I found a 1976 Volvo 242 with an auto in Seattle. He wants $800 for it. Says it runs and drive well. He wanted to put a turbo 5 in it, but doesn't have the funding. He's had offers on the car from people who just want to wreck the car up so he sounded really interested in selling it to us. Our plan would be swap in an M46 and eventually a B230FT. The car is strait except for a minor dent in the front door and he claimed that the car is totally rust free. I would end up tearing it down and repainting it at some point later on too. I checked the value of the car and it seems to be going up. Around 7k in great shape, so it seems like it may even be an actual investment. It's not really in the best shape, but it would be a long term project/daily driver. So what's your take on it?

 

Honestly, it seems a bit high. Particularly when it's on the wrong coast for you. I can't think of many 240's worth 7k unless they were super low miles, totally o.e. Even 83 GrpA flathoods seldom bring more than 5k. Recently I saw a super nice GT go for 4500. I like your build goals but I bet you could find a 242 closer to home for less. Even if it were the same price you wouldn't have the expense and effort of getting the car clear across the states. Once you drop the turbo motor in, the collector value goes into the toilet. At that point, the re-sale value depends completely on what a buyer is willing to pay. Customize it too much and no one will want it. It's always cheaper to buy someones custom car than to build it yourself. But, for me, it wouldn't be custom if I didn't build it. So...I'm always faced with the knowledge that down the road, to get maximum return, I may have to return the car to stock and sell the goodies separately. Any pictures of the car?