Description
Regretfully offered for sale is my 1979 Volvo 343 DL Auto. One of only 2 registered on the road, accordingly to HML.
First things first, the car does have a problem with the CVT Variomatic gearbox. One of the drive belts is close to snapping (see photos). It does run and drive, but i suspect it will not last long at all!
I do have replacement belts to go with it, but they are quite old, so may not be good! From discussions with other owners, i suspect a CVT unit replacement may be easier (i have found one for £240). Failing that, a manual swap may be a good option (i have been quoted £350 for all the parts needed to do this). Unfortunately, i lack the mechanical know how to undertake any of the above myself. Due to an upcoming house move & other cars in my collection needing work, i cannot afford to get a garage to fix either.
Now that's the major issue with the car, but it is a belting little motor. Before the CVT drive belt shat itself, it drove lovely (it is an 1979 car though, so no power steering, no ABS, it's on leaf springs etc). The engine seems very healthy and starts up fine with choke (it can take a few cranks after been sat for a while, but it always does fire up). I serviced the engine myself earlier in the year (full service). It does have an oil leak & i am yet to find where from (what car from 1979 doesn't?!) but it is only minor - it does look worse due to the fan blowing droplets around the engine!
Brakes and suspension all seem fine with no major noises, knocks, brakes pull up straight and true, no wobbling etc.
Tyres have plenty of tread but are showing signs of cracking. I would replace them if daily driving or driving long distances. The spare has a nail in so needs replacing.
The interior is retro and clean, but does need a bit of tidying up. There's some loose trim and marks here and there. The headlight switch is broken but can be used with plyers still. It's missing the rear passenger seatbelt and buckle. The stereo does not work.
The car is very solid with no structural issues, to my knowledge. The bottom of the windscreen on the drivers side has had rust previously & been repaired/ filled and is not pretty! The exterior has "patina" charm and would probably clean up very well with a good polish. It does have various marks though as expected.
Its MOT and tax exempt and registered as a historical vehicle. I pay like £140 a year insurance too (no NCD, 32 year old male) so very cheap to run. I have ran on super unleaded and have some lead additive, included with the car.
There's history with the car verifying the low miles (31k) as well as handbooks, Haynes manual etc. There's one set of keys.
It's a lovely little car and if i had the time, mechanical know how and/ or money, i would gladly keep it. I love classic retro cars so i am open to swaps or px deals?
I think the price is fair (i paid a lot more...) considering the rarity and originality, but also the CVT issue. I suspect it's an easy job for those in the know, fixing or manual swapping it.
Car is in my parents garage in Oakworth and can be viewed most days after work, or weekends. Please bear in mind though that it cannot really be driven. I think it will drive for loading purposes only.
Please email or ring if there's any queries. I could talk cars until the cows come home :)
