Wanted 145 ???
 

Hi,

Just 6 months or so into my first Volvo experience, following purchase of a '94 940 2.0 Turbo Wentworth Estate Auto with 70k verified miles. Loving it as a daily driver, albeit with a seemingly endless to do list and an MOT looming In May😀
Thing is though, I just keep getting drawn onto the 145 section, and just think I may have a 145 shaped space in the shed, just love the appeal of '70's simplicity.

Ideal would be something like a '72 or '73 with slimmer bumpers, but with single section side glass on the load area.

Am I deluded and deranged......?

Project considered as long as it's complete, welding and trimming I can handle I think, mechanicals I'd hope should be pretty straight forward although appreciate any input on parts availability, my concerns are thing like window rubbers, trim and mouldings etc.

Cheers
Steve

There's not much going on here in the 140 section, you may get more joy from Facebook.

They are out there but you'll need to look hard to find one so good luck.

Hi Burdekin,

Many thanks for your suggestion, I have seen several of your posts I think not that long ago when Doocey posted a query about buying a 144.

Since joining this forum, I have been constantly amazed by the amount of help and detailed knowledge from like minded enthusiasts of cars that don't conform to the usual norms.

I am not on Facebook but with give it a look, do you have a link for the site at all please??

Ive been 'just' looking for the last couple of months on the usual online sites, and kicking myself really as one came up around 3 moths ago, complete and for around £2750 but it was a non runner and miles away from me. At the time I was so busy with work I just didn't have time to look at it.

Oh well, I'll just keep looking, although I think the wallet and the better half would prefer it if they remain elusive😀

Cheers
Steve

How deep are your pockets ?

1973 Volvo 145 DeLuxe £16995
https://www.classicsandsupercars.co....vo-145-deluxe/

This is probably the most active one on fb: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1317854121980734

Also the 245 could be modified to look like a 145 if you prefer the styling of the 145.

Also try ebay, message the folk selling 145 stuff if they know of a 145 for sale. Also message the owners on here and ask them etc. I got offered one just after I bought my 142 but it was nearer the £10k mark.

Hi Rocinate,

Yes I had seen that one, Pockets not that deep to take the hit all at once😀 There's also another great one I think in the Netherlands for similar money, but in dark navy with deep red interior... just the colour choice I would go for.

Cheers
Steve

Hi Burdekin,

Many thanks for the link, much appreciated.

I do prefer the appearance of the earlier slim bumper 145's, so your mention of 245 to 145 was most interesting.

Not seen any of these conversions that I'm aware of, but as a ballpark what would that involve? Sourcing used 145 wings, front panels, bumpers etc? Or much more involved??

Cheers
Steve

Just a thought.

You currently have a 1994 940 estate. I had a 1987 745 turbo and finally sold it in 2014. It was a really useful vehicle; but, it was starting to creep up the wrong side of the bathtub reliability curve and I didn't need that because I already had a 142 resto on the go. Your 940 is about the same age as my 745 when I sold it so I expect that it is starting to suffer the advanced decrepitude phenomena. Its essentially transitioning to old (vintage???) status.

If you purchase a 145 you are going to have two old cars both of which will likely have ongoing maintenance and money requirements. That is OK if you have mad money available, spare time and a real car for regular driving duties. The thing is, you now have two old cars that are almost identical in their driving experience. The B230 T engine is quieter and more powerful than a B20 and the 940 has R&P steering so will feel slightly newer; but, they are fundamentally very close. Neither of them are sporty and the 145 will be slightly less pleasant (more 1960ish) to drive. If your objective is to create a Volvo estate collection, then OK. If you are looking for something a little different I would be inclined to try a P1800 or an Amazon, otherwise its just more of the same.

Hi 142 Guy,

Many thanks for your input, and mmmm wise advice.

Cheers
Steve

This is a really good point: the OP could end up with two quite similar motor cars (separated by 20 years - not long in Volvo evolutionary terms). In my experience the P1800 and Amazon offer a sufficiently different driving and maintenance experience from the 200/700/900 line.

Just my thoughts.

Alan