Ask around, and you’ll find that almost every Gen-Xer or millennial has a Volvo 240 story. I’m willing to bet, though, that very few of them will tell you a story quite like the one this Volvo 242 coupe tells. The result of an epic, eighteen-year build, this unique Volvo 242 coupe takes the classic 240 body and stuffs it with the beating, turbocharged heart of a Volvo S60R.

Have I got your attention, yet? Because you should definitely be paying attention right now.

The durable, 2.5L turbocharged “whiteblock” inline-five is mounted longitudinally under the Volvo 242 hood, and mated to a Getrag-built, manual 5-speed transmission sending power exclusively to the rear wheels. Ensuring that the 70s-era design will be able to handle the newfound power are a fully adjustable coilover suspension, upgraded brakes, and a meaty wheel and tire combination. Together with the Volvo Group A racing flat hood and rear spoiler, the car definitely looks as good as it goes.

You can see many more photos of this incredible build over at the original Bring a Trailer listing. It still has a few days to go, as I type this, so you might want to keep your credit card handy if you go there. I also copied the original auction description, below, in case it vanishes. Enjoy!

S60R-Powered 1984 Volvo 242 Turbo Coupe This 1984 Volvo 242 Turbo coupe is the result of an 18-year build that included the installation of a turbocharged S60R inline-five and 5-speed manual gearbox as well as a full repaint, European-spec trim, a Group A flat hood and rear spoiler, and upgraded lighting. The work was carried out by the previous owner, a career Volvo technician who also installed a custom wiring harness, methanol injection, a 3.5″ exhaust system, an aluminum radiator, adjustable coilover suspension, a 4-point roll cage, Sparco seats, and more as detailed below. This Volvo is offered by the selling dealer with a clean California title. The body was repainted in white and a number of OEM European components were fitted including a Group A flat hood and decklid spoiler as well as flush glass headlights with wipers, a European-spec grille, and Volvo 850 side marker lights. Axis Hyper Black 18″ wheels wear Nitto NTO1 235/40 front tires and 275/35 rears. Suspension upgrades include adjustable coilovers with Carrera dampers, front camber plates with adjustable spherical bushings, IPD sway bars, lower crossmember bars, boxed front and rear control arms, a bumpsteer correction kit, and a front strut tower brace. S60R Brembo brakes were installed up front with upgraded pads and stainless steel braided lines. Sparco adjustable-back buckets are covered in suede and include sliders as well as RJS 4-point harnesses mounted to a custom 4-point roll cage. Interior features are said to be in working order including factory one-touch power windows and power sunroof, air conditioning, and heat. A Fittipaldi Personal steering wheel was recovered using Alcantara with contrasting R-Design blue stitching. Additional gauges for boost, oil temperature, voltage, outside temperature, and methanol AFR are built into the A-pillar and factory dash. The odometer shows just under 93k indicated miles, with 15k reportedly added since the engine swap. An Eclipse single-DIN flip-out head unit is installed along with a pair of Sanyo door speakers. A Volvo fire extinguisher is also fitted. Normally found in the P2-chassis S60R, the 2.5L turbocharged “whiteblock” inline-five was reportedly sourced from Volvo after being used to test idle quality at the Volvo Proving Grounds. Further modifications included a custom wiring harness, an additional oil cooler, a Ron Davis aluminum radiator with electric fans, a rear-mounted methanol tank, an Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator, and a remapped S60R ECU with CAN bus. An Optima Red Top battery was recently installed and according to the seller the engine-swap is California BAR legal. Shifting is from a Getrag 265 5-speed manual gearbox with a removable bell housing, 6-pack clutch, and upgraded single-mass lightweight flywheel. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a positraction rear end. Exhaust is from a 3.5″ turbo-back system with catalytic converters. Underbody photos show the condition of the drivetrain, suspension and floors.

Source | More Photos: Bring a Trailer.