CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF VOLVO IN GREAT BRITAIN 'THE JUST FOR THE RECORD TOUR'

4 th _ 12 th August 1998 to the Four Corners of mainland Britain

THE FIRST LEG- SOUTHERN ENGLAND : KEVIN PRICE 4 th - 7 th August 1998

A quick wipe of the windscreen, a check of the engine oil and radiator water level and it was off to Lands End for the start of the 'Just for the Record Tour' - a long distance run to all four furthest compass points in mainland Great Britain and a double Lands End - John O'Groats run just for good measure. All to celebrate the 40 Birthday of Volvo in Great Britain , the first cars being imported by Charles Singer for the 1958 Motor Show.

A visit to the 'Hail of Fame' at Lands End to log in my 'double' run. This is a new attraction at Lands End to celebrate those who have completed a 'End to End' and well worth a visit if you have time - perhaps when I get back in nine days time, its time to start!

A few photographs of the car in front of the Hotel, views to the sea etc. and it was time to move 'HAB' my 1962 PI 800 to the Start/Finish marked on the road in front of the main complex. The crowds were out in force, the starts flag was raised, and I was off Well in fact there was only one classic car enthusiast to see me off and he didn't even own a Volvo, he had seen the event advertised in the Classic Press. Well perhaps better support from members as we get further on into the tour.

My first port of call was to The Lizard - Britain's Most Southerly Point, travelling towards Penzance I received a call on my mobile from Club Member Sandy Flower, who wanted to join me for part of the day's run up to Great Yarmouth. A meeting point was settled and I would see her later in the day. Arriving at The Lizard the weather was absolutely beautiful and time was made for a pot of tea - the first of many during the week, on the patio of the 'Most Southerly Cafe' - excellent!

Cannot sit here all day, must get on. My route took me across country up to the A30 and to Exeter where I headed east and a meeting with Sandy at Sparkford. Sandy has a red 1965 1800S. She and a friend would accompany me up to the A303 to the M3 but would rejoin the tour for the last leg back to Lands End.

On joining the M£ I was joined by Christina Stadden, in Matthew's 740GLE, she had been unable to join me for the run due to work commitments. Christina completed a non-stop (except for fuel stops) John O'Groats - Lands End run with HAB and me in 1992 to celebrate the 30 th Birthday of the PI800. Up to the M25, a quick wave, and it was goodbye to Christina.

Time was now getting on and I had planned to join John Tilby and the Norfolk and Suffolk Group for their monthly meet. Well I did get there John, only just, the group were just leaving the 'Crown Inn'. A chat in the car park with various members, a look at the cars and it was off to Great Yarmouth to find a Campsite.

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