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The description on the eBay ad has been copied verbatim from another Volvo site about Bertones. I know because I remember reading the page few weeks ago and seeing the exact same pictures, on a 262C fact-finding hunt. I would think it is very unlikely that the seller got permission from the website (VolvoClub.org.uk, perhaps?) to use their description, as well.
What is your theory as to what created this car? I believe you that its a converted/junk/non-authentic car, but all of the outward signs (Diesel logos where they should be and properly-aged) seem to indicate it is authentic.
Are the trunk decklid badges in the proper place? I know that on most of the 240s, the "Volvo" is on the left and the numbering and lettering is on the right, but I've seen a couple of Bertones with it flipped. Did the Coupes get the model designation on the left and the "Volvo" logo on their right?
What years were those headlights used on Bertones? I had been under the impression that they were used on the Bertone coupes sometime after 1979, but I think I'm wrong on this count.
The VIN appears to be VC 26265 M O 0 49***. I'm not certain about anything in italics. The 262 indicates it is a coupe, while the 65 reveals it (was intended to) had a B27F gasoline engine. The M confirms it was made in 1979. The O means it was built in the Kalmar factory.
The Market Type ("Mission Type" in the picture) code confirms the above findings. The 262 again confirms the status as a 260 coupe. The second three digits, 659, means it (6) had a B27F engine that was (5) fuel-injected (9) with a catalytic converter and oxygen sensor, respectively. The 738 means it was a (7) Coupe (3) Us-bound and without a sunroof and (8) with a BW 55 automatic transmission. Note that the car currently has a manual transmission. Out of the last three digits I can only see a "3," which I think is the middle digit. It means that the car was made for the US markets. (It could mean the car was Canadian and made for Canadian markets, but the VIN indicated an origin in Kalmar, Sweden.)
Does anyone know anything else based on the information available in the auction pictures?
So, an interesting find, certainly. My guess is that the car was professionally (as that goes) from the B27F to a diesel engine. The mechanic was attentive enough to add the badge to the grille or source a diesel grille, and to attach the diesel emblems on the fenders. I don't believe that the car came from the factory with a diesel engine; I think if it were some rare prototype there would be other oddities than what is here, what simply appears to be a car converted from a gasoline engine.
I find it interesting that the transmission was converted as well. (The VIN indicates) it came from the factory with an auto, but now it's a stick shift. Some major work has definitely been done on this car. It would be useful if the seller were a bit more knowledgable or forthcoming, and I wouldn't completely dismiss this car as a junkpile (the workmanship may very well be excellent), but this car is not one I would want to purchase sight unseen.
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'89 244 GL -- 109,100 miles (see profile for info on car)
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