Imagine watching a silvery-like, boxy, retro car pulling into Haven’s senior lot in the early morning, parking into a relatively large spot that could fit nearly two of itself.
This car, the 1993 Volvo 240 Wagon, belongs to senior Sam Sentivan. It is automatic, with a black interior, retro-style headrests, airbags, and a clown-like horn.
“The car was in production from 1974 to 1993. [Mine] was the last year,” Sentivan said.
Sentivan figured out he wanted a Volvo 240 Wagon when he was in middle school, making a list of cars he would like to drive.
“It was maybe four cars long, and the other ones were just either unattainable or super non-reliable in that car. One of them was a Datsun 510, which is either in Japan or rusted out, so not reliable cars,” Sentivan said. “[The Volvo], especially for its time, was very reliable and safe.”
Sentivan negotiated with his parents on the type of car before he finally purchased the Volvo 240 Wagon from a previous owner.
“I agreed with my parents, I told them two years ago, I was like, ‘I really want a 240 Wagon,’ and they’re like, ‘Okay, it has to have airbags,’ which is ‘90 to ‘93, and the ‘93 has power steering and power brakes,” he said. “So, it’s the most high-tech version of the car.”
Since having the car, Sentivan mentioned the benefits of using the car to have fun with friends, run errands, and for his music gigs.
“I use it day to day a lot, but also when I’ve played gigs around, it’s great for putting gear in,” Sentivan said. “I was also building a raised bed garden this summer, and I transported loads of dirt in the back of the car to and from my house, so it works well.”
The car is also more analog style, using fewer computer functions than cars produced today. Sentivan noted it would be one of the cars still functioning in an apocalypse.
“The car essentially only has one computer that’s managing fuel levels,” he said. “It’s a fun car to just cruise around in because it’s very minimalist, utilitarian in its purpose.”
Sentivan hopes to use his newly installed roof rack on the top of his 240 Wagon to hold a canoe in the future.
“I really am interested right now in putting a canoe on top of it just because of the length of the car, you can stick a huge canoe on top and drive a bunch of people out and get in and have fun,” Sentivan said.
Does your car have a great story? Let us feature you. Email [email protected]
