The classic Volvo is making a comeback and this time it's in colour!

Young people are grabbing on to this very safe and sturdy car and claiming them as their own. Surfers and University students seem to be among the more common drivers, but it doesn't stop there. Here's just a few:

- American singer Jewel, soon to tour Australia, drives a Volvo 245;
- Rachel Blake drives a 144 in the ABC television program, Wildside;
- Olympic rower, Georgina Douglas drives a 142; and
- Brindabella yacht designer, Scott Jutson has driven many but currently drives a 245.

To celebrate, Volvo is organising two exciting events with an artistic flavour. The Great Volvo Paint Off involves a number of artists painting these old Volvos at a public venue in Sydney at the beginning of February. Artists include the chic Mary Shackman, car-painter extraordinaire Christopher Dean and surfer and Quiksilver cult artist Peter Webb. Along side will be a Friends of Sotheby's team who will share panels to create their masterpiece.

After the cars have been painted, they will tour around beaches, shopping centres, Volvo dealerships, Volvo Gallery and universities. They will be then be auctioned by Justin Miller of Sotheby's, with all proceeds going to the Starlight Children's Foundation.

While the cars are touring, a competition called Paint Your Wagon will be launched. Entrants will draw a design on a silhouette of a Volvo 245 on an Avant Card or via Volvo's web page. The winner will win a 245 painted in his or her own design and a surfboard and clothing pack from Quiksilver.

More information about both events will be released closer to the launch dates.