Manual Trans, Free Rust: 1982 Volvo 245 Diesel Wagon
For some reason I found myself drawn to terrible old project cars today…and it took me a while before I realized the reason. I spent most of yesterday at the LA Auto show surrounded by over-marketed advertisements for new and shiny cars…naturally I’m going to scrape the bottom of the craigslist barrel. Find this 1982 Volvo 245 Diesel Wagon offered for $700 in Whittier, CA via craigslist.
This Volvo is a real looker…and you might think that it should be sent straight to the nearest crusher for the sake of humanity…BUT WAIT! Not only is it a diesel title (which is the smog equivalent of a get out of jail free card in California) but it also has a manual gearbox. This thing is ready for your LS1, Ford 5.0, Cummins 4BT, or Pratt & Whitney R-4360 4-row radial engine.
See a better project car to rot in your driveway? tips@dailyturismo.com
One thing I always wondered, is how do the license plates get to the point of being unreadable? Whenever I see that, it looks like someone just peeled off the paint. I have a hard time believing it just happens if you don't touch the plates.
Your draconian smog laws make me happy I live in Ohio. Our car emission laws basically boil down to "don't ask, don't tell" unless you live in one or two lucky counties.
On the other hand, that Volvo would be considered "nearly rust free" up here.
Ad says tags expired … could have high back fees.
"Perfect for an engine swap" means that you could put a badass gas engine in it and it would still be on the books as a diesel that doesn't need smog checks.
On what planet does it make sense to EXEMPT diesels from emission testing?
Anyway, I am surprised that you left out that lovely interior shot:
[image src=" images.craigslist.org/00X0X_9j0uyFpEEy0_600x450.jpg" width="400px"/]
I've dealt with this seller before – he always has a healthy fleet of Volvos around including some really nice older ones. I think this diesel wagon was his workhorse / truck for the past few years. The low, low price is almost too low considering the diesel title.