We have long been on the hunt for a new project car – something a bit more worn than our previous projects on the channel. But as they say: be careful what you wish for. 
This time, we found something really special – or crazy – depending on how you see it.

When we saw the car on the block, it was classic tunnel vision. All the warning flags were waving wildly, but all we saw was potential. Many of you probably recognise the feeling – that mix of naive optimism and screwdriver romance. The car in question is a Volvo 744 from 1988. According to the owner, it had been standing still for almost 15 years on a gravel lot. The reason? The engine overheated one day while driving, and the plan was to replace it. But the project fizzled out. Interest waned – and there it stood. We loaded it onto the trailer and headed home. Then the real adventure began!

Despite its long rest, the car looks surprisingly healthy. The floor isn't rusted through, the body is relatively straight, and the mud flaps are charmingly thick. Sure, there are cigarette burns in the driver's seat and the towbar has rusted away, but these are details we can address. 

Moreover, the car is perfect for another of our parallel projects – namely developing new styling and spare parts for classic Volvo models. We are working on developing parts like rear window louvres, mounts, and small details that are often missing or rust away. Now we have a test object!

We continue working on our Volvo 740 from 1988. After 15 years of inactivity, a thorough review of the car's condition awaits. In this episode, we begin disassembly, examine rust damage, and plan the next steps in the restoration – both to save the body and to prepare for future upgrades.

Join us in upcoming episodes as we continue our journey with Project 740 and share more insights, tips, and updates from our restoration.

As usual, classic garage problems arise. Why is there never a 15mm socket when you need one? All sets seem to lack just that. And when you finally find one, it's worn out after far too many rusty bolts… We heat, knock, pull – and with a bit of luck (and a lot of WD-40) the parts eventually come loose. But some bolts are welded in place after all those years outside.

Once everything is dismantled and cleaned, we spray on new underbody coating – we use W40 from our own webshop. The great thing about it? It never really dries, which means it resists stone chips and stays tight and flexible for a long time.
We apply an even layer in the wheel arches, under the car, and all exposed areas. The result? Incredibly neat and above all, an undercarriage that will last many more years.

We continue working on our Volvo 740 from 1988. After 15 years of inactivity, a thorough review of the car's condition awaits. In this episode, we begin disassembly, examine rust damage, and plan the next steps in the restoration – both to save the body and to prepare for future upgrades.

Join us in upcoming episodes as we continue our journey with Project 740 and share more insights, tips, and updates from our restoration.

When we first found this engine, it had been completely untouched for over 15 years – out on a gravel lot, half-covered by a torn plastic bag. In our new video, we try to revive this rusty old redblock and see if it still has the strength to run after all these years.

Hannes is back in the garage, and this time it's finally time to start assembling our B230 engine – but it won't be without its challenges. Guide pins are missing, and parts need to be taken from other engines.

Our ambition with the V70XC went beyond just restoring its former beauty. We aim to transform it into what it could actually be with all available extras: the epitome of 90s luxury. Our quest led us through a maze of rare and almost legendary parts – from interior panels in Masur birch to Homelink sun visors, gullwing roof boxes equipped with gun holders, and much more. Each unique addition brought us one step closer to our vision. Our V70XC underwent not just a restoration; it was transformed into the ultimate example of the vehicle's design and functionality, just as it could have been with every conceivable extra chosen in the 90s.

This journey was not just about building a car; it was about honouring what Volvo stands for - safety, comfort, and a hint of adventure. We embarked on this project not just as car enthusiasts but as custodians of a piece of automotive history. Our Volvo V70XC, now complete with every optional extra, stands as a living testament to the fantastic results that passion, perseverance, and hard work can lead to. It is a beacon for those who believe that every car has a story waiting to be told, and sometimes those stories are worth every effort.

Our aim was for our project car to become a platform for innovation, an opportunity not only to create a unique car but also to experiment with and develop new parts for this particular model. The parts we have designed and refined are now in production, available for those who share our passion and wish to enhance their own vehicles.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore, restore, and cherish these mechanical marvels. Our journey with the V70XC may have reached a milestone, but the road ahead is filled with endless possibilities. Join us as we take on the next project car!

Fun extras we have installed:

• Volvo original RTI (GPS)
• Volvo original roof box
• Footsteps / sill protectors
• Large stereo package with changer and Dolby
• Rear armrest with cup holder
• Homelink sun visor
• Leather-covered handbrake handle
• Masur birch interior.
• Engine protection underbody
• Third row of seats
• Stainless steel scuff plates
• Spoiler with brake light
• Sun blinds for rear doors

• Cross Country decal for the tailgate of Volvo V70XC -00.
  SKU: 21110112
• Simons sport exhaust system for Volvo 850, S70, V70 AWD Turbo.
  SKU: 020-H8
• Matt chrome mirror covers for Volvo 850, S70, V70, V70XC.
  SKU: SA17101907
• Centre caps with prancing moose, 4 pcs.
  SKU: SA17063001
• Fabric mats for Volvo S70, V70, V70XC 97-00, beige
  SKU: SA16061704

LED converted:

• Reverse lights
  SKU: SA13041803
• Fog lights
  SKU: SA17020301
• Sign lighting
  SKU: SA15100513
• Position:
  SKU: SA15120207
• Magnetic mount for number plate for Volvo
  SKU: 23031401

• Gun holder for Volvo's unique roof boxes 
  SKU: 24032401
• Cross Country decal for tailgate 
  SKU: 21110112
• Moose and skier decal 
  SKU: 24022801, 24022802, 24022803, 24022804
• Spoiler with brake light
  SKU: SA23060913

• Console for prop shaft suspension
• Brake dust shields rear
• Scuff plate front and rear 
• XC decal under doors 
• Lift kit 30mm 
• Roof protection ribs
• Dials in two different shades of blue 
• Model-specific subwoofer for the side panel in the boot.
• V90 wiper rear adapted to 855/V70 mount.
• Custom-fitted leather for door panel renovation (fitted on the car)