Owning a Volvo of this vintage usually begins this way:

1) Purchase car
2) Replace fuel pump relay
3) Replace overdrive relay
4) Enjoy

But the hot start thing could be a problem with the fuel pump check valve as well- a simple enough part, and cheap. A fuel pressure test would reveal whether this is the problem.

One option to consider with the towing- you could start the car, and let it run on the trailer, idling in neutral. This will provide lubrication for the trans bearings, and avoid the ugly job of removing the driveshaft- trust me, those nuts are not much fun to get apart.

Reverse towing ought to work fine as well, as long as there is enough clearance to the hitch with the back end of the car hanging over the front of the trailer.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: Roterande Flakt Och Drivremmar!