This is a Volvo with myriad small details that should make you take a closer look. In fact, I would argue the seller is underselling it a bit, but that may be because he knows a true Volvo enthusiast will instantly recognize what sets it apart. First of all, it’s a two-door, which is always a hard car to find. Second, it has the desirable round headlight lenses along with the European-spec headlight wipers and accessory fog lamps. Finally, it has just 66,000 miles and has been in the Pacific Northwest since new. Check it out here on craigslist for $12,000.
This is actually one of the most flattering views of a vintage Volvo I’ve ever seen. The two-door body is so clean and simple, and the simple C-pillar integration with the body is a wonderful detail. Other traits about this Volvo I personally like: the factory mud flaps, the basic steel wheels with the polished trim ring, and, of course, that awesome green paint, which the seller claims is original (and totally possible on PNW cars) The seller has had some fun with the car, adding a few bumper stickers and accessories, and notes it comes with “…tons of rare parts and spares.”
The interior is quite clean. I wish it wasn’t an automatic, but that’s a hard car to find: a two-door, survivor Volvo with three pedals? Good luck. The interior is an interesting combination of colors, with gray upholstery, tan door panels, and charcoal door handles and armrests. I wonder if the seller, likely a Volvo enthusiast, decided to swap out items prone to heavy wear with better components from his stash. Regardless, the car just presents like an honest, enthusiast-owned vehicle from head to toe.
The odometer reading (and the corgi) are both awesome. The Volvo 242 is not the sexiest car on the planet, but with two doors, some great accessories, and original paint, it checks a lot of boxes. I believe the B21F engine is under the hood with around 107 b.h.p. and 125 lb-ft of torque. Not a lot, but certainly enough. The only thing I’d do is track down the elusive 242GT grille with the embedded fog lamps and swap on the Turbo-spec Virgo wheels, and call it a day. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Curvette for the tip.
That Redblock will outlive all of us and then some.
I had to laugh at that speedometer picture. We have a Corgi!!! Anyone who has a Corgi is Ok in my book!!! I really like this Volvo. I’m with Jeff, the bigest thing missing is the third pedal. But still, you can’t kill these things. Nice one here. Thanks Jeff.
I’ve only ever had Shelties and one Pomeranian that we inherited, but have always said if I got another breed it would be a Corgi.
I also agree that this Volvo is fantastic, but a third pedal really would make it perfect. Actually, a third pedal and a wagon rear end. More room for Corgis and Shelties!
Corgi?
I’ve got one on my dashboard and five in the house!
Five?! In my town there’s a limit of three dogs at a household. I need to move.
Speaking as one who has imbibed the vaunted Volvo Kool-Aid, this car is amazing. I would never get out of it. Agree to the grill change but leave the wheels. And thank you Mr. Lavery for correct use of the word “myriad”.
Surely there’s a young political science professor that needs this.
Having a “RELAX” bumper sticker tells me they make the rules as they go along. Nice Volvo though.
Beautiful car. An enthusiast since 1980. Bought a beauty like this in Lexington, Kentucky, and foolishly chose to haul a trashed ’54 Olds when I moved from Indiana to Nebraska and sold my 242:( Currently in 2006 XC70 with 265K which would detail to showroom. Had an ’81 with 260K I sold to a friend. It went down on him at around 330K. He only added oil. He never changed it! Love these vehicles!
At least for me The only drag on this car is the automatic.
Dearly loved my 242 – owned from about 2001-2023. Had a 5.0L Ford V8 swapped in, and then pulled and replaced with an LS3. And all the suspension and braking goodies needed to deal with that. What a great car – and what fun at shows and cruise-ins!
Cars good for 100,000 miles, outlast any new junk cars they’ve been selling.
The common phrase used for old Volvos with 100k miles – “Barely broken in.” LOTS of Volvos with 200k, 300k miles on them.
Pretty sure the charcoal armrest window cranks were standard fare this gen. I had two 245s , both 4 speed by the way , and they both had charcoal armrests , window cranks although the rest of the interior were different colors. Dash black too. And yes two of the finish cars I’ve ever owned. Wish to gosh I kept the yellow 78.
I had a 1976 245 wagon in High School. This was the late 1980s. A kid at my son’s High School has this exact car – a mid 1970s Coupe with a stick shift too – in 2026.
Great car. Been driving Volvos since 1980. When moving from Indiana to Nebraska I chose to sell my 242 and haul a rough ’54 Olds Holiday Coup…not a smart move! A wonderful drive they are. Currently 2006 Volvo XC70 with 265K that has been used as a tow truck, firewood hauler, trailer puller, etc., and if detailed you could put it in a showroom.