$8900 seems a bit high--though it does look fantastic.

But since the stereo headunit has to be down low, where it'll be in the way of the shifter, he should've put a CD changer in the trunk.

No idea why the seller refers to it as a "242 GT Flathood." Maybe he hasn't read up on the model, or he's trying to add some extra cachet (like it needs it!).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=4547567099&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

You can pick up a Turbo 240 4 door for cheap and do the restore yourself and for that kind of money make some simple mods to make it fly. I saw one the otherday with a stuck front caliper for 300 bucks. People just give up on them because they can be expensive if you bring it in to get prepared. Just be ready to do everything to it when you get it and get ready to clean clean clean with your pressure washer. The hardest things to do are the rear trailing arm bushins which really aren't hard and the rear main engine seal and transmission front pump seal if you have an auto. These cars are easy to restore because the parts are plentiful unlike old cars which you have to make parts for in some cases. I'd rather pick up a cheap one and get into mechanically sound shape and the only way to do that is by yourself with advice from friends and brickboard.

9 grand my a$$...

I will repeat myself yet again. 240's have definetly attained cult status, but they are far from collector status, and an 83 Flathood while unique, is no exception. Especially this car. I remember it from last fall. It was listed twice and finally sold on eBay last year for no more than 4 grand (borderline insane money as is). So how does it being a little further east make it worth twice as much? A nice, straight original Flathood might get 6 if it had way low (say under 60k) miles.

This car is far from perfect with 138k miles, repaint full of haze and overspray everywhere, lower window trim missing, sandblasted but not recoated Virgo's, incorrect black upper dash, A/C switch anchor broken, incorrect badges (I love the GLT badge off an 850!!!) off colour leather, off colour trim in the rear and this is before we even get to what might be lurking mechanically.

Renewed by a Volvo enthusiast yes, but more likely purchased for 500 bucks, cheap $300 paint job, throw in a few other parts that have been accumulated over the years for next to nothing, and you have a smiling Brickhead who just made a sizeable profit.

Hmmm... I wonder if I'll be offered 10,000 for my 121,000 km (75k mile) 82 242 GLT when it's back to show condition....

--
Happy Bricking!!! - Richard - '95 855T 310k, '87 245 DL 406k, '82 242 GLT 121k

Hey, Rich:

You sound like you know your bricks!

Let me ask you:

Maybe I'm nuts, but I don't live too far from this guy, and if I could get this car for between 3 grand, and it's mechanically OK...

Or am I being an idiot? See, I like my brick, but I've always loved the coupes, I've always wanted a sunroof, and I miss power windows. And I love the idea of having a car that's 1 of 500, not to mention super fast. To me it's not a big deal if it's not all original; I'd actually be commuting in the car.

I figure I could sell my car for maybe 2 grand, and if I can get this one for 3000 or so, I'm only out 1000.

But then, I'm not a mechanic at all, and I live nowhere near a junkyard, unfortunately. Is this one I should let get away, you think?

If anyone else has any thoughts (Skip?), I'm all ears.

Thanks!

John

John,

Thanks for asking. First, no Volvo has the cashe of a matching numbers Corvette or similar collectable car. The community that is enthusiastic about Volvos can be found here and on other boards like Turbobricks. Trust me, there are fewer of us than the Corvette Ownwers Assn or similar. The good thing about that is that almost all Volvo's can, and should, be driven regularly. About the only exception to this might be a P1900, of which there were less than 20 made.
The Flathood (GroupA, Homoligation Special) is a truly collectable 240. Along with the GT's, they're probably the only collectable ones. It probably brings a higher price than a conventional 240t but only to a Volvo enthuiast. I'm partial to the Flathood but that's just me. I've had 2 and my current one is a nice Florida car (currently living in PA) with 43,000 verifiable miles on it. Despite being low mileage and in nice shape, I doubt it is worth over $6K. Maybe not even that. It only cost me $3,500 2 years ago. That's why I have chosen to modify it for performance and appearance (coilovers, 3" exhaust, cf hood, Volans, big brakes, etc). I've kept all the original parts just in case.
BTW, mechanically, the Flathood is identical to any other 240TI. Only the ones brought back to Sweden and turned into true race cars had the special parts. The aluminum hoods and rear wings of the original race cars are the stuff unban legends are made of.

Skip
'93 850GLT
'83 242TI Flathood

I'll probably let this one go to someone else.

But if you ever want to sell yours, let me know! Depending on my finances at the time, I might be in the market.
--
1988 244DL, 110K miles, M47, IPD sport exhaust--"Hilda"

I second Skip's motion...

2 to 3k would be a good deal on that car, but then we all know the seller paid more for it than that. They're reliable enough that I wouldn't be too concerned with not having a decent junker nearby.

I'm barely shy of 1k on my 242 including the acquisition and all the spare parts put into it so far.

I hate to discount it's value as a rust free Cali brick, but it's a cheaply updated car in expensive wrapping.
--
Happy Bricking!!! - Richard - '95 855T 310k, '87 245 DL 406k, '82 242 GLT 121k

Turbos are much more difficult to work on and you will need to visit a good junk yard often if you want to own the car without paying big bills. 2 doors are okay, but opening and closing those huge heavy side doors does get old. Turbos are great for a 2nd car, something you have to tinker with.

Nice car but price is way high. Not sure what he means by Euro style headlights. The ones on the car look like US spec for '83. You can get the rectangular e spec lights for this year 240. I'll bet the final bid doesn't exceed $4K.

Skip
'93 850GLT
'83 242TI Flathood

I e-mailed the guy to let him know GT is a different model; he was real nice and said he got that info from the previous owner.

It looks like it is badged "GLT" under the Turbo badge. I know that is what I thought mine was at first, but its badge says Intercooler.
--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

that car is beautiful.
--
87 244, 235K and 87 245, 314K (RIP)---Woodstock, CT