Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
An astonishing Volvo 343 GL with just 5,302 miles from new.
EQUIPMENT
Metallic paint, front and rear deformation zones, side impact bars, halogen headlights, laminated windscreen, headlight wash/wipers, safety steering wheel, hinged rear quarter windows, automatic driver’s seat heating, seatbelt reminder, glove box, heated rear window, interior courtesy and glovebox light, water temperature gauge, 3 speed heater fan, quartz clock, mud flaps. Factory options; Metallic paint. Dealer options; Sharp ANSS radio cassette.
EXTERIOR
The high specification Volvo 343GL featured metallic paint as standard, and this incredible example is finished in Volvo Dark Red Metallic, (Code 186-5). The paintwork has an incredible lustrous finish, a testament to the superb quality of Volvo paint and the exceptionally low mileage of just 5,302 miles. All factory panels are pin straight and the underside is incredibly clean with a light coating of wax. Close scrutiny will detect nothing other than tiny light scratches and markings. Mild discolouration to the front windscreen chrome beading is evident. The chrome bumpers as fitted to earlier 300 Series cars and trim sections are intact and free from damage. The supplying Volvo main dealer number plates are fitted, as is the supplying dealer rear screen sticker. Altogether a remarkably well preserved and rare example, more than worthy of the time warp description.
INTERIOR
The super plush interior of this well-appointed 343GL is in near perfect condition, commensurate with the incredibly low mileage covered. The delightfully period Dark Orange cloth interior, (Code 6261), and matching carpets are spotlessly clean and free from wear. Being the range topping GL model, this example features enhancements such as specially upholstered door cards and rear centre armrest, and the driver’s seat heating automatically switches on below 15°C and off again at 25°C. The dashboard and controls are as new including the unused cigar lighter, and all equipment and controls are fully functioning including the original Sharp ANSS radio cassette. A spotless boot area still wears the immaculate boot carpet and undamaged foldable parcel shelf. Extraordinarily comfortable and an exceptional example of Volvo build quality.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The original 1397cc B14 petrol engine offers 70bhp/105Nm of torque and feels very strong and willing whilst being remarkably quiet. The original manual choke and carburettor set up operates perfectly. The engine bay is spotlessly clean and displays factory plates, stickers and Volvo manufacturer stampings, as well as the spare wheel which still wears the original Michelin XZX tyre with the iconic Michelin Man still visible on the side wall! The four-speed manual gearbox operates well and allows excellent progression up the range. Extremely reliable, comfortable and perfect for modern classic touring.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The standard 13in steel wheels wear the original Volvo centre caps which are in good condition with no kerb damage and only faint markings. Brand new quality BF Goodrich 175/70 R13 tyres have recently been fitted. The dual circuit servo-assisted brakes offer ample straight-line braking with added assurance of the working brake warning lamp on the instrument panel.
HISTORY FILE
Registered new on 1st August 1982 by Volvo Main Dealer, Auto Service Garage of Bournemouth, the first keeper was a Mr Anthony George who purchased the car upon retirement. Used only sparingly and strictly garaged, the vehicle remained with him for an incredible 35 years until his passing in 2017, at which point the car had covered just 4,420 miles. In October 2017 the vehicle was offered for sale at South Western Vehicle Auctions with the successful bidder and vehicle collector, Mr Simon Wilson, paying £4,536 on the day and a further £400 for delivery. Upon arrival, Mr Wilson decided to replace the original Michelin tyres for safety reasons and passed the car to his trusted mechanic for a full service, check over, and brake overhaul.
The history file contains the dealer supplied Volvo book pack with service book, all handbooks and dealership literature. A separate neatly presented file holds MOT certificates dating back to the first in 1985 as well as a file of Volvo main dealer and independent invoices dating back to 1985. An original Volvo 343/345 sales brochure is also included in the history file along with two sets of original keys. This exceptional example having covered just 5,302 miles from new is certainly one of the best in existence, and quite possibly the very best with a surprisingly good history despite the low miles.
HPI clear.
