Hello,

Finding space, time, and money for maintaining and operating two old cars is becoming too difficult. So I'm offering my running 1970 142S for free to whomever can pick it up first. The problem is that I live in Murfreesboro, TN (37130) and that may be too far away for most folks on this board. Additionally, although I've recently driven this car up to 70 mph and have done 24 mile round trip commutes in it, I certainly would not trust it for a long haul. So unless you live quite nearby, it would be necessary to have a trailer or something to take it home. It's got a good title and is currently registered. The new owner has the option of taking all sorts of free goodies with it such as a ton of manuals, a box of parts, original wheels, and framed vintage 140 series ads. The vehicle has been a project car of sorts for the past 11 years and has some desirable aftermarket parts. Sorry, I can't part out anything separately, I'd rather just have it all go at once. If an interested party would prefer, I can leave the keys and title under the car's floormat so they can pick it up anytime (if I'm at work or something). I'd be happy to answer any questions via this thread or e-mail (cronkbogey@yahoo.com). I'm listing links to pictures of the vehicle below along with what I consider a fair description of the vehicle. I hope nobody minds me posting this here as I thought it may get more viewership than the classified section. I believe a couple weekends of work from a Volvo veteran could make this vehicle a good driver or it would make a super parts car. Thanks!

Angled View:

http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo80/VolvoB20/sideangle.jpg

Side View With Engine Running:

http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo80/VolvoB20/sideview.jpg

Engine view:

http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo80/VolvoB20/overengine.jpg

Dash view:

http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo80/VolvoB20/Volvo142Dash.jpg

Unfinished backseat area:

http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo80/VolvoB20/unfinishedbackseat.jpg

Rust in spare wheel well area:

http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo80/VolvoB20/rustysparewell.jpg

The Good:

1. Lots of new aftermarket parts including: IPD valve cover, Skandix performance exhaust system, motor mounts, 3 new ball joints, new "D" grind camshaft with lifters, coil wires, professionally rebuilt Weber DGV carb, Pertronix unit with Flamethrower coil, electric pusher fan, new battery, and Pro Comp II tachometer. Tires have lots of tread left on vintage IPD aluminum wheels.

2. Once warmed up, the vehicle idles smoothly and can rev to at least 6000 rpm. Vehicle cruises most comfortably at 40-50 mph, but can exeed 70 mph (I'm certain it will go faster if carb is upgraded or tuned better). The piston bores seemed in decent shape the last time I had the head off (about 6 months ago).

3. The only exterior light that does not work is a small grill light that needs a bulb, and when you turn on the headlights they are stuck in the "brights" position. Turn signals and brake lights work fine.

The Bad:

1. The choke cable is not operational. However, with a little gas the vehicle starts right up and idles fine when warm.

2. The instruments (spedometer, gas and temp guage) take a little time to warm up. Typically, after a few miles they mysteriously start working like they are supposed to.

3. The heater fan was replaced, but I was lazy and rigged it so that it will only run on "defrost" on the high heat setting. The speed control still works.

4. The fuse panel and radio are missing.

5. The rear passenger side brake pads need replaced.

The Ugly:

1. Rust spots around rear bottom area that is worst along the spare tire well (see pic). From what I can tell, the car is still very structurally sound. This is a Tennessee car and salted roads are a rarity.

2. I foolishly tried to make a 240 carpet work in a 142. It doesn't fit well at all. However, underneath the carpet the pretty sound floorpan is covered with Peel N Seal insulation that turned out okay.

3. The Maaco paint job is really faded.

4. I removed the rear seats, but have them if you want them.

What simple, elegant, practical lines. Fantastic efficient space use. Just the other day I was talking to my mechanic about my wife's 1970 144s (long gone). We mused about a funny trick to play on the typical modern driver to see if they can start the car from cold (what's that funny knob that pulls a cable out of the dashboard?). Hers started instantly even at -10 F in Vermont, great car.

I hope the new owner has many happy years of motoring.

If the deal falls through, I'll take it! I live in Cookeville. Let me know.

plybender@gmail.com

If its still available and will make it to Knoxville I'm very interested.Might not be able to get it until next weekend but possibly tomorrow.
Thanks.
-jdveray@yahoo.com

If you should decide to pass, I'd be interested.

Hello,

That's excellent news. While I can't guarantee it will make it to Knoxville (I've never had to drive it that far ever in 11 years), it makes it to Smyrna just fine so it is not unreasonable to expect if could go farther. I'll e-mail you my address and phone number and top off the vehicle's fluids, etc. By the way, the car has less than 140k miles and has the original B20 engine and M40 transmission. Thanks!

Thank you, Junkyard Dog! I was just about to go wake my wife and explain how I just could not let this get past me.

Now, I can tell her (after she gets up at her leisure) about the one that "got away". ;-)

--sd

¿How do you (and she) spell "relief"?
--
George Downs, Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!

All in all, I'd say it's a bargain at the price!

It's good that I'm too far away, because my other Volvos (let alone the family) would be peaved (questioning my sanity?) if I brought another one into the yard!

In my book, you get the "Best spirit" award so far this month! Keep those old ones running a while longer! Then lighten them and convert them to electric, and keep 'em running for another decade!
Regards,
-L