240/740 wanted

[doctwit]

hi. newbie looking at getting a 240/740. saloon or estate. restored a triumph herald a while back and have got the itch again.
any advice/ potential sales gladly recieved

[Can Cruiser]

Love the Triumph Herald. Real classy. Good luck with your search. Cheers

[john.wigley]

Originally Posted by doctwit

hi. newbie looking at getting a 240/740. saloon or estate. restored a triumph herald a while back and have got the itch again.
any advice/ potential sales gladly recieved

Good morning, 'doctwit'. Can't help with a potential sale, I'm afraid, but we have run several 2 and 7 series cars - saloons and estates - over the years.

Any advice will reflect the personal preferences of the individual concerned, and what follows will be no different. For what it is worth, I would avoid the 2 litre engine, which was introduced as a 'tax-break' in certain markets and has to work hard, especially when fully laden.

Our preferred combination is the 2.3 N/A motor - oodles of low-down torque - mated to an auto box, which suits the car very well.

There is little to choose between the saloons. The 745 (Estate) is slightly more comodious than the 245 and has the advantage of a 60/40 split rear seat - well up to carrying a full size mobility scooter and it's owner in the back!

Naturally, one should always buy on condition rather than 'spec' with any vehicle now 30 or more years old, but if you have a choice go for a GLE or GLT for the extra refinements. Leather is popular, but we actually preferred the velour - warmer in winter and cooler in summer - and very hard wearing.

Corrosion is not a particular issue, but do remember that even the best Swedish steel will corrode eventually. Our 29 y.o. 745GLE, which we owned for 18 years and always stood outside, failed it's MOT on corrosion in 2016, which was longer than the 21 years claimed by Volvo back in the '70s.

Fuel gauges play up. Brim the tank every 250 miles and zero the trip. Carry a 5L can as a reserve but we never needed to use ours (although it helped others out on occasion).

Sun roof drains can block up and cause related problems.

Keep on top of the hand-brake, it is a drum brake built into the rear disc which can be problematic if neglected.

There is, of course, much more, but you will find forum members very helpful and forthcoming with advice regarding any specific problems that you may experience after purchase.

Apros pos the Triumph Herald. I remember them well; one of the most accessible and easy to maintain cars with that flip front ever.

Regards, John.

[morwenna240]

Aye, nice cars, Heralds, but as bad as early fiats for rusting. . .

[john.wigley]

Originally Posted by morwenna240

Aye, nice cars, Heralds, but as bad as early fiats for rusting. . .

Most cars from the '50s/'60s era were equally susceptible to the dreaded iron ant, 'morwenna240'. Vauxhalls of the time practically disintegrated before your very eyes, but at least the Herald had a proper chassis.

I'd expected to see 'doctwit' back before now - there are several 2 and 7 series cars around at present that might be of interest to him, depending on what he is looking for.

Regards, John.

[Rod998]

Originally Posted by doctwit

hi. newbie looking at getting a 240/740. saloon or estate. restored a triumph herald a while back and have got the itch again.
any advice/ potential sales gladly recieved

Hey, I have a 1990 240 GL, pretty much immaculate with just a few age related 'patina' paint marks and only 46k genuine miles with paperwork. Interior is like new. I may be looking to sell as I have another Swedish itch to scratch 'Saab'! Let me know if you're interested, you won't be disappointed!

[doctwit]

any chance of pics and a price. ta

[360beast]

I've got a 1990 760 turbo auto estate with tan leather interior I really need to finish off a couple of bits for an MOT and move it on if that's of interest.

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=319443