Boxy Beauty Gone Missing: Beloved 1975 Volvo 242 Disappears From San Francisco Streets, AGAIN!

San Francisco, CA – A beloved classic and veteran of the California Rally scene, a 1975 Volvo 242, has vanished from the streets of San Francisco. This isn’t your average grocery-getter Volvo; this brick of Swedish engineering has a rich history of battling it out on rally courses throughout the state.

For those unfamiliar with the Volvo 242, these boxy beauties carved a niche in the automotive world thanks to their near-unbreakable reputation for durability and safety. Produced from 1974 to 1987, the 242 found a home not only in families but also in the hearts of rally enthusiasts. Their rear-wheel-drive layout and predictable handling made them ideal platforms for sideways action and tire-shredding shenanigans.

This particular 1975 model, sporting a faded red paint job and alloy rims, was last seen parked on the 3200 block of Folsom Street between 5 pm and 8 pm on Thursday, May 16th, 2024. But what truly sets this 242 apart is its rally pedigree. The car is a seasoned competitor, having tackled legendary California rallies like the California Melee, Motherlode 400, and the Snowball Rally. If you’ve ever spectated at these events, you might recognize this red blur with the tell-tale “#40” sticker proudly displayed on its doors.

This disappearance adds another chapter to this feisty Volvo’s story. Believe it or not, this isn’t the first time it’s gone missing on San Francisco streets. Back in November of 2021, the car was stolen, only to be recovered a few days later within the city limits. Whether this is the work of the same culprit or a new admirer of the car’s rally heritage remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure, this Volvo has a knack for finding trouble, but also a way of returning home

Once again the owner has filed a stolen vehicle report with the SFPD. If you have any information on the whereabouts of this missing rally warrior, you’re urged to contact Hinch Investigations at 408-461-7714 or on Telegram at @GTAInvestigator. Let’s help bring this iconic Volvo back home where it belongs, sideways on a dusty rally stage.