Photo Courtesy Volvo
Looking for a boxy sedan that captures that funky ’70s vibe, but don’t want to go with the usual suspects? How about a Volvo 140? Call it the tanklike alternative to a BMW 2002, Datsun 510 or even Alfa Romeo GTV. Plus, right now it’s a sub-$10,000 buy for a very usable classic.
“Crazy People,” the 1990 …
Definetly an overlooked car. I miss my 142E, it had both A/C and overdrive.
No mention of the flat cams.
I miss my '69 145. Once I swapped the Stromberg carbs for SUs it got really reliable and was one of the best tow cars I've ever owned.
I had a 1973 145e and it was a great wagon except for it's propensity to break clutch cables about every 10000 miles...I got to always keeping a spare and they were easy to change...
Did not mention the flat cams, timing gears, carburation, smog equipment, and of course the water pump.
These cars had a false reputation for being reliable. When they went to Fuel Injection it added more unreliability with the fuel pumps.
Not only did I own a flat cam one (49K) I also was in the imported parts business from 1972 until 2011.
Like all car parts, you get what you pay for, sometimes hit-or-miss with the cheapest stuff. Metal timing gear sets are available to replace the factory fiber gear.
Good parts sources are IPD, VP Autoparts, Nordicar, iRoll Motors, and Classic Volvo Restoration.
Join VCOA and recieve their very good 'ROLLING' club magazine.
Good additions to the story. Thanks guys.
You'll need to log in to post.
