I recently payed a visit to a friend of mine, and he was showing me his completely restored 1971 142-E.don't get me wrong, it is a nice car.
It has a street performance cam,three point valve job,bored .010 over,new factory header,
"iPd volvo" valve cover,new interior,rally gauges,completly rebuilt suspension,no rust, but he wants $12,000-$15,000 for it.
if it was a P1800 I could see getting that much,but not many people just wake up one morning and say "I want a hoped-up 142,oh and can it be pale-green too!"
good lord,he had the car repainted, and could'nt think of a better color than pale-green.
is this price unreasonable?
How much would you pay for it if it was for sale?

There was a 1974 142 GL for sale in Vancouver, BC with 57 miles on it. The dealer was asking $9995 Canadian. That is about $8300 US. That is a lot better deal than any restored car.
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john

Compared to what you get in a new car for that price, its a great buy. But compared to other used and/or classic cars out there, its a bit steep I would think. I figger he just doesn't really want to get rid of it, but hats off to him if he gets his price.

I'd say 4-6 grand would be more reasonable for a *really* good 142. As I recall, IPD sold their project 142 a year or so ago starting at ~$10k, and of course, it had about as many goodies as could be put into such a car.

-Matt
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-Matt '70 145s, '65 1800s, '66 122s wagon, others inc. '53 XK120 FHC

Here's my take. The responses to this thread are exactly why Volvos are underappreciated. Compared to other cars on the market, why the hell shouldn't they appreciate and be worth more than just a few thousand dollars?

I've heard more vintage Volvo owners complain that they restored their car, spending many thousands of dollars, but that they can only get $xxx amount. Well...it's this kind of thinking that'll do it.

They are cool, interesting and fun cars that can be restored, hopped up or just plain used on a daily basis...unlike many other "classics"

I, for one, hope he gets what he's asking, as I'm not going to undervalue my 142 when I get around to selling it.

Oh, and are there links to this car's pictures anywhere? Sounds cool and I love green.

Per

Per,
You're absolutely right: we are a notorious bunch of flint-skins, and worse than that, we brag about it ;-) Can you imagine how many hours of sleep we lost collectively making up our minds, back in the "50s, to buy that PV444 when a VW could be had for, what was it, $200 less?
Bob S.

I personally like volvos more than most of the other classics,and it is a great car,in fact 142's are one of my favorite cars.
all that I am saying is most people wouldn't pay $15,000 for it,when for a few thousand less you could buy a near-perfect P1800.
I will try to get a picture of this car soon.

Yeah for that price I'd hope to get two near perfect 142s
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naahh!!!don't tell me you are looking for two more? well, I could use another M-41...lol! =)
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1974 144DL Euro specs ( Single Zenith Carbs!)

I purchased a 1-owner 71 142E 2 years ago. There is no rust, and it is in good condition. It needs a paint job, but it is not in danger of rust.
I has 4 speed w/overdrive and the D-jet system was intact. (many have been removed and a carb installed)
The front seats had been professionally recovered, and are beautiful. Everything was factory otherwise. Also, the previous owner had a 1"thick file of every transaction he had ever made with the car, including coorespondence to Volvo in the early 70's in regards to the FI system.
I paid $2,400 cash in the Dallas, Texas area.
I have performed major stuff to it like a ralleye dash, new radio/cassette system, 15" Turbo wheels, heater fan, rebuilt suspension, new seat belt system, and soundproofing activities.

I would sell you mine for $6,000 and not a penny less. I am dead serious with this price, as these cars are rare. Also, consider that this car gets nearly 30 mpg, is exempt from most emissions testing, and is damn cool. It can be a daily driver that is fast and fun. It is THE early 140 Volvo to have.

Jeremy
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71 142E and a yard full of 240's in Mass.

Jeremy,
I admire and envy that " nearly 30 mpg." The best I've been able to get out of my "71 142E ( refurbished head, valve job, new rings, new D cam and gear, M41, etc., etc., etc,) has been 25 mpg. Oh well, gives me something to shoot for as I tune and adjust, tune and adjust, ad infinitum.
Cheers,
Bob S.

I have a '75 245. It has 225k on it. It is very rusty. I would like $4000 for it.

We ALL can dream!
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'73 142, '75 242, '75 245, '80 245, '83 244, '86 244, '87 745T, 92 244 (for sale)

I've never seen any rebuilt/restored 140 asked for more than $7000 and that one was VERY clean award winning car.

Richard Gordon sold his '71 142E for 5 digits, but less than the numbers mentioned... and that 142 probably has more fame and history in the US than any other.

I think the $12-15K range is a little steep.

Best,

Cameron
Rose City

Did Gordon sell the car he was restoring for vintage racing?

John
V-performance.com

No - the car he sold was the white 142E that was featured in Road and Track back in.. '74 I think it was. It had brand new leather interior, and every single goodie ipd ever offered for the 140 series.

I believe the race car is still in his garage, waiting for his spare time. Looked great, last I saw it. Except that it needs to be assembled.

Best,

Cameron
Rose City

Does it have the M41 OD transmission? If that is the case,well---YEAH RIGHT!!!
That price is LOL/How many volvos has this gentleman owned?And as far the color , I've heard geniuses pick green, so perhaps there is a method to this madness,assuming most geniuses are wealthy and that at least a few lack common car sense. That would be have to be a near perfect and original P-1800 to bring anything close to that amount of money.