This is one of those cars wherein I seriously question if some people have access to the internet. A Volvo 242GT is not the most exotic or anywhere close to the most desirable Volvo you can buy, but it certainly is well-documented enough to have a variety of parts that were unique to this trim line and desirable to enthusiasts. The seller has listed this 1979 242 GT as a project here on craigslist for just $800, and I suspect the ad will be pulled down in short order. The Volvo runs and drives and is equipped with the preferred manual gearbox.
The 242GT was a seriously sporty package offered by Volvo from 1979 to 1981. It combined a reliable “Red Block” inline-4 engine with a variety of trim upgrades, including the red stripe around the interior (and originally on the bumpers, too, but it’s long gone on this cosmetically-tired example), a unique steering wheel, corduroy bucket seats, and the biggest deal of all, a unique grill with driving lamps mounted inside. The 242 GT was also predominantly found with three pedals, adding to the image of it being a slightly hotter Volvo model than what was typically seen on the street.
The issue is all of these parts are generally easy to pilfer and swap to other models. Oftentimes, you’ll see a GT for sale and it’s a shell of its former self, mostly because Volvo enthusiasts have grabbed the desirable bits. Years ago, I found one of these grills in a forgotten junk yard and it was sold before I packed up and left! This car has plenty of battle scars, but as a complete example, it’s hard to top for the price. These days, I believe that grill will fetch an easy $300, so you can already see how the parts value alone will exceed the asking price. I should also mention the Volvo fans overseas love these single round headlights, which they never got, so you can always sell those in exchange for the classy glass H4 assemblies.
The engine produced around 140 b.h.p. in GT trim, which was quite respectable for the era. I say that with the caveat that those numbers may be European-market-specific, so you may have to correct me. The seller notes he has replaced the “….brakes, power steering pump, ball joints, and poly bushings,” and it will come on the sharp Volvo alloy wheels seen here with good tires. While I’m sure there’s plenty to sort out, it’s a great starting point at a phenomenal price for one of the cooler Volvos ever made. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Curvette for the find.
The Flying Brick. Yes and numerous performance enhancements are available. Love that classic coupe styling and proportions. Just as it is, this would make a great winter beater, nothing needed. I would refresh that interior though and attend to the body at my leisure. Turbonium anyone?
The ad is still up as of 1045 Eastern. These are great cars. I had an 81′ 242. The Swedes’ designed these like the engineers themselves had to take them apart and put them back together. Real comfortable to drive on long trips if you ‘re tall (6’04). Only drawback, even in the late 80’s- early 90’s was the price of parts. Whoa! I ended up selling it for a used Jetta/Wolfsburg. The car looks great, but the absence of A/C makes it a seasonal car in N. Florida.
…and the chopped roofline!
Tompdx
You’re thinking 262C…this is a 242gt same roof as 242DL AND 242GL.
Jeff i consider the Strut tower braces, Sway bars and i think springs and shocks to be the most desirable bits on the GTs.
For years I’ve been saying I’ll never buy another car. If yhid was closer and the timing was slightly different, id be buying this.
My daughter had a 242GT. It was her second choice after learning what insurance cost for 16 year to drive a 242 turbo. I got tears when she was braking late for turn 5 at Road America. Thinking of changing her diapers to that moment when she was my student becoming an excellent driver
Yeah, the wheels. With the right center caps and the correct lugnuts these are a hot item with Volvo freaks, and they’ll fit a vast array of cars. I’ve sold a couple complete sets for $750. I really wish this was farther away from me so I won’t be thinking about it all day, but I don’t have enough room for all the stuff I already have.
The Gilbern Invader’s long lost brother?
My 242GT had orange/black stripes on the hood, down the sides, and on the trunk (and the interior seats as well).
It was a great ride; handled great for a full sized car.
What do you get for $800 these days in the normal car market?? Maybe a parts car!! This runs and drives with a stick and the body looks decent! I would buy it in a heartbeat! I reminds me of the only Volvo in my youth that I desired….. a 1972 142E with a stick, round gauges and an upgraded motor! Never got it but a guy had one at a Vermont car show couple years ago that was fully restored and he wanted $40K………
Needs a junkyard LS and a chinese turbski.