Volvo 240 Turbo, the Swedish model created to last millions of kilometers, put on sale in an example with only 24 thousand kilometers traveled

Volvo's 200 series was one of the most indestructible cars ever created, in an era when the Swedes considered the reliability of their cars, along with safety, to be the most important qualities that defined their brand. The journey of over 1 million kilometers was absolutely normal for these cars, and those who tried could reach 2 million. Well, today we are talking about a 240 Turbo example, from the same series, which has been preserved until now with only 24 thousand km traveled and has now been put up for sale in Belgium!

Volvo's 200 series went into production in 1974, but the Turbo version wasn't announced until 1979. The car became an immediate phenomenon, being nicknamed the "flying brick" because it hit 100 in 9 seconds, while competitors they were touching it in about 11 seconds.

Later, the Volvo 240 Turbo also became the star of the sports circuits, being included in all kinds of races and championships. The overall reliability of the car and the resistance of the engine to power increases recommended it as a suitable model for such effective modifications. Such competition versions often reached 160 mph, which, for such a square car, was always a spectacle.

The special endurance, even of the performance model, was due to the fact that the car was tested several years intensively before being put into production. A few copies were also offered to the Swedish police, without the public knowing, and the police made full use of them, the engineers from Volvo watching how well the engines withstand such a creaky exploitation. Even the CEO of Volvo at the time, Pehr Gyllenhammar, drove a copy before production, to be sure that the performance model would not be somehow less durable.

And all the performance was achieved thanks to the B21ET engine, with 4 cylinders in line and 2,127 cc. It had electronic injection and a Garrett turbine, putting out 155 hp and 240 Nm, all sent to the rear axle through a 5-speed manual gearbox. Later, the addition of an intercooler boosted power to 162 hp. In some regions, where taxing requires engines smaller than 2.0 liters, turbocharged versions with a displacement of just under 2 liters were also delivered, delivering 145 hp.

The car we are talking about today was manufactured in 1982 and was sold in Italy. For 14 years, until 1996, the car was lightly used, accumulating 24,000 km / 15,000 miles. Then, it was put in a garage for storage, where it sat motionless for 25 years, until 2021.

Then the car went through a complete reanimation, with the replacement of all the components that degrade even when a car sits still. Even the brake cylinder was changed, the injection was cleaned with ultrasound. Being a car sold in Italy, under the hood is exactly one of those engines, 1,986 cubic cm, with the code name B19ET.

But this car has only traveled 24K km / 15K miles today, in its entire history, being completely reanimated after being kept for 25 years. And being a Volvo 240 Turbo, it is among the most sought-after versions of the 200 generation. Only belonging to the Italian market, and the slightly smaller engine for tax reasons can reduce its appeal a bit, but to find a Volvo 240 Turbo today with such a small mileage, it's an absolute rarity!

The car is now in Belgium and has been put up for sale, with an asking price of 39,750 euros, which equates to a bit more than 40,000 dollars. It's not an exaggerated price, and Volvo enthusiasts will understand why. Had there been a 2.1-liter engine on the same car, with the same route, we would have been talking about at least 70 thousand, probably. So the distinct engine is actually a big advantage of being able to buy the car at a lower price, if you accept the idea. It is certain that the specimen is a formidable one!