From: Tony and Gillian WHITTON
 
We hoped that you might be interested in the following for inclusion in the Club magazine:
 
BON ANNIVERSARIE VOLVO 1800
 
Having been out of the Concours d’Elegance scene since the mid 1990’s we have only attended the odd Club level meetings in the last few years.  But, when we were told of the Volvo 1800’s 50th Anniversary meeting to be held in France on 12/13 June 2010, we were determined not to miss it!
 
The international gathering was organised by Pascal de Belder, with special guests being Pelle Pettersen, the cars designer and Irv Gordon, owner of the famous Volvo 1800 which now has 2.8 MILLION MILES on the clock.  A close eye was being kept on the website (www.vca2010.fr) during the runup and with great communications from the organiser our plans were put together by the inimitable Mrs Barbara Morris, longtime co-conspirator in concours and now avid classic rally driver.  Along with Barbara ’s navigator (her sister), Mrs Sylvia McCrae, we were guaranteed an interesting excursion.                                                                      
 
Four cars left Dover for Dunkirk on Friday 11th - 2 x 1800S; an 1800ES and a 120.  The earliest car being a 1963 1800S belonging to us (Tony and Gillian Whitton); next Barbara’s 1967 1800S (known as Rodney the Rally Car and being driven by Sylvia); then a 1972 1800ES (also belonging to Barbara) and last but not least a 1967 120 belonging to Tony Davey, known for his association with Irv Gordon’s  multi-million miler and the Saint car restored at his Cockfield workshop a few years ago.  Tony was joined by Alison Sommazzi, a French speaking friend.

A smooth crossing was made between Dover and Dunkirk and we headed south for our first nights stay in Evereux, the route taking in both motorway and picturesque country roads and “borrowed” from a car club that enjoys driving their cars.  Obtaining petrol was a challenge as the 24/7 pumps didn’t like our English credit cards but luckily, ever the rally driver, Barbara had a couple of spare cans in her cars, so we were able to limp into Evereux almost on fumes.  A late dinner, bed and early breakfast saw us on the road again, this time refuelled (credit cards working at human staffed station) and heading to Blois in the Loire Valley.
 
We made good time and arrived at Chateau Chambord to meet up with some of the other Clubs arriving that day; our navigators skills were evident in that we were the only cars to arrive on schedule, all the others arriving several hours later than planned!  So we walked the grounds and decided against the tour of the Chateau as we didn’t think we would have time to see all 400+ rooms!!!
 
After walking back to the meeting place in the Chateau carpark, we all spent some time ogling the cars on view before driving into Blois to book into the hotel, where we were able to ogle a whole bunch of German 1800ES’s that were in the carpark.  Beaten to the hotel restaurant by the German Volvo Club, who had taken the room over for the entire weekend, we walked to a very nice bistro close to the hotel and enjoyed a superb meal, served by very helpful and friendly staff.                                                         
 
Another early morning and it was out to the carpark and off to the main event.  This time we were heading for Chateau Beauregard, a far smaller house with a much more friendly atmosphere, where the 50th Anniversary beano was getting underway.  Excellent signage and marshalling was in place and we all rolled up heading along the impressive driveway, lined with Volvos of all models and onto the Chateau lawns which were being used for the Concours entry field (the only way we could all be together).  Rodney the Rally Car was parked in the main avenue among the group of special cars on view and the ES and 120 were scrubbed up for their judging.  The 1963 1800S was cleared of sweet papers and fluorescent coats and the bonnet firmly shut.

It is always so nice to meet fellow enthusiasts and we have always found that language is no barrier, hand gestures and facial expression can be all you need when you have a shared passion and we were soon communicating with visitors from all parts of the world.  There were a few Brits, even some Antipodean visitors trouped by and many fluent English speakers from all over Europe.  We could certainly learn a thing or two from our neighbours on the continent.

We didn’t spend all our time riding shotgun on the car and wandered amongst the 250+ participants on display -  I doubt we will ever see as many Volvos in one place again.  From the earliest model of Jakob (1927) near a hot rod version of same, through various PV’s, 120’s even a P1900 and about 80 x 1800’s; there were 140’s; even 3 - 262C’s (we have owned one since 1984 and it is taxed and in use).  There were a few 164’s, far fewer than we had expected to see; lots of newer models were represented too, especially the 850 model which lends itself to personalising very well.  A whole raft of “special” cars were there for our enjoyment, several crop top Volvos, and a fabulous Versatility Concept Car from 2003; we agreed we would give that one garage space anytime.

