- Seller: Frank B (Contact)
- Location: Chinook, Montana
- Mileage: 148,563 Shown
- Chassis #: YV1AX8859G1682907
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 4-Cylinder
- Transmission: Automatic
Regular readers may find this 1986 Volvo 240 DL Wagon familiar. We featured in an auction three years ago when Barn Finds founder Jesse Mortensen decided to part with a vehicle that had served as his daily driver. It went to a good home and remains in excellent condition. The Wagon continues to provide reliable, practical daily transport, though the current owner feels the time is right for this Volvo to head to greener pastures. Therefore, he has listed this Swedish classic exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Volvo launched its 200-Series model range in 1975, achieving global sales of over 2.8 million vehicles before production ended in 1993. The success is understandable because the range enjoyed a well-earned reputation for safety and reliability. This 1986 240 DL Wagon has a known history, having spent its first 36 years in Boise, Idaho. It then spent 2½ years on the Washington coast before finally landing in its current location in Montana. Its presentation is very tidy for a survivor of this vintage. The vehicle recently received new headlight assemblies to turn night into day. The owner admits that the Medium Blue paint requires cleaning, waxing, and polishing. That isn’t a big job, and is one that the winning bidder would find very rewarding. The panels are straight, and apart from a paint chip with developing corrosion near the fuel filler door, this Volvo is rust-free. Other imperfections include a small windshield chip, some minor paint chips, and deterioration of the Black tape stripe below the side windows. However, if potential buyers are searching for an extremely tidy and presentable daily driver, this Wagon ticks that box.
I’ve always believed that you can learn a lot about the life a classic car has lived by its interior condition. Even partial interior retrims can be expensive, meaning that people generally consign them to the “too-hard” basket. Therefore, neglect and abuse are usually very obvious. There are no such problems with this Volvo. Its Blue vinyl seat covers and remaining upholstered surfaces look excellent. Scrolling through the image gallery is worthwhile because I am particularly impressed by the back seat and the cargo area. Both are prone to wear and damage, but this Wagon hasn’t suffered that fate. The dashpad is cracked under the mat, but it hasn’t deteriorated during the past three years. The factory clock is unreliable, explaining the small digital unit near the gauge cluster as the owner awaits a correct replacement. The current owner replaced the factory radio with a Sirius/XM radio with a CD player, bringing in-car entertainment firmly into the 21st Century, and a new pair of front IDP floor mats protects the carpet.
Powering this Volvo is the company’s 2.3-liter fuel-injected B230F four-cylinder engine. This powerplant generates a healthy 110hp, which feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Volvo’s four-cylinder engines are amongst the most notoriously bulletproof in the automotive world. This Wagon shows 148,000 miles on its odometer, and because it has been meticulously maintained, it could comfortably double or triple that reading without needing anything beyond appropriate servicing. The current owner replaced the rear brakes, the rack-and-pinion, the fuel pump, the sender unit, and fitted four new tires. It also received a new catalytic converter just before the current owner took delivery. The seller states that they have been averaging 25 miles per gallon. The vehicle runs and drives as well as it did in 1986 and can be considered a turnkey proposition, complete with a mountain of service records, invoices, and workshop manuals.
The 1986 Volvo 240 DL Wagon is a surprise packet. Its four-cylinder engine provides impressive performance for its size, allowing the vehicle to hold its own in any environment. The interior is exceptionally spacious, and the 240 is renowned for both its occupant comfort and its bulletproof reliability. This Wagon neatly ticks those boxes, which is why submitting a bid makes perfect sense if a practical daily driver is on your radar.
Bid On This Auction
JJohnson bid $3,000.00 2025-12-16 11:28:06
JP bid $2,750.00 2025-12-14 14:33:14
Harry Singleton bid $2,500.00 2025-12-13 17:00:49
GF bid $2,200.00 2025-12-10 18:22:43- JP bid $1,150.00 2025-12-10 18:17:57
- GF bid $900.00 2025-12-10 15:53:15
- JP bid $500.00 2025-12-10 11:29:22
I can not stress enough about the reliability and safety of this car. That comes from a former owner of one like this and Volvo service manager. The safety and high mileage stories never end. There is no question in my mind what car I would prefer to be in in an accident. They are painfully slow on acceleration, but cruise easily at highway speeds. If you prefer a “canyon carver” then take a walk through an IPD catalog and get out your credit card. The only thing you have to watch/remember/probably replace and both are relatively inexpensive. Are the hatch hinges, (now probably $50-$75 each) the flame trap, (Volvo’s crankcase ventilation control device probably about $35 now) and NEVER use a Fram oil filter. (Factory brand or Wix brand is highly recommended) Always change the water pump when performing the maintenance timing belt replacement. (It’s life is somehow tied to coincide with timing belt life) And as a mater of coarse change the flame trap every 50,000 miles. ( easy 15 minute job the first time, 5 minutes after that) Service the automatic transmission every 50,000 miles. And you will have a car that will out live you.
“Its Blue leather seatcovers and remaining upholstered surfaces look excellent.”
Can this be double-checked, please? In 1986, the Volvo 240 wagon, in DL trim, came from the factory with vinyl seats. All Volvo 240 with genuine leather seats had buttons at the seam points. I’m 99% sure these seats are vinyl, not leather.
