Help Solve the Mystery of the Stretched Volvo on Long Island

Rich Murdocco
by Rich Murdocco

So much is going on in the automotive world. Unfunded mandates by government for fuel efficiency, electronic safety systems, pedestrian safety and so on. The whole rising gas prices thing etc. etc.

I’ve found something that trumps all of those non-issues. A few weeks ago, I was driving along the Long Island Expressway, mindlessly commuting to work, when I stumbled upon this chewing up the miles eastbound.

This is a stretched 1990’s Volvo that was weaving in and out of traffic, and finally. it went into the HOV lane.

Yes, a stretched 1990s Volvo. The thing…err…car had genuine New York State Livery plates, and was moving at a decent clip. Let me get this straight. Somebody saw a mid-90’s Volvo…and said to themselves “Yes…I want to stretch it. Add more sheet metal!” It’s madness. Pure madness!

I am writing because I am genuinely curious. Can somebody tell me first, where did this car come from? Second, why does it exist? Third, are there any more stretched Volvos out there? Most importantly, why would anyone ever stretch a Volvo in the first place? Do the swells in the back value safety that much that a Town Car doesn’t suffice? Do they like the cool atmosphere of Swedish decadence?

What are the weirdest stretch limos you’ve seen? Are they are perfectly lackluster as this one? Please comment below and help solve this very important mystery.

Rich Murdocco
Rich Murdocco

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  • Toshi Toshi on May 18, 2013

    I saw a mildly B-pillar-stretched Lincoln MKZ Hybrid on the LIE this year.

  • 95_SC 95_SC on May 20, 2013

    Sweedish Ambassador to the UN has a girlfriend on Long Island?

  • El scotto Oh, ye nattering nabobs of negativism! Think of countries like restaurants. Our neighbors to the north and south are almost as good and the service is fantastic. They're awfully close to being as good as the US. Oh the Europeans are interesting and quaint but you really only go there a few times a year. Gents, the US is simply the hottest restaurant in town. Have to stand in line to get in? Of course. Can you hand out bribes to get in quicker? Of course. Suppliers and employees? Only the best on a constant basis.Did I mention there is a dress code? We strictly enforce it. Don't like it? Suck it.
  • 1995 SC At least you can still get one. There isn't much for Ford folks to be happy about nowadays, but the existence of the Mustang and the fact that the lessons from back in the 90s when Ford tried to kill it and replace it with the then flavor of the day seem to have been learned (the only lessons they seem to remember) are a win not only for Ford folks but for car people in general. One day my Super Coupe will pop its headgaskets (I know it will...I read it on the Internet). I hope I will still be physically up to dropping the supercharged Terminator Cobra motor into it. in all seriousness, The Mustang is a.win for car guys.
  • Lorenzo Heh. The major powers, military or economic, set up these regulators for the smaller countries - the big guys do what they want, and always have. Are the Chinese that unaware?
  • Lorenzo The original 4-Runner, by its very name, promised something different in the future. What happened?
  • Lorenzo At my age, excitement is dangerous. one thing to note: the older models being displayed are more stylish than their current versions, and the old Subaru Forester looks more utilitarian than the current version. I thought the annual model change was dead.
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