This 1977 Volvo 264TE (chassis 2646HD037664) is said to be one of four used in period by the Swedish Consulate in Los Angeles. The car was then purchased and restored by the seller in 1988, and subsequently driven 65k miles. Now a project again, it’s been parked due to a hole in its PRV V6’s block, and some other needed mechanical refreshing sounds to be on the menu as well. It’s been kept inside however, and cosmetics remain quite decent throughout. Find it here on eBay in Houston, Texas for $7,500 OBO.
Says the seller: “One of 325 made in 1977, one of four imported into the US for the Swedish Consulate. All were dark gray with a blue interior. These were made with stretched quarter panels and stretched doors.” During the restoration, the car was treated to a complete respray as well as replacement of much of its trim and new headlights. In its current state, paintwork seems a bit dull and dusty, but isn’t overly faded and should clean up nicely.
Fabric was replaced with OE material from a 1991 model, the seller reasoning that it’s both more attractive and more durable than stock velour. They add that no expense was spared during restoration, with wholesale parts availability aiding their effort. The dash wears several cracks after years of regular use, however a good replacement should be simple enough to find and the rest of the interior remains in great condition.
Here’s a look at the folding jump seats, which appear to allow plenty of rear leg room when stowed or in use, offering room for up to seven passengers. They’re apparently removable as well. Whether riding in front, back, or middle, this ought to be a comfortable ride.
Again, the seller: “A few years back we ended up having cam problems and the heads were rebuilt with OEM cams, rockers, timing chains and gears. Upon starting the car, we discovered we had a hole in the block due to aluminum deterioration and it stopped being driven at that time. Motor is out and we have a usable short block to rebuild and reassemble the motor.”
Though lacking proper federal smog equipment, the car was apparently California-legal and even labeled as such with a badge on one of the pillars–of course, without official diplomatic ties, your mileage may vary. We say ditch the boat anchor PRV and drop in pretty much anything else ranging from an SBC to Ford 302, or even a north-south repositioned turbo five from a wrecked 850.