In pride of place, making the latest Volvo look insignificant, was one of the original P1800 prototypes.  It was so interesting to see the differences between the 1960 prototype and even our 1963 1800.  The exhaust outlets were through the rear valance in the prototype; opening rear quarter lights; the interior was vinyl; the front quarter lights were very different to those that went on the production models; the rear number plate light was a different shape; the fuel filler cap was circular and on the top of the opposite rear wing.  There were many other subtle differences, but it still looked liked the car we all love.
 
During one of our return visits to our cars the judges were in attendance so, when a judge descended on our 1800 and asked for help identifying the differences in a RHD crossover model (Jensen parts put together in Sweden) Tony W went over the car with him.  The judge was the proud owner of a Jensen built 1962 model, and was pleased to see a car in original condition and especially pleased to hear that it had been driven from the UK without any problems.

It was wonderful to see just how many fervent fans the older Volvos still have.  And for some owners to have travelled from Australia, Russia, the States and, it seems, all other quarters of the globe.  Despite having been Volvo Club members for thirty years and having seen lots of Volvo models attending club meetings, never have we seen as many of the older models in one place before.  It was certainly a very special event.
 
The weather was kind to us, usually a Volvo day out means wet weather gear; many’s the time we have seen cars pulled off of fields by 4x4s or tractors!  All in all a great day.
 
It wouldn’t have been a Volvo day out without the usual presentations and, to our amazement the announcer called for Mr Anthony Whitton; as we hadn’t gone up to the presentation area, it took a while to get there.  We still don’t know what the prize was for, but we are very grateful that our car was thought worthy of a prize.  Before we left we took some pictures of the car, complete with the trophy, beside the beautiful prototype.

A short trip back to Blois and we were showered, changed and back to the bistro for dinner.  After another pleasant meal we took a walk around some of the more interesting streets leading down towards the river.  There were steep steps and cresta run type alleyways leading up and down amongst some really lovely old and quaint houses.  We even managed to find Chateau Blois.  There was a very impressive soundtrack issuing from the building, but we could not see a single chink of light!  Very bizarre.  We finally found our way back to the bistro and then on to the hotel.
 
Monday morning and we were pouring over the maps again; finally settling on the scenic route today on the way to Longpont.  After a short drive on motorway, we took to smaller roads and enjoyed a tour through some very pretty villages.  Stopping at a boulangerie for bread, quiche and éclairs we pushed on intending to stop for lunch after we had found somewhere to buy cheese.  Rodney the Rally Car threw a clutch pedal pin right outside a Shoppi in the square of a small town, so giving us the ideal opportunity to pop in whilst Tony D effected repairs.  Fully stocked up we were able to find a nice quiet spot in a little country road, just off the D road we were following.  It was perfect; sun, rolling wheat fields, skylarks singing and virtually no cars to disturb our picnic.

We were staying the night at Hotel L’Abbay, a very nice little hotel with a fine view of the Abbey ruins at Longpont.  It also had a fine view of the visiting amusements, which included dodgems and a carousel!

Another super meal was served and we all agreed we would be very fat if we spent much more time in France.

Tuesday morning meant a mad dash to Dunkirk for the return ferry, this time by motorway!  First thing, though, a new fan belt had to be fitted to the 1963 1800, luckily we had two in the boot!  The motorway leg was tense, 165 tyres and high cross winds don’t mix.  Apart from nearly being blown off the road at every gap in the hedges, if only motorways could be like that in the UK!  Maybe it says more about toll roads (the M6 toll is quiet, too).

The winds made for a livelier crossing home and before we had time to turn around, it was goodbyes all round and off to the cardeck. 
 
The M20 was busy and there was the usual queue at Dartford, but at least the traffic kept moving.  Port to driveway was three and a quarter hours.  Car emptied, washed, leathered and in the garage, feet up on sofa and time to reflect on five hectic days, nearly twelve hundred miles and the feeling we had been privileged to attend a very special occasion.
 
Perhaps there will be a 60th Anniversary do to look forward to?  We’ll book our place without hesitation.