Volvo's 'Flying Brick'

Despite its boxy appearance and non-sporting image, the Volvo 240 competed successfully in touring car racing in the 1980s. In 1983 Volvo produced 505 'homologation specials' equipped with a larger turbocharger and other performance modifications. Almost all of these cars were exported to the US where they would be stripped of their Group A modifications and sold as standard road models (Group A rules stipulated the minimum number produced, not sold). In Group A specification, the 240 Turbo weighed 1,065kg and its blown 2.1-litre engine produced approximately 350bhp.

Its unpromising appearance notwithstanding, the 240 Turbo would prove to be a successful competitor, winning the Zolder round of the European Touring Car Championship in 1984. A large car lacking the agility of some of its rivals, the brick-like 240 Turbo was fast in a straight line and capable of hitting around 160mph on faster circuits such as Monza, Hockenheim, and Bathurst. It was also very reliable.

The car featured here, the 4th car built, was purchased in the US as a restoration project by its current owner, who has had it professionally restored and prepared to exact Group A specifications with no expense spared. The car is effectively 'new' and built in 2021 to the FIA homologation for this model, and it is obvious that a great deal of effort went into getting the details right.

Inside there is only the essential rev-counter and turbo boost-gauge. The gear leaver is in the ideal position for easy shifting, as are the pedals. The fully prepared engine produces 335bhp, making the car very fast. For car 004 the 'Kamachi Yasaki-City' livery with BBS-wheels was chosen by the current owner, in this livery Johnny Cecotto won the 1986 Macau Guia race.

This ‘brand new’ 1982 Volvo 240 Turbo Group A 'Johnny Cecotto' Replica is available at Bonhams upcoming Les Grandes Marques du Monde a Paris sale on the 3rd February 2022 in Paris. Photos © Bonhams