Boxy, But Good: 57k-Mile 1990 Volvo 240 DL

Introduced for 1975, Volvo’s 240 Series was the ultimate development of the Swedish manufacturer’s 144/164 models and continued for nearly 20 years through 1993. A truly ‘evergreen’ automobile line, the 240 features vault-like solidity, uncompromising build quality, and best-in-class safety. While not exactly fast, the 240 sports a rather sophisticated OHC inline 4-cyliner engine and begat the turbocharged variants that were the scourge of touring car and rally racing, plus the V6-powered 260 line including the hand built 262 coupe sculpted by Bertone for Volvo. All Volvo models were also the vehicular choice for many members of the ‘80s yuppie set, especially the 240, representing a counterpart to the counterculture-steeped Volkswagens of the 1960s and 1970s. Pop culture celebrity also came from Dudley Moore’s 1990 movie Crazy People, with the memorable faux ad pitched by his burned-out ad man character, “Buy Volvos. They’re boxy, but they’re good!” (We won’t repeat the fictitious tagline for the Jaguar XJS here!) While designed and built for sheer utilitarian purposes, the 240 is one of those rare automobiles that defies time and looks and functions every bit as good now as when new, with the benefit of legendary durability and reliability.

This splendid 1990 Volvo 240 DL has been single family owned since new and looks the part with only 57k seller-stated miles. It appears to remain in nearly new condition and offers all features and options, including heated front seats, air conditioning, automatic transmission, and more. The seller states the car rides and runs like new and is in collector-worthy condition with the engine compartment 10/10, interior 10/10, and exterior 9/10, notwithstanding a little bit of wheel rash and a few very small nicks requiring close inspection to see.