Although I have been a classic enthusiast for my entire life, I am a relatively recent convert to the Volvo brand. Apart from the racing success enjoyed by the 240 T model in International Group A Touring Car racing, I saw little about the marque that excited me. That changed when my father bought a 242 GT. It was the last car he ever owned, and I didn’t have high expectations when I slipped behind the wheel. It was never going to terrorize the local drag strip, but it was a sprightly performer off the line and an accomplished long-distance tourer. Therefore, I look at this 1984 Volvo 242 GLT and am left pondering how much fun it could provide. It features a turbocharged four under the hood, teamed with an overdrive manual transmission. Its presentation is extremely tidy, but it requires a few tweaks to perform at its best. The seller listed this Swedish classic here on eBay in Live Oak, Florida. Bidding has raced past the reserve and stands at $4,550 as of writing.
Volvo’s “200-Series” model range enjoyed an impressively long production life. Launched in 1974, the final cars left the line in 1993. Part of the secret to its success was its diversity, with the company providing something for everyone. The Series was also undeniably robust, and it is amazing how many of these remain on the road over three decades after the final cars rolled off showroom floors. This 1984 242 GLT perfectly demonstrates its hardy nature, with rust confined to a small spot in the driver’s side front floor. It is a prime candidate for a well-executed patch, rather than a complete floor replacement. The Blue Metallic paint looks pretty clean, with the seller stating they repainted it in the factory shade. It is unclear when this occurred, but the lack of deterioration suggests that the shop performing the work prioritized quality. There are a couple of minor dents, and the distinctive wheels require a spot of TLC in the home workshop to look their best. The glass is clear, and many potential buyers will welcome the factory sunroof.
Powering this Volvo is a turbocharged 2.1-liter four-cylinder engine producing 131hp. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive, while power steering and four-wheel power disc brakes should make life behind the wheel pretty relaxed. This Volvo becomes something of a mystery machine, because it is unclear whether it runs or drives. The seller states that the fuel injection requires a rebuild or replacement, but since they describe the motor as strong in their listing, it suggests the system won’t require immediate attention. Still, I would probably reach out to the seller to discover the extent of the issue.
The interior looks quite tidy, with only what might be hiding beneath the dashboard cover as a mystery. Pads can crack with age or UV exposure, and that might be the case. Of course, some owners fit these covers as a preventative measure, and given the lack of issues elsewhere, that’s another possibility. There is no cracked or crumbling plastic, and the upholstered surfaces look excellent. It isn’t lavishly equipped by modern standards, but air conditioning, power windows, and an AM/FM stereo system should make life aboard this classic pretty pleasant.
This 1984 Volvo 242 GLT isn’t perfect, but it has certainly garnered plenty of interest since hitting the market. It has attracted an impressive twenty-nine bids, and the Watch List tally of forty-eight suggests there is plenty of life left in this auction. Addressing its minor rust issue should be straightforward, and almost any reputable shop should have no trouble sorting out its fuel injection. With those shortcomings addressed, it could provide plenty of motoring pleasure or could function as an effective daily driver. Surpassing the reserve means it is destined for a new home, but are you tempted to throw your hat into the ring?
$4,500 may sound like pocket change in these times, but if it has a lot of deferred maintenance, and it probably does, costs will add up in a hurry. Volvo enthusiasts are notoriously, eh, frugal, so this is probably what it’s worth in perfect running condition, meaning the 5-6 grand you’re going to put into repairs and deferred maintenance is not going to be reflected in the end value. Just something to keep in mind if you’re tempted to bid here.