These days, you might be forgiven if you’ve forgotten Volvo used to be a funky car company owned by a bunch of Swedes who practiced moose-avoidance techniques. Now it’s just another Chinese-owned enterprise, which is why you should cherish the cars of its past, like this 1989 Volvo 780 Bertone coupe here on craigslist. Designed and built by Bertone of Italy, these limited production coupes have a much lower roofline than stock Volvo vehicles and were available only as two-doors. This being a later car, it has the turbocharged engine, which was essential for lugging around such a heavy vehicle. Our featured car runs but the turbo needs to be rebuilt. With just over 8,000 780 coupes made, this one is worth saving – but only at a price lower than the seller’s $2,500 asking. What would you pay?
1978 Saab 99 EMS: Well Loved
This 1978 Saab 900 EMS is a great candidate for a project car, given its versatility whether used as a rally-x build or as the basis for a survivor-grade restoration. Available in sunny California here on craigslist for $3,500, it’s mostly rust-free and is for sale by a Saab enthusiast who has a good grip on the car’s assets and needs. The best part about this spunky 99 for me is its adherence to pulling from the OEM parts catalog, from the Inca-style wheels to the original (and rare) accessory steering wheel found in the cockpit. The seller notes the EMS comes from a long-line of Saab fanatic owners, and it shows. While the paint may be rough and the interior starting to show its age, this 99 benefits from sensible maintenance that swapped some key Saab 900 parts in for easy future servicing – upper and lower control arms, brake rotors, hubs, pads, master cylinder, axles, radiator core, and fan among them. Potentially one to buy, with the vanity plate being the icing on the cake. Thanks to CCC reader MJ for the find!
1986 Volvo 240: Hobbyist Hauler
When Jesse sold his 1972 Volvo 145E rally wagon, I was a bit sad to see it go. Wagons are a fine way to enjoy classic ownership and add some versatility to your vehicle rotation in the process. That’s one disappointing aspect of both of my projects: lack of use beyond just driving them! Now, I don’t mind this predicament, but it would be nice if they could be used to help out with household tasks or other utilitarian duties. Hopefully, the bigger trunk on the 535is will be able to help out on occasion, but there’s also a modern reincarnation of Jesse’s 145E here on craigslist in San Diego and it’s a very clean 1986 Volvo 240 wagon with a manual for $2950. Read more »
1982 Saab 900 Turbo: Estate Original
Have any of you been lucky enough to stumble upon an estate sale with a classic car up for grabs? Or been tipped off to one that could be had cheaply? This is a life event still on my bucket list, just to feel the excitement that comes with being tipped off to a score that no one else knows about. I get that way with remote junkyards that might have some untouched classics lying about, but I would love to find a complete car like this 1982 Saab 900 Turbo Sedan found here on craigslist in Washington State for $4,000. It’s a one-owner car with less than 100,000 miles! Read more »
1972 Volvo 145E: Form Follows Function
If you have followed our sister site, BarnFinds.com, for any length of time then you will recognize this yellow wagon. This 1972 Volvo 145 has been my daily driver all winter and even though it continues to plod on without many needs, I have decided that it is time to move on. It seemed like a great way to introduce our new site too because old Volvos like this make for perfect Credit Card Classics. They can be found on the cheap and they can be made to run indefinitely. This one has a unique look to it and benefits from many subtle upgrades. Keep reading to learn more and email me if you are interested. I’m asking $4,000 and the car is located in Boise, Idaho. Read more »
Flat Hood: 1983 Volvo 242 GLT Turbo
If there’s anything I love, it’s vehicles that come with an extra dose of provenance right from the factory. Oftentimes, when you hear the words homologation special, one thinks of the original BMW M3 or its nemesis, the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16. Lesser known but nearly as significant is the 1983 Volvo 242 GLT Turbo, of which 500 were sent to the U.S. to satisfy production requirements for overseas racing series. For the princely sum of $3,500, you could own a piece of history with this 1983 Volvo 242 GLT Turbo listed here on craigslist in Kansas City. Read more »