1979 Volvo 244 DL

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5 Bids
1:00 PM, 08 May 2023Auction ended
Highest bid

$1,500

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Mark's review

Mark Livesey - Consignment Specialist Message Mark

“ Iconic Swedish Sedan - Unparalleled Safety - Hard-to-Find 4-Door Model ”

A wonderfully presented survivor, this 1979 Volvo 244 DL offers a virtual “time warp” to what a proudly owned and well maintained Volvo sedan would have looked and felt like in the late-1970s/early-1980s. Offered in very clean, original, and attractive condition, it stands as a compelling example of these unique Swedish driving machines on all counts. Estimated $8,500 to $14,000.

Background

Introduced for 1975, Volvo’s 240 series was the ultimate development of the venerable Swedish

automaker’s 144/164 series and continued in production for nearly 20 years through 1993. A truly

‘evergreen’ automobile line if ever there was one, Volvo’s 240 series featured vault-like solidity, uncompromising build quality, and best-in-class safety ratings. While not exactly fast or quick, the 240 series featured rather sophisticated OHC inline 4-cyliner engines and begat the turbocharged variants that were the scourge of Touring Car and Rally racing. The 240 also sired the V6-powered 260 line including the hand-built 262 Coupe built by Bertone for Volvo.

Offering legendary durability, longevity, and startling value for the money, all Volvo models were

the vehicular choice for many value-seeking members of the 1980s “Yuppie” set, especially the 240. Pop-culture celebrity also came from Dudley Moore’s 1990 movie Crazy People, with the memorable faux ad pitched by his burned-out ad man character, “Yes, they are boxy, but they’re safe!” While designed and built for sheer utilitarian purposes, the 240 line – including the 4-door 244 – remains one of those rare automobiles that defies time and looks and functions every bit as good now as when new, with the considerable benefit of the many aforementioned Volvo virtues.

  • VC24445M1422863
  • 73,582
  • 2.1L 4-Cylinder
  • auto
  • Brown
  • Tan
  • Left-hand drive
  • Petrol

Vehicle location
Cream Ridge, NJ, United States

Background

Introduced for 1975, Volvo’s 240 series was the ultimate development of the venerable Swedish

automaker’s 144/164 series and continued in production for nearly 20 years through 1993. A truly

‘evergreen’ automobile line if ever there was one, Volvo’s 240 series featured vault-like solidity, uncompromising build quality, and best-in-class safety ratings. While not exactly fast or quick, the 240 series featured rather sophisticated OHC inline 4-cyliner engines and begat the turbocharged variants that were the scourge of Touring Car and Rally racing. The 240 also sired the V6-powered 260 line including the hand-built 262 Coupe built by Bertone for Volvo.

Offering legendary durability, longevity, and startling value for the money, all Volvo models were

the vehicular choice for many value-seeking members of the 1980s “Yuppie” set, especially the 240. Pop-culture celebrity also came from Dudley Moore’s 1990 movie Crazy People, with the memorable faux ad pitched by his burned-out ad man character, “Yes, they are boxy, but they’re safe!” While designed and built for sheer utilitarian purposes, the 240 line – including the 4-door 244 – remains one of those rare automobiles that defies time and looks and functions every bit as good now as when new, with the considerable benefit of the many aforementioned Volvo virtues.

Overview

Offered with under 73,600 seller-stated miles at the time of listing, this 1979 Volvo 244 DL is a highly attractive and exceedingly well-preserved example of these renowned Swedish sedans.

Exterior

Attractively presented in a Brown paint finish over Tan cloth upholstery, the 244 DL features a clean, stock and unmodified body, with all trim, mouldings, and emblems in place. Desirable features include a sliding steel sunroof. Volvo’s renowned 2.1-liter OHC inline 4-cylinder engine delivers power in concert with a floor-shifted 3-speed automatic gearbox. Later-model turbine-style alloy wheels, Amber high-beam headlamps, a pair of Hella driving lights (with removable covers), and EU number plates deliver a great European-style 1980s look.

Interior

The rational, ergonomically designed and outfitted 244 DL interior is trimmed in clean Tan cloth upholstery, featuring a nice faux suede motif to the twin front bucket seats and rear bench seat, which includes a thoughtful fold-down armrest. The steering wheel, control switches and levers, dash, and instruments – including a 130-mph speedometer and electric clock - are all OEM items and presented in very good condition. Brown loop-pile carpets are complete and in fine order, having stood the test of time quite well with little, if any, sign of fading.

Desirable features, options, and amenities include a sliding steel sunroof, power brakes, power steering, air conditioning and heat, a rear-window demister, and an updated 1980s style Sanyo IntelliTuner digital AM/FM Cassette stereo unit.

Mechanical

The robust and durable OHC 2.1L inline 4-cylinder powerplant delivers 106 factory-rated horsepower and 125 pounds-feet of torque with Volvo’s Lambda Sond electronic fuel-injection system. The floor-shifted 3-speed automatic transmission delivers the power and stopping power is provided by 4-wheel disc brakes. Suspension is via front MacPherson struts, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar, with rear underpinnings include a live rear axle and coil springs. The Volvo’s underbody, chassis, and suspension components all appear to be in maintained driver quality and only limited surface rusting is visible in the accompanying photographs.

History

Delivered new in Denver, Colorado on August 22, 1979, this 1979 Volvo 244 DL is understood to have remained there until it was most recently acquired by the Seller and relocated to New Jersey.

The factory-issued U.S.-market Volvo owner’s manual, including in-service date and particulars, remains with the vehicle, along with a spare Volvo key, A correctly mounted spare wheel/tire combination resides inside the trunk compartment, along with a roadside hack and wheel tools.

Summary

A wonderfully presented survivor, this 1979 Volvo 244 DL offers a virtual “time warp” to what a proudly owned and well maintained Volvo sedan would have looked and felt like in the late-1970s/early-1980s. Offered in very clean, original, and attractive condition, it stands as a compelling example of these unique Swedish driving machines on all counts. Estimated $8,500 to $14,000.

About this auction

Seller

Trade: exotony13


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