LOT 99

1983 Volvo 242 Coupe VIN: YVIAX4727D2235725

Sold for US$8,400 inc. premium

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Lot 99

1983 Volvo "flat-hood" 242 Group-A Homologation Turbo

Quail Motorcar Auction|14 August 2020, 11:00 PDT|Los Angeles

1983 Volvo 242 Coupe VIN: YVIAX4727D2235725

2,127cc Turbocharged Intercooled 4-Cylinder Engine
Fuel Injection
161bhp at 5,100 rpm
Automatic Transmission with Overdrive
4-wheel Disc Brakes

*1 of only 500 Group-A homologation 242s
*Blue plate California car
*Long term enthusiast ownership
*The ultimate "Brick"

Previewing at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

In 1983 Volvo manufactured 500 "flat-hood" 242 Group-A turbos to meet production requirements for Group-A sedan class racing in Europe. As the tale is told, all 500 of the cars were shipped to the US as they were set to be sold through the Volvo Dealer network. Of the 500 cars, 30 were sent back to Europe, which were further modified and raced in the series. These special "flat-hood" 242 Group-A turbos were rumored to be equipped with the B21ET engine in place of the B21FT engine. The B21ET was the European spec turbo engine and said to make quite a bit more power in a more robust package. The engines also featured a more powerful turbo with a factory intercooler. On paper, Volvo reported that the cars produced the same power figures as the standard turbos (161HP), but anyone who has had the pleasure of driving one knows that the cars are clearly making substantially more. Sitting just right on GT springs, the cars were visually distinguished for their pedestrian brethren by their European style "flat-hood" and radiator, as opposed to the standard Volvos distinctly raised radiator and hood. In full race spec, the competition cars are reportedly squeezing 340hp out of these B21ET engines, propelling the flat-hoods to speeds in excess of 150 miles per hour.

This "flat-hood" 242 Group-A turbo has been lovingly preserved by dedicated Volvo enthusiasts. For a large portion of its life, the car was under the stewardship of a couple that owned and operated a California based Volvo parts supply and service shop. Under their care, the car always remained in tip top shape with genuine Volvo parts. During a major service roughly two years ago, the engine was treated to a new timing belt. The air conditioning has also been properly converted from r12 to r134a. With a charming level of patina throughout, this blue plate, Group-A homologation Volvo represents a great opportunity to acquire a rare and appreciating young-timer classic.

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