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1979-2004: 25 years of the 242GT
242GT/262C Register of Australia & New Zealand
This year is the 25th Anniversary of the release of the 242GT in Australia.
To celebrate this occasion 242GT and 262C owners are invited to participate in the Volvo National Rally to be held in Canberra during 23- 26th September 2004.
The aim is to assemble as many 242GT / 262C vehicles as possible for display on Saturday 25th September in Canberra.
The Volvo Club of NSW who are also celebrating their 35th Anniversary are hosting the National Rally. Full details including application form are attached or in this issue of Rolling.
The National Rallies are an excellent opportunity to enjoy the company of like-minded Volvo owners. Please give it some thought but not for too long before you make a decision on attendance as accommodation can go quickly.
If you have any questions on the event please ring me on 03 9707 2724 AH
Lance Phillips
Berwick VIC
03 97072724
Craig Rasmussen
Edwardstown SA
AH 0428 529372
The
silver limited edition Volvo 242GT was the first
sports-orientated Volvo model since the 1800. They were built
between 1978 - 1981. The Australian and NZ versions had a 105kW
(140bhp) version of the B23E fuel injected engine with 10:1
compression ratio and an "H" camshaft, front spoiler,
stiffened suspension and accent striping on the sides and boot
lid. The window frames were matt black, a feature later applied
to all 240s.
In Australia,
some of the 600 cars sold, were turned into automatic versions
by a local garage although all 242 GTs had M46 (4-speed+OD)
gearbox as standard. There are probably only 20 Volvo 242GTs in
New Zealand, some imported from Aussie. They were never sold in
the UK.
Early 242GTs had B21E and B21F engines. Second for countries
with exhaust gas limitations as USA. Both engines weren't
specially tuned to achieve higher speed; just the same as any
normal 242/244/245 with B21E/F. So European '79 242GT had top
speed of 182 km/h (achieved in 4th speed) and acceleration 10,0
sec from 0-100 km/h.
B23E Specification: K- Jetronic (Bosch), 103kW / 140HP (H-cam),
190Nm at 3600 rpm, 96 X 80mm / 4-cyl. 2,32 litre. CR 10:1
GTs had rear differential ratio of 3.91:1. The same as previous
(and later) B21A engines 242/244/245DL+GL later(77-), the B23E
equipped GTs had rear diff. ratio 3,73 :1, like later 240 Turbo.
Transmission was always M46 (4spd+OD); 3,71; 2,16; 1,37; 1; OD:
0,798; R: 3,68
Rear-view mirrors were also anodised black; ordinary early 240's
had chromed mirrors, later there were small black plastic things
->'79 / '80 GTs. There were two types of air dam's, earlier
that was wrapped around lower edge of bumper and not twisted
back up on lower edge of the air dam. And second one (year 1980)
that was twisted in frontal direction. Earlier had no auxiliary
vent holes in the middle, later had standard three and a plastic
covered one for towing hook (pass. side)
Lights set-up has
two round 180mm Bosch lamps and two fog lamps in grille. The
grille itself was not the same (GLE/GT) as GT's had different
diagonal line left and right from Volvo badge in the middle.
Brakes were the same as on ordinary models, all 4 disks. Front
discs / rotors were ventilated.
Interior was
black with red lining on seat covers, all had tach from factory.
Most important changes happened to suspension. It's very
interesting to see that all model years had different set-up.
Front springs were a bit shorter and 30% stiffer as DL/GL/GLE.
Rear springs were standard. GT had four gas pressurised shock
absorbers. 1978 had 21mm front bar and 21mm rear bar, 1979 had
21mm front bar and 23 mm rear bar, 1980 had 21mm bars again.
1978/79 had 14" alloy wheels, 1980 had 15" 5-spoke Turbo
wheels (Virgo).
Lance Phillips (Register keeper 242GT in Australia) about the
242GT Turbo:
I don't have a lot of facts on the numbers etc. I understand
they were not made in right drive though. Volvo Australia built
a prototype Turbo utilising the kit based on a 81 244GLE. They
had plumbing problems with the exhaust around the turbo/
steering area and did not proceed plus by then the 760 Turbo was
on line. My first 242GT was turboed by a subsequent owner and it
was a real rocketship although a bit hard to drive smoothly
around town but that could have been changed. That car was sold
and the motor removed for a race car in Club sport in NSW.
There
is also a 242GT turbo for sale in South Australia. There would be
problems with the plumbing converting a US car. In another few
years the US cars can be imported into Australia and registered
LHD in Victoria [over 25 yrs old] but one would have to check
other states & NZ for regulations. - food for thought!! A
RHD conversion is a bit simpler using a 760 motor and preferably
the 83-85 with the distributor in the regular place. The later
740 T had the distributor at the end of head near the fire wall
and could be a bit tight with the 2 series body.
Links:
242GT Australian & New Zealand Register
Application Form
(Word format)
242GT
Australian page by Michael
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