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1983 Volvo 242 GLT - Flathood, M46, Intercooler

  • Price: Ask a price!
  • Location: Reading, Pennsylvania, United States
  • Condition: Used
  • Make: Volvo
  • Model: 240
  • Type: Coupe
  • Trim: GLT
  • Year: 1983
  • VIN: YV1AX4724D2236315
  • Color: Black
  • Engine size: B21FT
  • Number of cylinders: 4
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Drive type: RWD
  • Interior color: Tan
  • Vehicle Title: Clear

1983 Volvo 240 GLT Description

This is a 1983 Volvo 242 GLT. It has a factory M46, intercooler, and flathood. Based on information found on flathood.saliv8, this car is believed to be one of the homologated cars. If you'd like to know more about that, the referenced website can tell you just about everything you need to know.
UPDATE: For those who may have seen this car listed in the last few weeks, two discoveries have been made since that time.
1. 6/16/17 There is a rust hole on the front passenger side floor, which is pictured. The rest of the floor appears rust free.
2. 6/21/17 Those who have looked at the car have pointed out signs of a possible repaint. Though I have no proof or record to say whether the car was repainted, how much of it was, or when it may have been done, the signs that were pointed out do lead to a repaint. I have to list it this way because I am not sure of its past.
I purchased the Carfax report, take it with a grain of salt given the age of the vehicle.
Timeline:
1993-2004: Looks like the car was a California car for the majority of its life.
2004: This is where Carfax reports a "potential odometer rollback", I'm unsure of what went on here, as it was 13 years ago. This is why I list true mileage as unknown.
2005-2012: The car was allegedly bought by a member of the du Pont family down in West Chester in this time-range. The story is only supported by the fact that the car was serviced many times at Stillman Volvo of West Chester.
2012-2017: Current owner bought the car from the du Pont family, and has rarely driven it since.
Mileage Disclosure:
The odometer reads 144K, but this is being listed as true mileage unknown. The reason for this is not only the Carfax report, and the exempt mileage branding on the title, but also that the odometer only calculates mileage occasionally.
Exterior:
There is only one known rust spot, it is a hole under the passenger side floor pan, this was discovered on 6/16/17. The exterior is truly great given its age. The paint shines brilliantly, and there is very little fade. It is not perfect. There are two small paint chips from a time that hood latch broke while closing the hood. There are a few small scratches. The wheels were repainted at some point, they look OK, but it is not the best work. Overall, expect 8/10 for the exterior.
Interior:
The interior is in an overall condition of 6/10. I hate to give it a low score, but this is the one category of the three, (mechanical, exterior, and interior), that will need the most attention. The worst of it: An aftermarket windshield was installed, which works well, but the interior trim around the windshield was carelessly handled and broken. A previous owner installed an aftermarket stereo and speakers, the driver's door panel has gotten moisture on it from the window scraper deteriorating, the upholstered buttons on the seats are starting to loosen, and the passenger seat is missing the seat back tilt knob. The sunroof (of course) has a slight leak in heavy rain. All that said, it should not be an overwhelming task to remedy these issues, these are not necessarily high cost issues, but will require your time and attention.
Mechanical:
This car runs and drives beautifully. I have put about 250 miles on the car. The only knowledge I have of the mechanical condition of this car is based solely on those driven miles. Here is my shade-tree-mechanic opinion of the cars mechanical needs:
1.Front and rear suspension present squeaks and creaks, steering has a slight shimmy at 60-70mph.
2.Engine/trans mounts likely need replaced, the shifts on a more aggressive pull feel too harsh, not noticed if driving regularly.
3.Slight coolant leak from an unknown location. Leaks form a small puddle on barn floor if parked for a week or longer.
4.I believe, and this is speculation, that the fuel line in the fuel tank has the common hairline crack causing it to suck some air if the tank is below 1/2. It is more noticeable under heavier throttle load. The reason I believe this to be true is based solely on the fact that this hesitation is 100% gone when the fuel tank is above 1/2.
The engine runs very nicely, the turbo still pulls hard, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the clutch feels very strong. Beside the odometer, all other gauges function as they should.
That concludes my knowledge of the car. I am very honest with people. I believe whole-heartedly in disclosing every known issue when selling a car, and not trying to put icing on a pile of junk. Keep in mind this car has not been owned by me, I may have missed something due to lack of time driving this car. This is a 34 year old car; I would be lying if I was making the claim that I knew every last detail about it. I've done my best to describe its current condition.
All that said, it is worth the time and energy to restore. This car is pure driving pleasure; particularly the sound of that 1980's Garret turbo spooling up... and not hitting full boost until 4000rpm! You're likely sick of seeing the "R-word" in every Volvo ad you read because everyone and their uncle who owns a 1991 240 with 4 wheels and an engine is labeling it as r*re. I'm going to do you the favor of not writing that word here.
Please give me time to answer questions and set up viewings, I apologize in advance if communication is slow, but I will do my best. I'm trying to upload additional photos so that you can see more details, eBay only allowed 24, but I have many more.
Thanks for looking!