1984 Volvo 360 GLS from UK and Ireland - Comments

Apart from rust problems with the bottom edge of the driver's door, front valance/spoiler and bottom edges of the front wings, which is now sorted, the boot floor has required welding in two places and also the battery tray and inner wing below it and the o/s sill. There were also minor rust blisters on tops of the doors, bonnet edge and around the rear no-plate.

Engine wise the alternator failed so got a s/h one for £20 but needed a new regulator (£22)

Screen washer motor failed (S/H £3) and the inlet manifold gasket blew (Garage repair £80). O/S seat belt frayed (s/h £15).

I have always wanted a 360 having owned two 1400cc 340 variations. I found this one on Ebay and paid £155 for her. Although only the carb model the GLS is still pretty quick and despite being nearly 22 yrs old this car is still great fun to drive. More so since putting her on original spec GLT ALLOYS.

This car is now getting very rare as it's a 3-door model 1985 model (Registered 10/01/85). Only around 6000 1985/86 3door GLT/GLS models were produced. No power steering so a little heavy, but very precise, good brakes and superb seats. Built quality has stood the test of time, The interior is in excellent shape and the engine/gearbox very tough. Rust is the only thing that has been a real problem and the fact that last week a milk delivery van reversed into the n/s rear wing and taillight!!! Awaiting repair costs at the moment. Update 14/02/07. After a long repair which envolved re-aligning the rear wing,filling & respray,repairs to tailgate hinge & new light cluster the car went back on the road in early January. Cost £290 to put it right but as the Insurance paid out it was worth doing. Has just passed 2007 mot with just some(hopefully final) minor welding to the rear suspension mountings.Other wise shes in very good shape bar leading edge to the driver's door & front spoiler which have a lot of filler in them!

I have also recently purchased a Volvo 360 GLS, but mine is a 5 door, running on her original steels. It is a 1984 GLS, in beige, and has only done 64k miles. This for £185.

I have lowered it by 2", and taken the fan off, putting a twin electric fan on the other side of the radiator instead. I have removed the old cold-start tubing, and plan to put on twin 45 webers, although this is not yet done. I have put a 12" sub in the boot, and given her a new head unit and speakers all round. I took the rims off the wheels, polished them, painted the inners body coloured, and put the rims back on.

Other than these factors, the car is still stock.

This car is a dream to drive - rear wheel drive, 2 litre, apparently around 120bhp or so. The gearbox is rear-mounted (unique with the exception of the Porsche 944, which uses an Audi 5-pot engine. This is a possible swap for the future)

The current engine revs cleanly to 6.5k revs in 2nd gear (giving about 50mph). Final drive means 5th gear @ 6k revs is 150mph!!

Seats are lovely, body has a few bits of rust, new twin exit exhaust obtained, not yet put on, but due to lowering will need to be mounted higher, thus the rear valence needs cutting out.

I have had trouble free motoring ever since buying this car (touch wood)