Plan Ahead, You’ll Be Here For A While: 1980 Volvo 245 DL Diesel


When the auction first launched for this next car, I sent an email to DT’s resident Volvo expert CFlo and asked him his thought on how much the car will sell for. His reply a week ago was spot on; maybe $6k to $7k? This diesel is super gutless. It’s literally the 6-cylinder version of the 1.6 NA diesel that was in your old Rabbit. Volvo bought the engines from VW. Imagine 50% more power than your old Rabbit! OMG 75hp. Did you ever ride in the one I had (blue 84 wagon)? It was awful. In CA this 1980 ebay wagon would be desirable because smog exempt, but not sure if anyone cares on the east coast. Nice condition though. Find this 1980 Volvo 245 DL Diesel bidding for $6,350 here on eBay with less than one day to go, located in Glen Burnie, MD.

From the seller:
-Beautiful Rare 1980 Volvo 240DL
-Diesel Engine
-Manual Transmission
-Rear Folding Seat
-Roof Rack
-Original Owners Manual
-Option Tag Under Hood
-Runs and Drive/ No Warning Lights On Dash
-Please See Over 100 Pics Below. Words Will Do It No Justice“They Don’t Make Them Like This Any More”

Please refer to all the pictures below for the best and most accurate description of the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
-Please expect imperfections common with a used vehicle of it’s age.

Item specifics
Condition: | Used | Year: | 1980 |
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): | VC26577A1026281 | Mileage: | 64083 |
Make: | Volvo | Vehicle Title: | Clean |
Disability Equipped: | No | Fuel Type: | Diesel |
Exterior Color: | Burgundy | Model: | 240 |
Trim: | DL No Reserve! 64k Miles Manual Trans Diesel Rear Facing Seat | Interior Color: | Tan |
Body Type: | Wagon | Transmission: | Manual |

See a better way to drive something really reaaalllllly slow? tips@dailyturismo.com
Do brake failures occur enough in these things that they need their own idiot light?
Brake pressure warning lights are not uncommon – although sometimes they’re tied in with the parking brake indicator.
Can you bolt a turbo onto it?
Because, you know, turbo.
Given the success TDIClub members using turbos on the 1600s I’d say yes. Or swap it out for a later modded 1.9 and an easy 150hp.
Slap a prancing moose sticker on there! It’s got a stick, it’s a sports car ¬ ‿¬
Smog exempt will be helpful when you drop that LS engine into the engine bay.
There are a number of options:
LS – https://www.whichcar.com.au/features/ls-powered-1983-volvo-240gl-sleeper
Toyota 1UZ – https://www.whichcar.com.au/features/turbo-v8-powered-volvo-240-sleeper-wagon
Lambo V10 – https://www.autoevolution.com/news/1975-volvo-wagon-gets-lamborghini-v10-in-crazy-engine-swap-132902.html
Twin engine – http://www.volvojo.com/2020/12/23/2-turbos-2-superchargers-2-engines-2-manuals-1-hot-volvo-850/
Keep it diesel with the Mercedes 606 turbo!