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.