Please help, wanting to buy 145 from '73

[Six90]

Hi everybody

I'm new, my name is Sixo , 40 y.o. , from Italy

Im pondering if to buy or not this volvo 145 station from 1973

I'm not an expert and would like to ask some help in order to understand from the pictures i attached what is original and what not and a general opinions and suggestions from you.

If I'll buy it the intention is to restore it as much as my money will allow.

is the color original ?

here is something not original that you can see from the pics?

can u please suggest where to find original parts?

someone knows about the specifications of this car and his problems ?

there is something like a new engine for it ?

I'm gonna go on monday to see it

Thank you in advance for your help

S

[classicswede]

Body conditon is what I would buy on.

If the build year was 73 then it would be a late 73 so 74 model year

What is not original
wheels are 1970 or older
the rear badge is also older than the car
the rubber strips are missing off the bumpers
One door mirror is off a later 240 and the other one does not look volvo
the surround around teh gear level is not original
the door cards look home made

[Six90]

classicswede, thanks a lot for your answer !!!!

I tried to find an original picture of the wheels for the model year 73-74 but didnt succeeded

But you mean , wheels or rim wheels ?

In your opinion are the bumpers original ?

Sorry for my english , what you mean for door cards ?

What about the color ? could be original ?

Isn't strange that there are so many parts that are older than the car itself ?

thanks again.

S.

[classicswede]

The colour is likely to be original but looking inside the car would confirm

The bumpers are original but the rubber coverings have been removed.

The correct age wheels are wider and have square cut outs.

It should look like this http://best-carz.com/odin/tech-char/...vo-145-02.html

Door cards are the original coverings on the inside of the doors.

I also noticed the seats have been changed.

The older parts fitted and other changes are not unusual. The hardest parts to find will be the bumper rubbers in good condition and the metal fixing plates for them

[rocketron2]

front and rear wheels are not matching.

check sill for rust== it looks suspicious

[Derek UK]

With respect, the car looks a bit of a wreck, so depending on what inspection tests are needed where you are, make sure it's at least driveable safely.
There are lots of non original parts as mentioned. I think the bumpers are the "commando" type from a 240. These are deeper and wider than the late 140 ones. Rust in the rear of the sills is common. Fixable but the job gets more expensive if you want it to be back to original. Currently, if in working order and legal to drive, its a workhorse at best in my opinion, so price should be very low. However it's your decision to make.

[Six90]

Hi everybody,

thanks to all of you for your help.

I checked better and is model '74.

1. I sent all the pics I have to one of the best old volvo expert we have here , and he told me that finding all the missing original parts + exterior paint + bodywork is gonna be something around 3.800-4.200 euro. All this without having checked yet the engine and mechanical parts.
He also told me that this models are not really for collectors, meaning the if I'll pay the car (price 2.000 euro ) and all the restoration ( hoping that the engine is ok ) , I will probably never see my money back if and when I will sell it. He also suggested to look at the Amazon Estate ( I'm looking for a vintage Volvo Estate / Station ), where the value is stable and somehow also increasing.
After all your comments and his feedback I'm not sure I would spend 200 euro to go with this expert to check the car. ( this is his request of money for 4 hours ).
Really don't know what to do .....
What do you think about his considerations ?

S.

[Triple-S]

Dilema for you - we call these Volvo's the forgotten classic. However, with most older cars one is contemplating buying for ones self, not for any money made on resale.
Then assuming it is solid when you inspect it, consider where you might get say a replacement front end after a collision. They are practically extinct over here - don't know about Italy but when you look on the Scandcars website they are extremely expensive (if available at all).
In reality you would be better supported for spares back-up in buying an Amazon Estate, as they are well-catered for, but of course the car will cost more because enthusiasts know that.
Myself and a friend have bought several Volvo 140s in not much worse visual condition to yours over the last few years, and all simply for spares. Yes they are rare over here but the few good ones command very high values - well over £3000 for just an average one.
Not much help really, am I....

P

[Six90]

Thanks for your answer!

I agree, I'm not interested in reselling it , but you never know what your life will be.

I really love the color of this car.

The owner told me it has 7 seats ?????? So there will be room for 2 dogs , average size ?

I tried to find some suppliers for all the non original parts that we were talking about , but didn't find anyone selling the front seats , the bumpers etc

I attach two more pics.

thanks again,


s.

[guitarman]

Despite the problems it has I like this old 145. Personally I would just sort out the rust, change the fluids and get driving. The rest can wait until the parts turn up cheap on ebay. Wouldn't go buying from any specialist suppliers, everything for these and most Volvos is available in the States for pennies; if your lucky you may find a kindly soul who will horde stuff and send it all together to lower shipping costs.