Meet Charlie Mayne and his 1967 Volvo 1800. Charlie and his wife Florence retired in 2014 and moved from Austin, TX to Bainbridge Island.
Way back in 1984 and through 1995 Charlie proudly owned a red 1966 1800S that was his daily driver. With IPD in Portland providing the inspiration and parts – Charlie proceeded to tune that car for all it was worth. Over the years, life and kids intervened and he unfortunately parted ways with his beloved Volvo.
Fast forward to a few years ago when his search began for another Volvo 1800 to own and enjoy. Then a few months ago Gary Ramstad’s 1967 1800S entered the picture. Suddenly a Volvo was for sale – with a guy seriously searching for an 1800S in tip top condition. A deal was agreed to and ownership was transferred from King County to Kitsap County. A match made in heaven..
Charlie and his wife currently own a 2004 S80 and a 2009 S80. Talk about an abundance of fine Swedish engineered cars to drive! And just to show us that this love affair with Volvos isn’t some recent flash in the pan …His wife drove a 240 before Charlie met her, and then owned a 245 when they were married.
And just in case you were wondering, both their daughter and son currently drive Volvos as well. Clearly this is a family due for a group discount the next time they visit a Volvo dealership.
No stranger to fun rides on two wheels, he also proudly owns a 2018 BMW K1600 GTL touring motorcycle. Charlie’s past activities in the working world included time as a classical trumpet player, computer software engineer, paramedic, and high-tech executive.
These days Charlie can often be found driving around on the back roads of Kitsap County in his lovely looking 67 1800S. Please join me in welcoming Charlie to our Volvo community.
By Dale Ridings
Photo: Gary Ramstad