Having found the Holy Grail, I must say I’m underwhelmed
After more than a year of hearing how invaluable Bill Webb's 1980s-era book, Swedish Iron, is for those of us trying to restore an 1800, I finally got my grimy hands on a copy for myself — without spending the absurd money people seem to be paying on eBay for the book these days.
Thanks to the public library system, we can all share a few copies of this rare book, and I have to admit, it's not bad. After all the build-up, however, I guess it was inevitable that I'm disappointed: Despite the cries of "You gotta have it," the book just doesn't have all the answers I could ever want. In fact, it really doesn't have any more information than I've been able to glean from the 1800list and other Web sites over the past year.
But it is an enjoyable and interesting read. And it has great pictures. Mr. Webb did a great job on it.
For 1800 fans, I'd suggest they at least take a look at a borrowed copy (I'd never suggest paying $150 or more for it, though). For anyone wanting good technical information to help them work on their cars, however: I'd stick with the owner's manuals, Volvo service books and parts lists (most of which are available on a single CD these days on eBay).
More importantly, play with your own 1800, and drive, drive drive!
January 4th, 2006 at 9:11 pm
Glad I’m not the only one who feels this way about this book. Over-rated.
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February 28th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Glad to read y’all comments about the book “Swedish Iron”.. Everyone has been telling me this is a “Must Have” for 1800 owners and the “be all-end all” if one is restoring a P-1800.. I just lost the bid at nearly $200 (and had I won, the wife would be filing for divorce, I’d be sleeping in the Volvo!!
Chas.
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