By Antti Kautonen
What a wagon. Walking to my car in the underground carpark I noticed this Volvo converted for efficient hauling of people underground; it’s quite a bit older than the 900-series Begravningsbil I featured last spring.
This 1979 car is surprisingly a silver one, and the paint is in very good condition. I’d expect a hearse to be black or dark blue, usually. The colours Volvo offered for the hearse were grey, black, white and the silver metallic depicted here. All in all, it’s not a conversion work by a contractor, but a separate model offered by Volvo Special Vehicles.
The cold transport section of the Volvo is finished in a light hue. It’s probably spotless.
The wire wheel lookalike wheel trims are an amusing touch.
The engine in this hauler is the 2.1-litre B21 four. It produces 100-ish horsepower, and was the default choice for hearses. It was offered either with the 4-spd manual, or 3-spd auto.
It appears the hearse uses the front doors from a 242, as they needn’t be as short as the doors on a regular 245. According to the hearse brochure I found, the car is 700mm longer than a regular wagon, and 110mm taller. Overall weight is 1950kg, and the turning circle an “extremely tight” 12,4 metres.
[Images: Copyright 2013 Hooniverse/Antti Kautonen]
Jeff Glucker 
Kamil Kaluski
That's an amazing find, thanks for sharing it! I never knew that model existed, and if I had, would have believed it to be the product of a custom builder and not Volvo themselves.
WOW..This is a very special car indeed. I grew up in a 1980 245 DL, and I think I would like to go away in one.
The only difficult decision – this, or a 145 Express?
<img src="http://www.lilltroll.com/Veteranlastbilar/Nr%2033/images/DSCF0246_redigerad-1.jpg">
I'd say both without blinking. The 145 Express – especially with wood sliders – is a cool, practical and very much usable car. The hearse would definitely raise more eyebrows. I've always dreamed of turning a hearse into a simple camper, but my lady-in-charge would probably make me life in that. Forever.
I am pretty darn sure those wire wheel covers are from an '80s T-Bird or Cougar, which is odd given where this car is located.
<img src="http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2010/01/17/20/51/1983_mercury_cougar-pic-6945038155711746652.jpeg" width=600>
I'm ashamed to admit that I know those wheel covers used to be available at Pep Boys. My … er … friend's car had them.
http://www.nettiauto.com/en/volvo/245/5421711 He's selling the car now. And you're correct.
" Pinnakapselit 80's Yankee Ford."
Thanks, Google Translate! I now know how to say "wheel cover" in Finnish!
"Wire wheel covers", no less!
I'd say that's the best excuse for needing accommodated parking I've witnessed yet!
-HEY BUDDY! YOU 'LOUD TO PARK THERE? Oh, OOOOH! Sorry about the Rigor mortis.
I wouldn't be seen dead in one of those.
sorry
I would…except that with the bikes I'm expecting a closed casket.
The corners of the casket window should be sharper to match the original door like the 145 photo posted above by FuzzyPlushroom. I would love to have one to go with my '91 245 but the contrasting style of the 2 side windows makes my eyes cross.
Oh, the hubcaps–THE HUBCAPS!
Agreed, but you don't think they're factory? I'm not sure you can call it a hearse without faux wire wheels.
The perfect car for someone whose Mother In Law is a backseat driver.
It's a shame Car Talk is calling it quits. Who else will give us with an endless suppy of mother-in-law jokes?
I've been dying to ride in one of those.
Hello! This is my hearse. I bought those hubcaps this car because I think they look great on it. Engine is 2.1 liter and transmission is automatic. Car is quite good condition, better than me. I have handicap card in windshield, that's the reason why car is in that spot. Have nobody notice those black humour stickers in side windows? Propably stickers messages wont open everybody. Sorry about my bad english.