Damn straight the 245 is better looking, here's what I get around town in. I've replaced the hood with a nice shiny one since that pic was taken.



The Bertone is pretty kitsch isn't it? The first time I ever saw a Bertone on the street I assumed that someone with extremely poor taste had chopped the roofline and fitted a fabric top, I couldn't believe it was actually factory. It really is Volvo's worst styling mistake, even worse than the back end of the 740 sedan (was it supposed to look like a Cadilac Seville)

If it is ever going to look good, The clothtop would have to go, as would the beaked hood. I think a Flathood Bertone, minus the metalic paint, just might be salvagable. It would then look like a 242 with a lowered roofline

But I wouldn't want it to be tasteful, I'd switch to the American quad light setup, fit 100 spoke wire rims, and redo all the trim in gold. Budget permitting I'd consider switching to adjustable airshocks (dash controlled of course). I'd probably paint it purple as well, although the current gold paintwork looks suitable.

Maybe a naked girl for a hood ornament?
--
Drive it like you hate it