Highlights

One of the best of the few remaining cars in popular colour scheme
Sought-after manual turbo with leather interior and 15-inch Celebration wheels
Extensively overhauled mechanically during current three-year ownership
Good history file including Volvo dealer service records covering 1996 to 2010
New MOT expires 28th May 2027 with no advisories
Garaged and treated with Lanoguard throughout current ownership

The Appeal

In the world of classic family load luggers, few lug loads quite like Volvo’s much-loved 940. Evolved from the 700, these are rugged and hugely practical cars whose boxy looks make them very distinctive and stylish amongst today’s lookalike SUVs.

Despite all that, or perhaps because they are so usable, it’s hard for enthusiast to find good survivors. Step forward this Kingfisher Blue estate, which the vendor suspects may be the best available, Looking at the photos, it’s hard to disagree. He acquired the car in 2023 and has invested significantly in the car’s mechanicals, which we’ve detailed below. The long list of work includes injectors, timing belt, coolant system overhaul, tyres, battery and of course servicing. The result is a car that is as mechanically sorted as it is structurally and cosmetically preserved. The seller has used it for regular long trips and describes it as completely reliable.

That theme is supported by the MOT history. The car comes with a fresh MOT with no advisories, expiring 28/5/27.

The vendor says:

“This is a truly stunning example, in exceptional condition (and would take relatively little to bring it to concours standard). It is mechanically superb, in a rare and striking colour, with excellent spec and history. With the innate build quality, and my renovation and upgrades, it wears its miles very lightly. It always attracts goodwill and positive comments; it's a happy car to own. It may well be the very best example available.”

Key Information

Mileage: 158,185 miles (believed correct; supported by Volvo service records for the early period and MOT history, not warranted)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 28th May 2027
Technical specs: 170bhp 2,316 cc 4cyl low-pressure turbo, five-speed manual
Paperwork: Volvo dealer service records from 1996 to 2010, some maintenance records from subsequent keepers, and all records from current ownership

Summary of vehicle history provided by seller (not verified):

Vehicle purchased by me on 24 March 2023
5 registered keepers
First keeper believed by seller to be Volvo UK
Car registered 11 November 1996
Sold in summer 1997 at 9,423 miles to keeper in Newbury by Fawcett's
Fawcett’s Volvo dealer plates still on car
Second keeper retained car until 2010 at approx 98,500 miles
Full Volvo service history (records accompany the car) during that period
Two further owners in Ringwood and Blandford Forum
Some maintenance records exist for period from 2010 to 2023
Current keeper purchased car in March 2023 at approx 155,000 miles
Vendor says that he has extensively refreshed the car since then (described below)
We are told that all maintenance and service records since 2023 accompany the car
The work is described as “an extensive, precautionary and very enjoyable renovation to bring it to absolute reliability and driveability”

The Detail

Well kept Turquoise Pearl metallic paintwork with very minor signs of use or age
Some minor paintwork points to note such as chip to leading edge of bonnet
Vendor describes paintwork as being in very good order with no corrosion
Slight dent is noted on the bonnet
Vendor reports underside is in very good condition with no significant corrosion
We are told that the battery tray is sound
No advisories on MOT
Factory alloy wheels are said to be in excellent order
Fitted with four new Goodyear tyres in 2025
Grey leather interior presents extremely well according to seller with few marks
We are told that the grey leather is an extremely desirable option
Vendor describes seats, door cards and dashboard as being in very good order
Headlining has some age related marks but has not dropped according to seller
Sunroof tilts but does not slide
All instruments including the clock are reported to be fully functional
Vendor states that carpets throughout are in very good condition
Original Volvo plastic footwell mats fitted and rubber boot liner present
Two keys and two remote alarm fobs included
Alarm and immobiliser reported to work correctly
Air conditioning is currently ineffective and requires leak testing and re-gassing

List of work provided by seller in addition to regular oil and filter changes):

Cosmetic/Interior/Exterior:

Upgrading indicator and tail lights to clear type
New tailgate boot struts
Engine bay cleaned
Engine (red)block repainted
4 new Goodyear tyres

Mechanical:

Full coolant system flush
New (OE Volvo) water pump, thermostat, expansion tank
All coolant and radiator hoses replaced
Heater hoses at the back of the engine block replaced
New OE heater control valve
New plugs
HT leads (Bougicord OE type)
Distributor and Rotor Arm (Bosch OE)
Timing belt and tensioners changed (OE Volvo belt)
New fuel and air filters
New rocker cover gasket fitted
New brake pads and discs (Mintex)
Front brake cover backplates
Brake caliper carrier
New battery (Lucas)
Upgraded oil cooler hoses (to Do88 silicone hoses)
Cleaned PCV hoses and replaced PCV oil trap
Alternator bushes upgraded to poly bushes
New alternator, power steering and water pump/fan belts
Underbonnet fuel and vacuum hoses replaced
New idle control valve fitted. Intake manifold and throttle body removed and cleaned
Refitted with new gaskets
Fuel injectors removed, tested, serviced and sonic bath (by United Fuel Injection Services)
Power steering fluid drained and changed

Suspension/drivetrain:

New Lesjofar lowering coil springs
Bilstein B4 dampers (front and rear)
Front fore and aft (spaceship) bushes
NS lower balljoint fitted by Amber Garage Volvo indepdent specialist)
Propshaft centre support bearing replaced (Browns Garage, Haywards Heath)

The vendor says:

“The paintwork is immaculate and there is no corrosion on the bodywork. There is a very slight dent on the bonnet. The underside is in exceptionally good condition, with no significant corrosion (even the battery tray is sound); it has been garaged throughout my ownership and treated with Lanoguard. The wheels (15" celebration) are in excellent condition.

“Interior is in excellent condition. Desirable leather interior. Original Volvo plastic mats over original carpet (in excellent, clean condition).Original stereo (works perfectly). Additional electrical socket fitted in glovebox to enable bluetooth adaptor. Sunroof tilts but does not slide. Doorcovers are perfect (not 'rucked') and dashboard is unmolested. All dials (including clock) work. Headlining has not dropped but has some age related marks. 2 keys and remote alarm fob (alarm and immobiliser work perfectly).

“This car is mechanically excellent; it drives beautifully and has been completely reliable (we used it for a family holiday to Cornwall last August). Only known faults are that the air conditioning is ineffective (needs leak testing and re-gassing which I haven't got around to), and on rough surfaces there is a knock resulting from play in the rear trailing arm bushes (diagnosed by Browns, but again, a minor job I haven't got around to). It passed its current MOT in June 2025 with no advisories, and will come with a fresh MOT.”

BEFORE YOU BUY

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