Volvo 242

The Volvo 242 is the 2-door sedan variant of the long-running 200 series, which was produced from 1974 to 1993. Building on the brand's reputation for safety and reliability, the 242 featured the same famously durable construction as its 4-door and wagon siblings. Its simple, boxy design was penned by Jan Wilsgaard and became a hallmark of the brand for decades.

Collectors are drawn to the 242 for its unique 'brick' aesthetic and its surprising performance history. The turbocharged 242 Turbo, particularly the early 'flathood' models, won the European Touring Car Championship in 1985, cementing its status as a sleeper performance car. This motorsport pedigree, combined with its robust B-series engine and rear-wheel-drive layout, makes it a popular platform for modification and rally-inspired builds.

The market for the 242 is broad, reflecting the car's dual identity as a reliable classic and a performance base. The average sale price sits around $11,666, but the range is vast. Well-used, non-turbo models occupy the lower end, while pristine, low-mileage Turbo examples or expertly modified cars can command prices upwards of $50,000.

Prices range from around $2,500 for project cars to over $51,500 for pristine or highly desirable Turbo models.