1979 't' 245dl, lpg

[OneCarefulOwner]

I've seen something on eBay that I'd really like, but I need to increase my liquidity. Much as I've enjoyed returning to Volvo ownership, this is really the most "surplus" car I own so it's first on the block!

January 1979 registration, T plate. 2 recorded previous owners, but 3 actual owners - the car was owned in between by an Irishman and registered with their authority, which does not show on the V5.

2.1 carb, converted from automatic to 4+OD. Fitted with a certified LPG kit, 60L vertical tank in spare wheel well holds enough gas to go up to 200 miles for just £35. Petrol tank still fitted & in good condition. Approx 107k, although speedo was replaced at 50k so showing 57k.

White paint, blue interior. Currently equipped with full cloth, this car was supplied from new with the rare optional vinyl; this has been carefully swapped out & stored, and will come with the car. Also fitted is a very rare front centre armrest in matching blue vinyl.

Comes with a box of spares & a wheel well replacement panel - well, it's for one of the sides, not sure if it's the wheel well side or the other side.

Bad Points:
Missing a hubcap - there could be one in the spares box, I've not looked through properly but the former keeper is hopeful.

There is a leak on the nearside that, driving during very strong rain and/or parked with the car leaning towards the nearside, causes a little water to drip onto the fuseboard. This has onlt recently been observed, and is now thought to be caused by poor resealing of the windscreen by the AA earlier this year (before I bought it). This could be under warranty, and I'll get them to reseal if possible.

The leak onto the fuseboard rarely causes the engine to hiccup & "misfire", losing power momentarily as it stalls then resumes operation. While annoying, this is infrequent & has never caused the car to fail to proceed.

Some minor rust emerging on a couple of panels, but a lot of work has been done to the car previously. I like the "used" look so wasn't going to bother with it for a year or two.

Pictures:
Under my ownership (roofrack not to be included in sale): http://www.flickr.com/photos/jh4c/se...7633178702476/
Spotted while owned by last keeper: http://www.flickr.com/photos/78002012@N00/3504997966/
Keeper before last: http://www.flickr.com/photos/javlavo...7626361406836/
As can be seen, this car has been maintained at a consistent standard for many years now.

Taxed until end of July, MoTed until mid-July. My chosen garage can't fit me in any sooner than July 1st for a retest, but if I still have it by then I probably won't need to sell anyway.

Looking for offers over £1000; this still puts me at a loss, but I need cash quickly!

Car located in Streatham, South London SW16. Happy for viewings, but I work shifts so may not be available at the most convenient times.

[minesa240x3]

Lovely car mate.Shame it has to be sold.
The first link doesn't work for me but the first time it went to John H project 245? Then just went blank.

Regards Brian.

[OneCarefulOwner]

Hm, still works for me; Lisa the 245 is what you're supposed to see. Stupid new Flickr

[OneCarefulOwner]

Right, the misfiring's been fixed; turned out to be the aftermarket electronic ignition unit packing up.

However I've had no interest & the car I was looking at has gone way outside my hypothetical budget even if I'd got full asking price (and STILL hasn't reached reserve?!), so this is withdrawn.

[fredausten]

Hi, Is the car still for sale, I am still interested. We have been in contact before, regarding your sale and the sale of my 1977 244 anniversary car, which I still have. Mine is now very much more improved so would have less trouble to sell, hopefully. However, I may be able to find the money for yours, without selling. The only concern with mine is the 20mpg which is ridiculous to maintain, with full use. i had thought of LPG, but told it will reduce its 'rare collecters' value, which is crazy really. So yours seems ideal for me, have you had any offers? Fred 07782177210.

[warninglight]

This was DarrenK's old car, and a really lovely example! Good luck with the sale!

[OneCarefulOwner]

I'm just not sure at the moment. I really need to hold onto it past the next MoT, which is booked for 2 weeks; after that I'll re-assess what's happening, but for now (as stated in my post) the sale's off.

Regarding LPG - £35 for ~200 miles is lovely, especially as I was recently using a Lexus LS400 for the same commute & spending over £100 on petrol for the same distance... LPG around here is about 55-60% the cost of petrol, and MPG is about 90%. If you're only considering selling the Anniversary because of that, it might be worth getting it converted instead - depending on your mileage, it can pay for itself quite quickly, and if you think the car's a keeper then the investment is worth it.

[fredausten]

Hi, thanks for your reply. Yes, economy is the main issue, but 1st July I will have some work to start, when the estate will be more suitable for me and for economy, as I will be using more each day. I will keep my 244 in garage and probably keep it in store after. Let me know when you are ready, Fred

[OneCarefulOwner]

Although it's not gone in for the MoT yet, I'm now decided that it shall be sold. There's tax until the end of July, MoT until the 12th July either this year or next (assuming it passes, which seems very probable), and if you don't want to wait for me to take it to be tested then it'll be available from Friday 28th.

It's a cracking car with rare spec/options that has some great history, it just needs someone with more time for it than I - I was blinded by nostalgia and, while it is an exceptionally practical vehicle in its own right, it's just not practical for my personal needs.

As the misfire is gone but the MoT is short, the current asking price remains as published above, although I am willing to entertain offers. Should a fresh MoT be secured, I would be less flexible with the price.

[OneCarefulOwner]

Car now has a fresh MoT; only required a couple of bulbs, which I'd been too slack to notice.