1988 Volvo 240 GLT – Classified of the Week
June 4, 2024
Ah the 240 GLT. Such a unique design, the very concept of which, sadly, is a bit of a barmy notion nowadays, in the automotive industry at least. But back in the ’70s when Volvo was planning its latest family car, and as much as this sounds rather oxymoronic, individuality was commonplace. In ten year’s time you’ll be hard pressed to pick out unique saloons from different manufacturers and even now it’s difficult to distinguish a Kia from a Dacia. Remove the grills and badges and the chances of spying a certain model type from a specific brand reduces almost to zero.
Think about the Volvo 240 though. Instantly recognisable, its design language has endured and is now considered iconic. Its production lasted for almost 20 years too, further vindication of its abiding qualities and lasting impression. Ditch all of the hackneyed “brick” aphorisms and what you’re left with is an incredibly distinctive silhouette that people simply recognise. That can’t be said of the latest BMW 5 Series, and that’s a crying shame because don’t we all crave at least a little individuality? In the clothes we wear? In how we style our hair? In the cars we drive?
We’re not talking about egotism here, just an appreciation of identity. Without getting too Jungian identity is important, and we think it’s distinctly lacking in today’s modern, mass-produced cars. Which is why this 1988 Volvo 240 GLT estate is so wonderful. Actually, there are a number of reasons why that’s the case. But we’ll get to those in a bit.
We’ve spoken before at length about the Volvo 240 here in the Car & Classic magazine, both as a The Time is Now feature as well as a buyer’s guide in the form of a Five Things article. We even went on a jolly to Sweden in one on a parts mission so we won’t get too bogged down in the minutiae of the model but suffice to say you can brush up on your 240 knowledge at your leisure. Instead let’s talk about the car in question: a rather lovely 240 GLT long boi.
Available now from our good friends at RFH Classics in Bedfordshire this impeccably presented wagon has to be one of the best we’ve seen. This is the GLT version, or ‘Grand Luxe Touring’, which means it’s the top of the range model when it comes to 200 series Volvos, not to mention one of the rarer spec cars, too. Factory features included sports suspension, 6″ x 15″ five-spoke alloy wheels, leather heated seats, black body trim and headlight wipers. Posh. It also comes with an original Volvo dog guard fitted behind the back seat that folds up into the roof space as well as a genuine Volvo hard shell load cover, both of which have seen very little use. And of course, any 240 estate would feel practically naked without a tow bar – complete with twin electrics in this case.
As far as the 200 series line-up went the GLT engine was the best of the bunch, too. That is if you discount the turbo version. The bombproof “Redblock” B230F featured in the GLT is a 2.3-litre, fuel injected four-cylinder chucking out a not too shabby 133bhp and in the case of this example it’s mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox for effortless waftage.
Finished in Inferno Red and paired with full black leather trim, both the bodywork and interior remain in outstanding condition. It’s not surprising though really, considering this 240 GLT has covered a mere 68,000 miles and anyone au fait with these hard as nails load luggers will know that that’s a paltry amount. Who remembers Brian, the million mile Volvo? These cars will go forever if looked after and this particular slice of Swedish metal has most certainly been cherished.
With just two owners, a substantial history file and a whopping 36 stamps in the service book, the car has been serviced annually with all work from ’96 being handled by the same garage, including a cam belt change at 53,000 miles (although prior to sale RFH will carry out another alongside a full service). Not only that but Richard and the team have just fully detailed the bodywork with multi level paint preparation and the Virgo alloy wheels have also been professional refurbished, bringing them back to their original glory.
Some will no doubt balk at the asking price but we know Richard well, we’ve spent a not inconsiderable amount of time at RFH and we know that this pristine 240 GLT will be exactly as described. They’re only new once, as they say, and this factory original example is likely as close as you’re ever going to get. An absolute peach of a car and with Volvo no longer making estates isn’t it about time you picked one up for posterity?
