Brown, Bagged, BBS: 1984 Volvo 240 Sedan – Sold?

March 21, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

The Volvo 240 has been labeled everything from a professor’s car to a nerd machine; from the car you buy if safety is a priority, to the car you buy your 16-year-old son so he doesn’t drag race everything under the sun. What we don’t often see is the 240 being used as the car to drop on airbags and oversized BBS wheels as this 1984 240 DL originally listed in February 2022 on Craigslist in Irvine, California, has been. The seller is asking $9,900 with the option for a trade, and when comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool, it seems he is right on the money as an “Excellent” condition example is valued at $10,400.

The movement to put everything on airbags elicits many, many eye rolls from the more conservative members of the enthusiast segment. You can’t blame them, as many airbag installations are often executed on a cash-strapped budget, which means that the kit is worth more than the car, and more often than not, haphazardly installed. Kids get excited about the result rather than the execution, so corners are often cut. But when airbag projects are done the right way, it’s hard to deny the cars are visually compelling, if for no other reason than seeing the laws of physics bent in such a way that a car looks like it’s melting into the pavement. When owners spend real money and time on converting a car to bags, it’s actually a very smooth-riding setup that will get thumbs up at a wide range of enthusiast events.

The Hagerty Insurance YouTube Channel provides this Buyer’sGuide on what to look for when contemplating the purchase of a Volvo 200 series:

The seller didn’t build this Volvo 240 DL; he openly admits he bought it from the gentleman who did. They started with a good car, that being a 240 equipped with the manual gearbox, and one that is notoriously hard to kill. Now, there are ample details in the listing about the airbag setup, but next to nothing about recent maintenance. Of course, these 240s don’t need a whole lot of love in that department, but hearing about fluid changes and belt replacements is always encouraging. The Volvo also rides on very pricey BBS RC090 “Type 5” wheels and looks like it will come with the factory steel wheels as well. The Volvo also has LED headlights, a roof rack with wooden slats, and a must-have rear window shade. It’s not for purists, but it’s nice to mix things up once in a while – even if it’s a Volvo 240.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Just posting it up to see if there’s any interest, not even sure I want to get rid of it but money talks, so do interesting trades.

This is one of 3 Volvos I own, and it’s my favorite. It’s pretty much all stock except that it’s bagged (4 paddles (one for each corner), 2 gauges with 2 needles in each gauge, 2.5 tank, compressor, dryer, bleed valve, etc) and on BBS RC090 aka type 5 wheels. 4 speed stick w overdrive. Classic wood roof rack, rear window shade, LED headlights, front and rear camera (in the rear view mirror) some other goodies. Oh! Heated front drivers seat (wasn’t available for this year but previous owner made it happen)

If you don’t like attention – don’t buy this car. Everyone will want to talk to you about it. It’s a HIT at all the car shows/meets/cars and coffees. I bought it about 9 months ago just the way you see it. All I’ve done is upgrade the stereo system (nothing special). Odometer stopped working who knows when. It runs great. I drive it everywhere. It’s never left me stranded.

There are a ton of pics on the previous owners IG – “LOW_240” (enjoy the pics and “highlights”, but please don’t bother him)

I’ll answer questions to SERIOUSLY INTERESTED POTENTIAL BUYERS. Please don’t waste my time. If you wanna see it or talk about it (and not buy it) come to Donuts San Clemente cars and coffee lol I’m there often.

Car is in my name, current tags, smogged, ready to transfer ownership. Drive it home today

It’s just a weekend toy, willing to possibly trade for some other toy, dirt bike KTM 350 or 500 plated, motorcycle R6 R1 GSXR ZX ZX6r CBR CBR600rr, VW, RV ? I’ll look at anything that’s not junk! No projects, I already had a 74 Volvo 164E that I’m trying to restore

No labor needed, no dogs, no tattoos”

Do you have a Volvo 240 story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!