Volvo 142 GL B20 — 1973

When the current owner got his driver’s license, this model year had just been released. He immediately found the color and design appealing and interesting. However, he didn’t end up with a 142 GL at the time, but rather a standard 142 DL.

The years passed. Work life took its share of time, and his interest in cars occasionally had to take a back seat. But as retirement began to approach, an ad caught his attention—a 1973 Volvo 142 GL.

This Volvo was first registered on August 2, 1973, and after several changes of ownership, it was purchased by the current owner in 2016. The car was taken off the road, and the restoration work began. The owner went through the car mechanically from the ground up. The engine, gearbox, drivetrain, and brakes were overhauled, and eventually the car was dismantled into its components. Common rust areas needed repair, such as the sills, wheel arches, spare wheel well, and fender edges, both internally and externally. The metal was stripped clean, and the edges were carefully sandblasted. Where necessary, lead filler was used before the car was epoxy-coated and primed.

The owner initially attempted to apply the topcoat himself but realized there were limits to his expertise, so the Volvo was sent away for professional paintwork. During the restoration, nearly all wear components were replaced, including wheel bearings, bushings, ball joints, tie rods, springs, shock absorbers, and brake components. New brake discs, hoses, pads, and seals were installed. The driveshaft received new universal joints, bearings, and rubber mounts. The rear axle comes from a low-mileage automatic car. The gearbox was rebuilt with new bearings, synchros, and a new output shaft. An overdrive unit has been retrofitted—a Type J from a diesel model.

The engine also underwent a thorough overhaul. The cylinder bores were in good condition and only required honing before new piston rings were installed. The crankshaft was in good shape and fitted with new bearings. The engine has been converted for unleaded fuel and upgraded with a K-cam and reprofiled rocker arms. The water pump, oil pump, and timing gears have been checked. The D-Jetronic fuel injection system now works very well thanks to a standalone lambda sensor (see the gauge in the glovebox) and a resistor in the wiring to temperature sensor 2. The fuel pressure regulator is mounted in the return line near the brake servo.

The car has also been fitted with several period-correct details and upgrades, including a GT steering wheel, an overdrive lever with an engaged overdrive indicator light, a Blaupunkt Paris radio cassette player, speakers on the rear parcel shelf and under the front seats, and molded rubber mats from a Volvo 240.

The interior has been updated with leather upholstery from VP Autoparts, black door pockets, and rear seat inertia seatbelts. The dashboard has been refinished, and the clock still works. There are still a few minor imperfections: the aluminum trim around the rear window is not perfectly fitted, the trunk mat is not original, and there is some minor pitting on the brightwork.

After all these years, owners, and extensive work, the car has been given a new life. What began as a youthful dream when he first got his license has finally become reality—a very fine Volvo 142 GL from what is perhaps the most popular model year. A large amount of documentation, parts, and wheels are included—see photos. Two sets of keys are included.

• Mechanical condition

  Runs well in both engine and drivetrain. The brakes and the car’s other systems and equipment function as they should.
  A small amount of oil is present on the garage floor beneath the gearbox.

• Interior condition

  The interior is in very good, restored condition. Nice carpets and headliner. Clean and intact—see photos.

• Exterior condition

  Glossy and well-presented paintwork. The trim around the rear window is not perfectly fitted. Some of the brightwork shows light pitting in places. Clean underneath and fitted with good tires.

• General condition

  A well-restored (and tastefully modified) Volvo in an appealing condition. Perfect for someone who wants to drive and enjoy it this summer. Ready to go.

Fordonsstatus: Itrafik 2022-05-06
Ursprungsbesiktning: 1973-06-18 (typbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 1973-08-02
Senast godkända besiktning: 2022-05-24
Besiktningsbefriad: Ja
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 7

In 1973, the Volvo 140 series received several updates, including larger rear lights, a new grille, new bumpers, and a redesigned interior featuring a more modern dashboard. At the same time, a range of vibrant 1970s colors was introduced, such as yellow, green, mint green, and orange.
This specific design was only produced for one year, as it was replaced in 1974 by the larger, heavier bumpers, and the following year saw the introduction of the 240 series. As a result, the 1973 model is considered by many to be the most attractive version of the 140 series. This makes it a particularly appealing collector’s car, with its own distinct character and driving charm—durable, safe, and comfortable, even on longer journeys.

Location: Sundsvall

For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:

Nisse Brandt
+46 707 50 89 99
nisse@bilwebauctions.se

Collection must take place before: 2026-05-20.

NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.