Description
I am offering a well preserved Volvo 144 B20A, manufactured in 1970, with a fascinating history. This car was purchased new in Sofia, Bulgaria, and has remained there ever since. For over 50 years, it has had only two owners. Then in 2022 it was acquired by the third owner and in April 2023 by me. The second owner, a respected figure in the Bulgarian classic car community, was a collector and the editor-in-chief of the local classic car magazine Автокласика и дизайн. This Volvo was featured in the magazine’s April 2004 issue, a copy of which is included with the car.
The vehicle is in excellent running order and features a mostly original interior. The dashboard is in very good condition with no cracks. The original upholstery is well-preserved, with some wear on the front seats and a small tear on the drivers seat. The vinyl on the back of the driver’s seat has been replaced. The floor retains its original rubber/ vinyl covering, which has started to deteriorate in the front and may need replacement. Both front seats include adjustable lumbar support and the original radio is still functional.
Over the past few years, the car has undergone significant maintenance and restoration. The brake lines and exhaust system have been replaced, along with the clutch, water pump, and fuel pump. The fuel tank has been cleaned, restored, and protected against rust. The body of the car has been fully restored and repainted in its original shade of red in 2024. Additionally, the car has been fitted with new MAXXIS MECOTRA-3 ME3 tires and a new battery.
This Volvo 144 B20A also comes with a collection of spare parts valued at approximately 2, 000 EUR. I've always had a fondness for classic Volvos and had been searching for the perfect 144 for years. In 2023, I finally found this exceptional car. What drew me to this particular example was its remarkably well-preserved, unrestored condition—it was evident that it had been carefully garage-kept throughout its life. Learning that the second owner was a key figure in the Bulgarian classic car scene further ensured my trust in its history, authenticity, and low mileage.
Once I got behind the wheel, I was amazed at how effortlessly it drives—much easier than I expected from a car of this era. I have extensive experience with cars, as I run a car review website, and I was very pleasantly surprised by the level of comfort on rough roads. Much better than almost everything I've driven. All in all I can confidently say that the Volvo 144 stands out for its combination of timeless design, robust engineering, and great safety features for its era.
Owning this car as my first classic has been an absolute pleasure, but I’m ready to pass it on to someone who will appreciate it just as much as I have, as I look forward to buying a new classic car to work on.