If you’ve spent any amount of time browsing the internet for cars, you’ve probably run into some of those crazy Scandinavian cars that take, say, a classic early Saab 99, drop in a later turbo engine, mate it to a quattro system from an Audi 100, and tweak it to make over 700hp. Well, we North Americans might not have as many creative builds that are famous on the internet, but they do crop up every so often. For an example of US ingenuity, take a look at this 1957 Volvo P210 Duett for sale for $3500 in Spokane, WA.
This car was featured here back in 2012, at which point it was offered for $7500 near Spokane in Coeur d’Alene, ID. The seller chimed in on the discussion, and points out the car’s strengths and weaknesses. Even then, it needed remedial work on the body, but it was said to still run and drive well. It’s a P210 body that’s been dropped over an Eagle Talon platform, complete with all wheel drive and all the modern power accessories.
Looks like it will also need a rear bumper corner. The car actually looks pretty well thought-out, unlike many of these projects which succeed in becoming mobile, but have lots of unresolved details. Said to have functioning heat, the air conditioning will need work, as will the clutch. The long nose is rather peculiar, but try doing any better when you mate a Japanese sport coupe with a Volvo wagon that’s 40 years its senior.
The interior really shows where the seller attended to detail. You may have your own opinions about what proportion of vintage to modern aesthetics you would want, but you have to admit it’s admirably done, with door panels, carpeting, seats, gauges, and more all carried over from the donor car. On the feature a few years back, the seller the car was all over the country for various events, and he’d piled on nearly 100,000 miles. While it’s not visible here, the front seats of the car are protected by a roll cage.
The engine compartment is actually pretty unremarkable, looking much like what you’d expect under the hood of an Eagle Talon. The car does look a bit like it’s been sitting, and will need some detailing at the very least, but the seller suggests you could just start driving it without fixing the body. Would you give this super-stealthy grey wagon a second lease on life?
Tags: dsm, duett, eagle, eclipse, Feature, japanese, p210, swedish, talon, volvo, wagon
Rusty But Trusty 
December 10, 2015 at 3:34 pm |
I remember this! Liked it then and like it even more now as I think its offered for way less than before. The build looks well executed and the price seems very fair. I wouldnt change much, if anything at all other than getting the AC working again. I worked with a guy who had a Talon and it was a good performing car. The AWD system is a plus in my book. I would imagine with a few tweaks this would be an absolute blast to drive. Having the modern touches like A/C and decent heat would make this a great DD
December 13, 2015 at 9:19 pm |
Wow! That is awesome, and cheap!
You probably couldn’t find the two donors for that price1