Volvo asking prices nowadays

[Triple-S]

Lots of people look on ebay nowadays, either because they are bored or want to see what value it seems certain models of cars are advertised for.
Currently/recently on ebay classic cars I have seen several Volvo 240s and P1800s (of course) but also just one 140 yet nearly half a dozen 164s.
There seem to be wildly differing asking prices for 240s, even for standard models within the range - some more than the GLT which seems to have more of a cult following. So why would one buy an auto GLT for more than say a basic auto - one can't appreciate the main GLT benefit, performance. I look more at the extent of the rust - and if anybody with an unrestored car over a quarter of a century old and with some miles under its belt boasts rust-free, do not believe him!
The 140 range has always been Britain's forgotten classic nevertheless there are around 200 still listed as current with the DVLA. Compare that with barely 50 164s and one expects sensible prices - wrong. Is any 45+ years old thirsty saloon ever going to be worth over £5k unless the intention is to put it in a museum? Most of the 164s currently listed are recent acquisitions by the sellers hoping to make a quick few bob in a resale as I know their previous owners and their original sale prices. Ditto a 140 in the same price range - what is happening to asking prices now, or is it that there are simply more opportunists out there now? The costs of car restoration nowadays are never going to be recouped at time of sale - one must remember one contemplates such work for oneself, seldom for profit.
Before you ask how I know - I have one of each on the road, also now a practically worthless (but nice in my eyes) 740 estate!
Yes, fashion is very strange nowadays it seems.

P

[Prufrock]

I don't disagree with your sentiment Paul, but apart from the following the 200 series currently has most of the classic Volvo range is largely invisible to the wider classic car world (WCW).

The exceptions are the P1800 and the Amazon, just imagine if Jaguar had given ITC an E-Type ? The 740 is invisible to the club let alone the WCW, the 940 is just an old car - a few dealers try it on with 700/900 as they do have a following within the Volvo community.

Thirsty saloons sell if they are desirable in the WCW...mercedes W123s, W124s and W126s are a good examples as are the BMWs E12, E21, E28 and E30.

Jon.

[geoffo]

240 GLT auto goes quite well and takes off like a Sputnik when you floor the throttle.....

[volvo always]

I have a 1989 240 GLT auto and only bought it by chance as my Sister didn't know if it was a 240 or 740! I arrived and was pleased to see a 240 even though my previous 740 was a good car too. But a GLT for £350.00 was good 8 years ago.

I certainly used to drive it briskly and used to use the kickdown as found it quite addictive and hear the engine note at around 3.5k rpm.
It certainly keeps up with modern cars.

I have a 1996 940 LPT auto and find it so quiet and smooth than the 240, but the 240 has the old Volvo charm even though I'd say the 940 is the better, more quiet, more modern driving car with ABS and Aircon. If the 240 GLT had ABS, Aircon and better sound deadening it would be pretty good. The B230E engine has been great and required nothing other than sevicing.

As to values I certainly can't see my 240 being worth more than £600 as starting to rust on rear arches, 233,000 miles. Non working heater fan, outriggers welded, little drip from heater matrix pipes. whining fuel pump when fuel low. Inside complete and cleans up well. Majority of parts genuine Volvo and looked after mechanically. It's the arches and rust that lets it down.
I would like to insure both in July and then give him some TLC. But very reliable and done me proud so far.

James.