1992 Volvo 240 SE Estate

This remarkable Volvo 240 SE Estate dates from 1992 and is a UK supplied and specified model. It was supplied to its first keeper in August of that year by Drayton Motors in the delightfully named Clatterbridge in the Wirral. Being an SE model ensured the new owner could enjoy refinements like electric windows in the front, the fluffiest of corded velour upholstery and even heated front seats – quite a rarity in family cars of the 1990’s. It was perhaps these accoutrements that persuaded the first keeper to retain this Volvo until May 2023. This fine survivor had covered only around 50,000 miles by that stage.

Current keeper, Brian, acquired the Volvo from a reputable classic car dealer in the north of England in September 2023. Brian, the second custodian of the Volvo, has retained it since then adding only around 2,000 miles or so to that very modest total. Brian has enjoyed being part of the Lancashire Vehicle Club during his ownership and has attended numerous meets in the Volvo, with it always eliciting much interest and comment. Brian has owned a number of 240s prior to this one but describes this estate as “by far the best.” Whilst his heart yearns to keep this fine Volvo, his head realises a sale is necessary due to a change of circumstances.

This Volvo 240 Estate presents in its original colour of the unimaginatively named “Dark Blue,” (406) which suits its boxy form factor very well. Jan Wilsgaard described his design credo as “follow the laws of nature and don't complicate matters! Functional and sensible designs are often the best looking.” The “best looking” judgement may be at the behest of the beholder but there is an undeniable charm and character to the “hewn from granite” design language.

What likely draws so much attention from the Lancastrian car show attendees is this car’s superb condition throughout. This condition is writ large in the robust and lustrous panels of the 240 which gleam impressively and appear free from dents, dings or deterioration of any sort. The key 240 attributes are present and correct. These include the briefcase sized headlamps with brushed wipers, the prominent rubber clad bumpers and the almost unfeasibly generous rear side windows. 

The 15-inch steel wheels are hidden behind a period correct set of slotted Volvo wheel trims in silver hue. These are shod with a matching set of quality Continental tyres in the correct 185/70 configuration. These are date stamped from 2023 and so have likely covered no more than 2,000 miles or so. 

On opening a chunky door, each complete with their own crumple zone inherited from the VSEC concept car, it becomes clear that this is the rarified SE model. The delightful textured and corded velour of the seats, also described as Dark Blue in official Volvo parlance, dominates lending the cabin a warm and welcoming ambiance. Said velour retains an impressively deep nap and appears entirely free from rips, tears, areas of wear, or stains.

That welcoming velour extends into the door cards where it shares territory with blue deformable foam armrests and extruded plastic oddment and map pockets. A set of four Volvo surface mounted speakers adorn all door panels and the spotless looking carpets are finished in a complementary blue with vinyl bound edges. 

The dashboard and its fascia are finished in black with the ultra-clear white on black gauges sitting directly ahead of the driver and behind the original, four spoke Volvo steering wheel. The centre console is home to assorted switchgear, heating controls and a subtle looking, contemporary, Bluetooth enabled Blaupunkt Nurnberg head unit.  

In many ways, however, the 240’s luggage compartment is the star of the show offering up a full 1190 litres of space……. with the seats up! Dropping the seats increases this a mighty 2000 litres and underscores why the 240 estate found so much favour amongst the antique dealers of the nation. The condition in here is every bit as good as the rest of the cabin and there is even a concealed underfloor cubby in which to stash ones Caravaggios. 

This Volvo estate is fitted with the 1998cc “red block” four cylinder petrol engine, or B19 – “B” for “bensin” (petrol) and 19 for 1.9-litres. These engines are renowned for their reliability and longevity rendering this 52,000 mile example just nicely run in. Original power output was quoted at 111bhp, and this example features the motorway friendly M47/M51 five speed manual transmission.

Lifting the bonnet of this 240 soon reveals the red block of the legendary “red block” engine. The condition under here appears exemplary with the inner panels of the engine bay presenting especially impressively. The black cam cover with Volvo picked out in silver is clean and original looking. The under bonnet insulation pad appears new despite almost certainly being original. The underside of this Volvo estate looks particularly impressive with plenty of industrial grade underseal noted, mingling with original plastic sump cover and wheel arch liners.

There is an instructive paperwork file accompanying this Volvo. The V5 Registration Document is present in the name of the current owner. The current, advisory free MoT is present in hard copy and shows validity until July 2025. An absolute blizzard of earlier MoTs are also present providing a full audit trail of the progression of the modest mileage.

An owner complied service record is also included covering all servicing and maintenance between 2002 and 2019. The remainder consists of a number of detailed invoices, the original owners’ handbook and the obligatory Haynes Manual. 

Jan Wilsgaard may not be a universally recognised household name, but he could be considered instrumental to the enduring popularity of the Volvo estate. The cars themselves have played their part, of course. It is no coincidence that the world’s most travelled car is a Volvo, and their longevity and robust Scandinavian character has endeared them to drivers the world over. With a surfeit of utility on offer, the challenge remains finding a lightly and empathetically used example.

This Volvo 240 Estate is one of those increasingly rare well preserved, lightly used and carefully stewarded examples. Despite only having covered 52,000 miles to date, it looks even more lightly used than that making it very hard to draw your attention to any issues at all. What’s more, this SE specification model with its five speed manual gearbox and B19 engine occupies a real purists’ sweet spot in the 240 pantheon. The oft overused cliché of “just find a better one,” has likely rarely been more appropriate applied, so be sure not to miss out.  

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £15,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.