1988 Volvo 700-Series

This 1988 Volvo 740 Turbo wagon was acquired new by actor Paul Newman and subsequently modified with a Buick Grand National-sourced turbocharged 3.8L V6, a Borg-Warner five-speed manual gearbox, and an Aero-style body kit. The car is finished in gray and features 16″ Gemini wheels, lowering springs, a limited-slip differential, an HKS turbo timer, a power-operated sunroof, heated front seats, stowable third-row seating, and air conditioning. It was acquired by the seller in 2017, and subsequent service is said to have included installing a Centerforce Performance clutch assembly and hydraulic throw-out bearing as well as replacing the primary clutch cylinder, fuel pump, and fuel injectors. This modified 740 wagon is now offered with a photocopy of a Connecticut title in Paul Newman’s name, manufacturer’s literature, partial service records, an accident-free Carfax report, and a clean Illinois title in the seller’s name. The exterior is finished in gray and wears an Aero-style body kit which consists of a revised front valance, side skirts, and rear bumper cover. Further exterior details include a power-operated sunroof, fog lights, and tinted glass. The headlights, taillights, turn signals, wipers, and tailgate struts were reportedly replaced under current ownership. Fading and various imperfections in the paint are visible across multiple body panels, and the seller notes that several of the Aero-style body components are distorted. Volvo 16″ Gemini wheels wear BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 A/S tires that were mounted in 2018, according to the seller. A non-matching spare is housed beneath the cargo floor. Suspension modifications are said to include Bilstein struts and shocks as well as IPD lowering springs and sway bars. Stopping power is provided by four-wheel disc brakes. The cabin features front bucket seats and a split-folding rear bench upholstered in black leather accompanied by a color-coordinated dash, door panels, and carpets. An HKS turbo timer is installed in the glovebox, and additional appointments include air conditioning, heated front seats, a stowable third-row seat, and power windows and door locks as well as a Sony CD player linked to an 8-speaker stereo system. The seating surfaces show wear, the headliner is sagging, and cracks are noted on the dashboard. A four-spoke steering wheel frames an inoperative tachometer along with a 140-mph speedometer, a clock, and auxiliary gauges. A VDO gauge indicating boost level is fitted on the driver-side A pillar, and a ScanMaster diagnostic tool is mounted atop the steering column. The six-digit odometer shows 76k miles, approximately 3k of which were added during current ownership. The turbocharged and intercooled 3.8-liter V6 was sourced from a Buick Grand National and installed by HESCO Engineering of Birmingham, Alabama, in 1988, according to the seller. A battery kill switch is installed within the engine bay, while additional modifications are said to include an engine tuning chip, an electric radiator cooling fan, a larger oil cooler, and a custom-fabricated exhaust system. A Spectre air intake and Bosch fuel pump were reportedly installed under current ownership along with a replacement battery, fuel injectors, spark plugs, and ignition wire. The seller notes an oil leak, and various uninstalled engine tuning chips are included in the sale. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Firebird-sourced Borg Warner five-speed manual gearbox that was installed at the same time as the engine. The seller states that a replacement limited-slip differential as well as a Centerforce clutch assembly, a Tilton hydraulic throw-out bearing, and replacement primary clutch cylinder were installed under current ownership. A copy of a Connecticut title in Paul Newman’s name will accompany the car along with manufacturer’s literature and partial service records. The Carfax report shows no accidents or other damage and lists history in Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington, and Illinois. An open manufacturer’s recall related to the auxiliary seat is also noted.