While it may never be the first away from a light, today’s Nice Price or No Dice Volvo could reasonably eventually be the last car standing. Let’s decide what such immortality might just cost.
One thing I’ve learned in all my years doing this is that it’s that it’s fairly fruitless to ask y’all to get your hands dirty early in the morning. Projects like yesterday’s 1967 Ford F250 that have some assembly required simply don’t play very well. Call it “morning wouldn’t.” Of course, the fact is, we’re all only human, and that aversion can be overcome by a sufficiently low price tag. That wasn’t the case with the Ford’s $7,500 asking, though. Instead, its destiny turned out to be an overwhelming 83 percent No Dice loss.
Speaking of destiny, what sort of legacy do you intend to leave your present or future heirs apparent? More importantly, what sort of mark do you want to make on society as a whole? As the folly of youth fades into the burden of age and decreptitude, such decisions plague our thoughts.
The easy answer is to pass down a car like today’s 1986 Volvo 240 Estate as a memory of your being here and having made at least one good decision in your life. The Volvo, after all, will likely not only outlast each and every one of us but also our children and our children’s children. At least, that’s the accepted lore.
This 178,000-mile wagon looks to be well worth passing down rather than passing up. First off, it looks to be in pretty decent condition, suffering only some minor broken trim pieces and a bit of chipping in the pinstripes on the outside. Inside, the cabin has been fitted with new front seat upholstery matching an original back seat that looks to have held up in typical old Volvo fashion.
It all rolls on handsome Corona alloys that the seller boasts are wearing their original center caps. As an added plus, there are new Toyo tires and, behind those, what the seller mysteriously describes as “SUSPENSION UPGRADES.” It’s not like anyone would take a car of this caliber to the gymkhana, but it’s nice to know that the wheels aren’t likely to fall off anytime soon.
The ad also claims the roof rack to be a rare option, as is the odd combo of manual windows and power locks. The real chef’s kiss on this car, though, is the drivetrain. That’s comprised of Volvo’s legendary “Red Block” SOHC four, here in 2.3-liter displacement/114 horsepower guise, and mated to a four-speed manual with Laycock de Normanville overdrive. The latter allows for comfortable highway cruising and supports the seller’s claim of almost 30 miles to the gallon fuel economy. According to the seller, both engine and transmission work flawlessly.
Other notable plusses are working AC and heat, a solid stereo, and a BLUE DASH MAT if you’re into such things. It also has a clean title, which we’re all pretty much into.
Of course, we don’t have to be sold on an ’80s Volvo’s safety, but the seller still makes the point for those who are not in the know, boldly proclaiming that the car features:
Quality Swedish design, engineering and craftsmanship has made the Volvo 240's almost bomb proof structure and mechanicals one of the SAFEST and RELIABLE vehicles on the road! BUILT TO LAST!! Many previous owners will tell you that they are “built like a tank”..........and that this vehicle can save your life in the unfortunate event of an accident!
The ad also claims the car to be a “great VINTAGE CLASSIC to own and drive and continues to appreciate in value as they are increasingly getting more difficult to find in any condition.” To that end, they have set a $10,500 asking price and are selling “for cash only.”
What’s your take on this seemingly solid Volvo wagon—with a stick—and that $10,500 price tag? Does that price feel like a fair deal to secure one’s legacy? Or does it mean future generations will be left wanting?
You decide!
Topeka, Kansas, Craigslist, or go here if the ad disappears.
H/T to Don R. for the hookup!
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