The purchase

There is a psychological construct which states that a man, away from home for more than 2 months without access to Starbucks coffee, a PS3 or a bar will, without exception, make an unnessasary purchase on the internet.

Such was the case when I was deployed to Afghanistan. I had always entertained the idea of buying and restoring a classic Volvo P1800 and now was my chance. Without seeing the car and trusting the sellers description I bid on and won a 1967 model which needs 'some' work doing.

While I was away I also saw an identical model for sale as spares so bought the boot and bonnet knowing I'd need them in the future. I now only had to wait until I got home and I could start work.

I was limited by a lack of mechanical knowledge and ability. The most ambitious car project I have previously embarked on was changing the brakes on my Mazda 6. A job from which I never disembarked. The brake discs were stuck fast and no amount of WD-40 or swearing would shift them. I had every confidence that I could gain the skills passively, through reading, and actively, looking mournfully at my car when anyone with mechanical knowledge walked past, hoping they might help.