This 1989 Volvo 345 represents a model originally conceived by Dutch car manufacturer DAF, whom Volvo acquired a large share of in 1975 and began rebadging cars under their own nameplate. Though these rear-drive family haulers were produced over an unusually long 15-year span, they remain almost entirely unknown on this side of the Atlantic where the model was never offered. This one has just 39k and change kilometers according to its seller, and condition looks as good as that figure would suggest–unusual for a 300-series, especially as most disappeared from European roads around a decade ago. Find it here on automobile.fr in La Ravoire, France for 7k euros (-$7,900 USD today). The car’s lines look a bit awkward with its short trunk lid, and being essentially a DAF product, it doesn’t really come across as a practical Swedish design. Bodywork does present very well however, and doesn’t give away any signs of damage or neglect. All trim, body moldings, lighting lenses, and glass appear essentially no discernible wear, and the interesting wheel covers show no curb rash. The interior looks like a mix of holdover parts from 240 series cars, and updated switchgear that would define nearly every Volvo of the next decade and a half. At any rate, the cabin of this family hatch has been remarkably well preserved, with seats that show almost no wear, good plastics, and clean carpets. We can’t fault the versatility of the fifth door, and the M45 4-speed manual at least tries to keep things interesting. There’s no underhood photos provided, but a Renault-sourced 1.7 liter four pushing 81 HP should be equipped. 39k kilometers are what’s claimed on the odometer, and by all impressions those were probably pampered km’s interspersed with lots of garage time.
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