242 California Special - wait what?

[matthew1]

From Facebook:

Doug Morrell

IPD - The Volvo Specialists Group

I’m going to start #throwbackthursday off a bit early.
Back in 2011, our local Volvo club (Gateway Chapter VCOA - St. Louis) held a small car show. One of the entries was a 1978 242 featuring a trim level I’ve never seen before or since, called “California Edition”. The car was owned since new by a retired college professor. I was intrigued by this car.

A couple years later, I got the green light from the editor of “Rolling” to do a story on the car. I contacted the owner and arranged to meet her for an interview and photos. One day before the scheduled meeting, she canceled due to a cold snap that hit us which prevented her from going outside. I was never able to reconnect to get back on her schedule.
In 2019, someone spotted the car at the local Pick ‘n Pull where it was being sold as-is in its entirety. The interior still looked good but the body had significant rust. The junk yard must have known it was unique as they were asking $5,000 for the car, I think. After a little research we found she had passed away and the estate donated the car. I was already up to my eyeballs with my ES, so I couldn’t rescue this one. I don’t know where it went after that.

Has anyone seen a California Edition or know how many units were produced?

EDIT: “California Special” was the trim name.

[BlackBart]

whoa.... Can the factory verify that was a real package and not a custom upholstery job?

SO stock outside....

[volvolugnut]

I think the headlight surrounds and grill are special with body color.
volvolugnut