Volvo 242 Turbo Group A Homologation
The Volvo 242 Turbo holds a unique position in automotive history as the car that established Volvo as a legitimate force in motorsport. Produced from 1981 to 1984, this turbocharged two-door variant of the 200 series was developed primarily to satisfy Group A homologation requirements for the European Touring Car Championship, where it would go on to achieve remarkable success.
The 242 Turbo was powered by the B21ET engine, a 2.1-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder that produced 155 horsepower in road-going trim. While this figure seems modest by modern standards, the turbo's generous torque output and the 242's relatively light weight for a Volvo created a genuinely quick car. The turbo four was paired with Volvo's M46 four-speed manual gearbox with electrically engaged overdrive, giving effectively five forward ratios.
What made the 242 Turbo special was its racing potential. In Group A specification, the turbocharged engine could be tuned to produce well over 300 horsepower, and the robust two-door body shell proved exceptionally strong and rigid. Volvo's factory-backed racing team, supported by Tom Walkinshaw Racing, campaigned the 242 Turbo to multiple European Touring Car Championship victories, with the car becoming a genuine giant-killer against lighter and ostensibly more sporting rivals from BMW and Rover.
The road car itself was a surprisingly capable machine. The two-door body was appreciably stiffer than the four-door 244, and the turbo engine provided strong acceleration once the boost built. The handling, while never sporty in the traditional sense, was predictable and confidence-inspiring, with the rear-wheel-drive layout allowing experienced drivers to adjust the car's attitude on the throttle.
Visually, the 242 Turbo was distinguished by its two-door silhouette, which gave the already angular 200 series an even more purposeful appearance. A front air dam, rear spoiler, and alloy wheels were standard equipment, along with subtle Turbo badging. Inside, sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel hinted at the car's performance credentials.
The 242 Turbo's legacy extends far beyond its production numbers. It proved that Volvo could build exciting performance cars and compete successfully at the highest levels of touring car racing. This heritage would continue through the 240 Turbo racing program and eventually lead to the iconic 850 Estate BTCC racing car, cementing Volvo's reputation as a maker of fast, safe cars that could also win races.
The B21ET turbo engine is robust but the turbo system requires regular maintenance. Check for boost leaks and turbo bearing wear. The M46 gearbox with overdrive is strong but the overdrive unit can fail electrically. Two-door body panels are becoming scarce. Look for rust in the same areas as all 200 series: front subframe, inner wings, jack points, and boot floor. Genuine Group A parts add significant value.
The 242 Turbo was offered only as a two-door coupe to satisfy Group A homologation requirements. Road cars used the B21ET engine, while race cars used heavily modified versions producing over 300hp. Production was limited to the Torslanda plant. The model was discontinued when the 240 range was updated and the two-door body style was phased out.