240 General: 40th Birthday present

[Wardrobe on wheels]

Hi there,

I need a little help, it's my 40th coming up, and my wife has been trying to get me to get a fancy watch......but she has said I can get another "fun" car for longer trips instead :-)


I've seen a couple of 240 estates advertised recently for sensible money, my questions area s follows:

- Did the SE come with air con?, I could see airmix, and from reading articles that doesn't sound like air con?, is that correct?
- Rusty arches, one of them a GLT has a scabby outer arch at the rear, is that a major expense to put right?, and to do it properly.
- Lastly mileage I assume from reputation 250k is not an issue?

One is on gumtree and the other on Autotrader, any all opinions and wisdom appreciated

Many thanks,

David

[mylittletony]

Originally Posted by Wardrobe on wheels

- Did the SE come with air con?, I could see airmix, and from reading articles that doesn't sound like air con?, is that correct?
- Rusty arches, one of them a GLT has a scabby outer arch at the rear, is that a major expense to put right?, and to do it properly.
- Lastly mileage I assume from reputation 250k is not an issue?

1. No, UK cars with AC are extremely rare, I don't think it was officially an option here. "Air mix" is external/heater mix

2. The arch itself shouldn't be much, but check inner arches, sill ends and under the tailgate especially.

3. Some people prefer that kind of mileage as it suggested it's been in regular use. Condition is key however, 250k isn't a bad sign for a 240.

[Wardrobe on wheels]

Thanks Tony, and I assume parts are still plentiful? not outrageous?

and last question, did GLT spec have Air con?, or just rare all round?

[john.wigley]

My 1983 245 GLT had (not very effective) air-conditioning, but I think that was because it started out as a diplomatic / embassy car.
Regards. John.

[mylittletony]

Originally Posted by Wardrobe on wheels

Thanks Tony, and I assume parts are still plentiful? not outrageous?

and last question, did GLT spec have Air con?, or just rare all round?

Hi,

most parts are still available, certainly mechanical parts are much easier to source and there's a fairly active second hand market as well.

Unfortunately AC is rare all round, some 265, 264 models and special order stuff as John mentions. It's conceivable to retrofit it from another (USA) model, but it's a big, big job using second hand parts. Essentially, it's best to assume they don't.

They are however, well ventilated - mine has footwell vents which provide a great breeze on a hot day.

If you fancy a non-standard 1979 estate in fetching brown, drop me a PM!

[mentepazza]

Don’t get fooled by a sweet engine, red blocks all are and over last the rest of the car. Be careful you could find a can of warms.
Mine has got air conditioning. It blows a gale on your neck when outside is hot.
Not many around with aircon, still you can have it converted ( very expensive if not dIY. Around 1.5k including labour and parts).
Rear wheel arches rusty, quite common, check if superficial (cheap) or if there are holes (expensive). As far as we know 240 after 1987 get the best treatment for corrosion. If you want a usable and reliable 240 get one with the KJ tectonic injection: they pull like a train, better than electronically injected b200.
If you want electronic injection get one Ed the very last 1993: for some reasons, different ecu and engine parts makes them very nice to drive and hey pull strongly at motorway speed ( good for safely overtaking).
If power is not enough you can upgrade to turbo with small money in.

[Wardrobe on wheels]

It's a nice car Tony, but I have what I'm looking for in my mind,and its a late eighties/early nineties version, either GLT or an SE with the unique blue velour seats.

It's for longer distance weekends, as my old Landy tops out at 45/50mph so we can only get so far before getting deaf..........and frozen at this time of year.

[john.wigley]

Just noticed that you're in Derby, 'Wardrobe on wheels'; make a friend of 'Minty' of these forums, who I'm sure will be happy to help you with any second-hand parts that you may require.

Co-incidentally, my GLT was in blue with blue pinstripe velour seats. They were very comfortable and much nicer both summer and winter in my view than the more usual leather. Unfortunately, I sold my car for £450 to someone in Milton Keynes over 20 years ago! Although I much prefer automatics, the 2.3 fuel injected motor allied to a 4 speed plus O/D 'box in mine made for a very satisfying drive.

Regards, John.

[Angie]

I had the arches repaired about four years ago, £200 each side, but unfortunately I didn't follow advice to get old engine oil sprayed around them so they're not looking too good now. I believe replacement sections are obtainable.
I like the airmix control, it gives a controllable temperature through the face vents, not as good as air-con perhaps but not as complicated either. I have wind deflectors on the front windows which gives other venting options.
Some people say the 2ltr engine is under powered but the way the car pulls up some of our local hills belies that - and mileage just over 213,000!
The velour upholstery is lovely, just like your favourite armchair, but that probably isn't heated!

[geoffo]

two 40 that is....