Irv with his Volvo P1800S at Carlisle in 2013
Irv behind the table at the VCOA tent at Carlisle PA in 2013
Word was received, via his daughter who lives in Argentina, that he passed away suddenly last week while on a Chinese appearance tour arranged by Volvo Car of China.
The last words in a text to her the night before he died, was that he was “having the time of his life”.
The Volvo community, world wide, has been shocked by his sudden passing as he was a friend to all he met. His grin and accompanying chuckle were as big as the feat for which he became known to so many in the US, Europe, Africa, England, Sweden, Australia, Abu Dhabi, and beyond.
Although the headline of his July 2018 interview with Ignition Live was somewhat exaggerated, he probably did drive well over 4 million miles on all his cars collectively (a Volvo 780, Volvo C70, Volvo XC60, Crosley HotShot, Model T, Pierce Arrow, Lincoln Continental, and others), but ‘only’ 3,320,000 on his trusty, little red Volvo 1800S.
Irv was unable to attend the 35th VCOA anniversary meet in Vermont, but sent his regrets to the club in September which read in part:
“Right now I am waiting for a call re: a trip back to California to shoot a video for Castrol and then working on a schedule to travel to China for Volvo of China if my schedule works out,
Still driving my 1800 and adding miles while traveling world wide. Next year I am told I will be going back to Australia for the 4th-5th time. Australia is one of my favorite destinations….thru Volvo of Australia.
I miss my old friends here and will show up one day when you least expect it. Putting fewer miles on my 1800 lately as afraid someone will run into it again…. and their goes all my worldly trips and invitations . I am close to 3,400,000 miles on my 1800.
Please say hi to all who asks about me. My very best to you and yours”
John Holtzapple, President. VCOA
https://youtu.be/YjyRvRx_xAk