You are correct—I went back and found the original receipt from when it was installed in April of 2022 (before my ownership)—noted as “Monticello SOFT MOT-6973 Navy” vinyl—-seven yards worth
I’ve worked on these and other 200 series Volvos and always admired how well built and how solid they felt on the road. Station wagons aren’t in vogue (yet) but this one’s a winner.
I think the “DL” is one step up” in D.L., trim & trinkets. This might not be ’tops’.
( also as shown: “…seats are vinyl, not leather….”). Must Ba “GL” then?
Mine (for 20 yrs) had the fancier wheel. leather, etc (asa ‘DL’). It WAS an ’82 so that might throw me off too.
Not quite the brother for the MB on today’s page, a real close 2nd tho. (opinion again, no?) and something a wrencher like me CAN afford (’92- ’02).
I bought a show room new 244DL in 1980. Four speed w/OD. Deep red fordor, sunroof, charcoal fabric interior. Love those bricks!!
The photos are not so good.
You don’t need 20 pictures of the rear and slab sides…
BarnFinds requests at least 50 photos—I am not a photographer but my digital camera took these over the course of a few days in several locations and I sent them in—BF selected which ones to use. Best I could do. When I bought three years ago, BF used over 200 photos. Guess the logic is that when you have a lot, you can discard what you do not wish to view.
Definitely a DL not GL—see pics of rear door
Great to see this back again! And, nice to see that it was regularly driven and enjoyed. It still has low miles, considering.
I trust that a cold start video (while then letting it run a few minutes at idle) and a driving video of some length will be uploaded shortly.
Could it be put on a lift for thorough undercarriage photos? Is salt used in MT?
Wish I could do a video, but I can’t. Frankly, I am an old guy (77) and the technology is beyond me to do this. My age (and health) is partially the reason I am selling. I had both an ’80 and an ’84 bought brand new and loved them both. After decades, I wanted to relive part of that and this car did it magnificently. And no on a lift—sorry. First winter in Montana and seen gravel but no salt on the roads so far. Driven very little since snow and ice came a few weeks back. BUT I have started it every other day with no issues and let it run at least ten minutes each time.
Oh no, is there anyone that could take some videos for you? You mentioned a digital camera, I believe most have a setting on them that can take video.
Buying a vehicle without hearing/ seeing it run and also drive, is an expensive gamble and risk that doesn’t make sense. I’m sure it’s an incredible car.
There’s always the old fashioned route of just selling locally, or you could give someone a commission to present and handle an auction. I’m glad that this beauty was able to fulfill your 240 fix and wish you good health.
There are no shots of the front seats
There are no shots of the front seats. Also wondering if this car has cruise control, is the odometer actually working. Also does the heater fan function on all settings without rattling
Thought I had posted this but it did not show—so apologies if this duplicates. I have a few pics of the front seats but unsure as to how to add them—i can send to your if you provide. No damage to seats—very good condition. Never had cruise control. Odometer definitely works. No rattling of heater fan on any settings.
While the auction didn’t get to the Reserve, I would still be interested in the car. Can the owner get with me through BF and see if a sale might still be possible?
Harry, you can make an offer through the form above and initiate the conversation. Thanks!
Jesse, would there possibly be some way to get Frank in touch with someone who could provide assistance in taking videos and more photos, or perhaps take them for him and then upload here?
That’s an extremely reasonable asking price, but an expensive gamble on unknowns.
I’m checking to see if we have an inspector in Frank’s area who can take additional photos/videos and take a look at the car. I’ll let you know if we have someone in his area.
Josh, that would be great. If someone is found, hopefully they can provide some thorough videos (not just a 20 second long cold start for instance) and photos.
The prior auctions presentation was nicely done (although, I’m not sure if there were videos then either? And, this is not a knock on the current presentation) and the car looked fantastic. I can’t imagine the car has changed much in three years, but it’s best not to assume.
I’m surpassed that no one at Barn Finds HQ isn’t snatching it up.
Also, would it be possible to get engine compression numbers?
Just checked back in on this for the first time in many days to surprisingly see that it’s still for sale. But, also to unfortunately find no additions to the listing, such as videos.
Still hoping for some additions, but either way, hope the seller finds a good next caretaker for it soon. I’d be honored to be it.
Hope everyone had a nice Christmas and has a healthy new year.
Harry—feel free to email me—frank
People had a false sense of security in these things. A school teacher I knew bought a Volvo wagon because of the overselling of their “safety.” One day coming home from work I see a farm truck stopped in the middle of the country road I was on. I crept forward and as I got closer I saw another farm truck stopped just a few feet ahead of the first truck. It had been waiting for oncoming traffic to clear to make a left hand turn. The first truck wasn’t paying attention and smacked into a Volvo wagon that had been waiting behind the turning truck. It was truly shocking to see that car, even the same color as this one accordioned down to about five feet. Anyway that’s what I think of when people talk about their “safety.” Rest in Peace Alice.
So, what was the condition of the driver? They are made to fold up to absorb the impact. Reducing the shock to the driver. I was a passenger in a VW Rabbit that rear ended a Ranchero that had just rear ended a Dodge van. We were traveling at 80 mph. And the road had turned to ice. There is no greater feeling in the world than coming to the end of your seat belt. The Rabbit folded up like an accordion. And spit the engine and gearbox out onto the street. I had a major bruise from the seat belt and was very sore the next day. I thank God for vehicles that fold up to protect the occupants.
She died. Her name was Alice. That’s why I wrote Rest In Peace Alice.