Basic information and history

The Volvo 242 GT, model year 1978 , marked the start of the more driver-oriented interpretation of the 240 series. The GT concept was primarily about the chassis and driving feel with sharper suspension and anti-roll bars, tighter steering feel and specific GT decor and interior details. The combination of the injected B21 engine and manual gearbox gave a clear sporting character in accordance with the demands of the time for durable, analogue technology.

This example is a 1978 242 GT which, according to the seller, was sold in Sweden . The car was delivered new in Malmö and has since spent its life in southern Sweden. According to the seller, the car was salvaged in 2025 and underwent an extensive renovation. Odometer reading according to the seller: 89,500 km . The number of previous owners is not stated. The original service book with warranty certificate is preserved, together with solid documentation from inspections, which provides good support for the car's history.

Equipment and options

• GT package

Modifications and improvements made

• Body: original joints have been sealed during renovation
• Bodywork: rear fenders and parts of floor replaced during renovation
• Paint: repainted in 2025
• Engine: overhauled in 2025
• Engine appearance: valve cover and timing belt cover powder-coated
• Brakes: overhauled with new components according to the seller
• Gearbox and driveline: overhauled according to the seller

Condition

Body and exterior condition The car was repainted in 2025. According to the seller, the paint gives a good overall impression, but there is more to be desired in the paint finish and that original joints in the body have not been preserved. Minor signs of wear and tear are present in the form of washing scratches and occasional stone chips in the front. Glass is in good condition. Chrome, moldings, headlight lenses and emblems are considered to be in good condition.

Interior The interior is stated to be in very good used condition. The headliner is in good condition. The steering wheel, controls and buttons are in good used condition with normal signs of use.

Tires and rims The tires are in good condition with over 5 mm tread depth according to the seller.

Mechanics and function The engine was renovated in 2025 and starts and runs smoothly and nicely according to the seller. Oil moisture is present around the oil pan. The brakes have recently been overhauled with new parts and are stated to be in good condition. The gearbox and driveline have been overhauled and are considered to be in good condition.

Service history

Service was carried out in-house in connection with the renovation in 2025 according to the seller. The documentation includes the original service book with warranty certificate and a total of seven stamped service events carried out by Volvo. In addition, there are a total of 21 inspection reports that support the car's ongoing use and history. The collected documentation provides a good picture of the car's maintenance over the years, with a clear emphasis on renovation work during 2025.

Summary

A Swedish-sold Volvo 242 GT from 1978 with documented history, renovated body and driveline in 2025. The car offers the characteristic GT driving feel, while the paint and body details bear traces of selected renovation priorities with closed joints and a paint finish that does not fully correspond to the original design. For those looking for an early 242 GT with a thorough mechanical and a clear historical basis, this is an interesting object to use, further fine-tune or develop according to your own taste.