A story of a compact middle class car of the first type from Volvo's 300 series that was originally on the drawing board in Born. Designed in the 70s by DAF, as the DAF 77, the successor to the 66. Built by DAF and marketed by… Volvo. The first types of the 300 series are almost no longer with us, many have lost the battle with the rust devil. Herman cherishes one of the survivors, a 345 Volvo 1981 GLS.
Incredibly cool
It is almost unbelievable, but this beautiful Volvo 345 GLS in the sporty version and manual transmission (!) is one of the 8 remaining with a powerful 2-liter engine (borrowed from the larger 240). The Volvo 345 GLS now stands out from other Volvos in the 300 series due to its rarity and exclusivity. The Swedish adoptive father had not yet cleared up all the DAF details. For example, you can still see 'type 77' on the rear lights, reminiscent of the original name. The rectangular headlight units are also striking, but again with the round reflectors that were still on the shelf from the DAF 66.
More fun than you think
With this classic car, Herman not only wants to enjoy summer rides with his family and classic car friends, but above all, he wants to pass on history. Keeping our cultural heritage moving is a wonderful hobby. It is a pleasure to drive a vintage car, cruising quietly, satisfied with everything and everyone.
Oldtimer Friends Foundation
In Zalk there is a group of enthusiastic classic car owners who want to convey the historical value with their beautiful driving bodies. At the club, the love for vintage cars is still written in capital letters. It is also simply about being proud of one's possession and thus contributing to the preservation of carefully cherished vintage cars.
Volvo wrote when introducing the Volvo 345: “In its class, the 345 GLS is the most advanced car in the world. Designed and built with care for details and in many respects with significantly more expensive cars, with widely acclaimed handling and comfort. Words don't say enough, take the wheel yourself and experience how remarkable the Volvos are in practice.”
Perfect maintenance
Herman: “The charming life of my unique Volvo 345 GLS can be seen at a glance. Some small age spots, no wrinkles, not a scratch. Due to the perfect maintenance by the previous owner and a thorough subcutaneous freshening by myself, it is still in a vibrant original condition. A car that deserves to be beautifully preserved. I am surprised with approving thumbs up and many holiday stories that give a happy feeling and a cheerful smile, and I do not let myself be fooled by critical voices. Within our club of classic car friends, we would like to tell our story to like-minded people.”
Conclusion?
It is a pleasure to drive a vintage car such as the Volvo 345 GLS, but also to meet other enthusiastic enthusiasts. Together with his wife and small son, they always notice it again. It is also the fun, the solidarity and the friendships that make it so special. Herman's experiences prove it again: It is a wonderful and valuable hobby in several respects.
I don't know through which site you found out how many there are, but according to vehicle.net there are only four, even less than eight. Be frugal!
What many people forget (and apparently the writer of the piece too) is that although the production was in Born, the "drawing tables" were in Helmond. (and before that in Eindhoven). The car was conceived, drawn, constructed and tested in Helmond. That may also be reported.
You are absolutely right.
Recently became the owner of one of the 91 Volvo 360s in the Netherlands with a valid MOT. A new MOT even.
345 GLS with 2 liter block? A B19, a B20? Or a B200 perhaps?
I had a 360 GLS with a B19 block. In the same shade of green. Later also a 360 GL with B200E block with quite a few extras, including 15” wheels.
Great cars! I also had a 343 from 1978 and several 340s, but they were a lot less expensive, although they also had their charms.
I hope that they and yours will remain with us for a long time!
Have fun with it!
I have had 3 GLTs, nice cars Black / Gray / red.
A neighbor boy had a 80 liter 2 in the 300s.
5 Bake if I do remember.
I didn't and don't have much interest in these types of cars, but luckily others do.
'Beautiful' is going a bit far, I think. But I do enjoy looking at it, I was a regular passenger in a 360 GLT in the late XNUMXs and have fond memories of it, even though I called it downright ugly at the time. Nice that there is still such a really beautiful one (yes, I said it); I would have liked to see some interior photos.
Here are some interior photos, not exactly 'beautiful' but WHAT a nice place to be! Everything was just right, just right.
Hereby…
I drove a 360 sedan with the 2ltr engine from the “big” 240. Great driving!
I also have one that is originally from Switzerland
That 300 with the 2L engine is a nice car. The 2L the 'Vollendung' for the Bornse creation. They were often quicker with a carburetor than with injection. I have seen them coming from the collection platform in Born myself. That were the days!