Welcome Volvo fans. You may notice that after a brief absence, I'm back in this column again. Sincere thanks to Mark Hershoren for covering for me last time.

Seems like all of us associated with VClassics have just been incredibly busy the last few months. I really hope that one of these issues, I won't find myself apologizing for it's late arrival. We'll just do what we can.

State of the web-zine:
I've been entertaining many different thoughts about changes I'd like to make. No, nothing drastic! Just incremental improvements. As graphics software gets better (and we get better at using it), it may be time for another "facelift" -- the thing has pretty much looked the same for over a year and a half, and the same old logos and backgrounds are looking a little tattered to me. But don't hold your collective breath, please.

Ask the Experts isn't seeing a lot of action -- that is, you all are not seeing a lot of action in it, although it does get an occasional update. This doesn't mean we don't answer lots of questions, but they are increasingly complex and require multiple E-mail exchanges before they're resolved. That just doesn't lend itself to posting in the current format. I certainly don't want this to become just another bulletin board (there are lots of those devoted to Volvos already and they work just fine). How would you all like to see it work? Please let me know.

Photo Gallery also needs a little trimming up. I've got lots of new pics that should go up there (and there are a few that really should come down), but it's fairly tedious to maintain two separate menu systems -- it's the only part of the site that requires a workaround for people with older (or non-Netscape, non-IE) browsers. I'll work up a common solution when I can.

As for the overall content of the magazine, I don't think we're hurting, and that is, after all, important. I often start work on an issue wondering how I'm ever going to get enough stuff together to fill it, but somehow, it always turns out to be there. So don't quit now! Keep them cards and letters coming -- we want your stories, photos, news and expertise.

The "hit" rate continues to climb.

State of the print edition:
We survived a year of it (where does the time go?). We're a small amount out-of-pocket, but we're not broke. Nobody has written scathing letters wanting their money back; in fact, the feedback has been quite nice. I think we're finally over the small technical glitches that marred each of the first five issues (well, I noticed them); number six looks like what we designed. Now we can start refining.

I very much need to rework the section of this site that advertises the print edition. We're offering back issues for sale, and we're coming out with a line of posters (and who knows what else). For those of you who haven't seen VClassics in print, I need to show you more of what you're missing.

All in all, I think we're doing OK for a new venture...

State of the un-club cars:
Marsha and my two Volvos had a tough time this winter. That is, they didn't have any trouble with the weather, they just decided to break down in unexpected, annoying and mystifying ways (this is partly my excuse for being tardy with publishing). Both are tougher for having survived, though: the 1800S now has a fine B20E converted to carbs (your old motor's just dandy, Chris!) and has me just itching for another Track Day. The 122S has been de-Weberized and is happier for it, although more improvements to its motor are in order. Both still sport the official Team Singher colors: old white and primer.

As for our local friends, following a spectacular spin and driving on the guard rail of the I-205 bridge for a while, Grant and Joan's 740 finally failed to plunge into the Columbia River. Both emerged essentially unhurt, but you couldn't say that for the car. In consequence, we accelerated work on Grant's 122S wagon and it's now a solid, good-looking runner. Joan did OK too -- she bought Dave and Carron Rauch's '62 "super-Jensen," this issue's cover car. "Nice" is not the word for it... we'll be seeing more of this one in later issues.

A similar problem with a different outcome: Boris' Amazon had a close encounter with a pretty-much immovable object, a Sheriff's truck. Rather than go on about it now, just take a look at the Bucks for the Bang article in this issue to see how it turned out.

Shayne's "Radio Flyer" (as we call that little red wagon) has had its final coats of paint at The Works and is finally getting all its chrome back on, as well as a new, black interior. Teague's 122E (yes, E) is apart for restoration and a major powerplant upgrade. Peter's 1800E is its usual immaculate, stock self.

Cameron's about out of ideas as to what would make his tan 122S better -- it's about as developed as it needs to be. But there's always the 444 racecar project in his garage and serious talk of entering it in La Carrera Panamericana next year.

Well, that's it for now. I gotta go. Everyone be well, safe and happy until next time!

Phil Singher, Editor