrey_M]

The presenter of this has a very old and outdated view of car culture. Older Volvo's have a considerable fan base with younger people, even in the UK. 200, 300, 700 and 900 series are all considered retro and very popular nowadays. He must be living under a rock.

[@jvsyoutube3298]

nice to see those old volvos being taken care of. My first car was a "california white" volvo 242 1976. It was in not the best condition, ratteling and worn clutch, 4-speed manual, b21a, su-carburator. I traded it after a couple of years with a honda accord -87..

[@firenza74]

Reliable ,strong,safe,comfortable...After nearly 40 years driving,I bought my first Volvo 2 years ago..Wish I had discovered them years back..

[@huxxx]

loved this