History
The Round Fender Register was founded in 2001 as a non-profit association of vintage Volvo enthusiasts.
Existing as a web-based information resource for owners of the Volvo PV, Amazon, 1800, 140, and 164-series automobiles, its stated goal is to identify and register every remaining pre-1975 Volvo in North America.
The links to the following model-specific registers are provided here as a service to fellow Volvo owners. These sites are not affiliated with the Round Fender Register.
Volvo PV Register for the PV444-445-544-210-1900 models www.bearmanmotorsports.com/pv.html
Volvo Amazon Register for the 122-series www.bearmanmotorsports.com/amazon.html
Volvo 1800 Register for the 1800-series. Homepage www.v1800reg.org/ Register www.v1800reg.org/VREGWEB.pdf
Volvo 140/164 Register for the 140 and 164 models www.bearmanmotorsports.com/164.html
The Round Fender Register also serves as a resource for social events in the New England area, and at one time was involved in the distribution of NOS and newly manufactured parts for vintage Volvos.
Vintage Parts
Prior to 2001, if you lived in the United States, your sources for vintage Volvo parts were limited to a small number of less-than-optimal choices: [1] a franchised dealer, whose parts person may never have heard of your car; [2] an independent reseller of parts, who typically added a rather hefty markup, or [3] an unknown supplier in Europe, with issues of exchange rates, payment terms, and shipping costs.
With the explosive growth of the internet and the related information that is instantly available world-wide, North American owners of vintage Volvos have become a much more savvy group. We'd like to think that organizations such as the Round Fender Register are partially responsible for this increase in knowledgeable customers.
RFR's goal is simple: to help its members in the United States restore and preserve their antique Volvo at a reasonable cost. RFR did this in several ways: [1] by providing links on its website to known sellers of vintage Volvo parts, and [2] by coordinating occasional large volume purchases directly from Sweden for New England members.
Members are now encouraged to directly patronize any of the following European vendors of vintage Volvo parts. All of these companies are first rate organizations that are experienced shippers of merchandise to the United States.
Veteranprodukter AB -- Fristad, Sweden and Charleston, South Carolina -- producer of many of the interior parts sold through a number of resellers in Europe and the United States. With their South Carolina distribution site, many parts are now warehoused in the US for immediate domestic shipment. Website: www.vp-autoparts.com
Genuine Classic Parts -- Jonkoping, Sweden -- joint venture with Volvo Cars, and the source of all pre-1975 parts sold on a special order basis through the US Volvo dealer network. Somewhat cumbersome catalog (even with the July 2008 update) but if you know the part number, you can deal direct and avoid your local Volvo parts counter. Website: www.gcp.se
Scandcar -- Moergestel, Holland -- nice website and an excellent listing of parts, some of which may not be available through other sources. Website: www.scandcar.nl
The European price lists from these companies will include the 20% European VAT (value added tax). This tax does not apply to North American shipments, so your cost will be 20% lower than their list price. For many items, when you add in the air freight shipping cost, your final cost will be somewhat less or very close to the original list price (including VAT) that these companies quote. Be sure to check with them regarding shipping expenses.
You may also find the following website useful in determining the currency exchange rates between the US or Canadian dollar and the Euro or Swedish Crown: www.xe.com/ucc
Current Status
The Round Fender Register website is currently under construction. Round Fender Register, as a legal entity, exists as a New Hampshire-based non-profit organization.
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