  We report the discovery of the highly peculiar, radio-loud quasar VPMS
J1342+2840 (z ~ 1.3) from the variability and proper motion survey. We present
spectroscopic, imaging and photometric observations. The unusual spectrum shows
a strong depression of the continuum over a wide wavelength range in the blue
part without the typical structures of broad absorption line (BAL) troughs. The
image of the quasar is unresolved and there is no evidence for a foreground
object on the line of sight. The broad-band spectral energy distribution is not
consistent with obvious dust reddening with the standard SMC extinction curve.
The downturn of the continuum flux of VPMS J1342+2840 at short wavelengths can
be caused by dust reddening only if the reddening curve is steeper then the SMC
curve in the ultraviolet and is very flat at longer wavelengths. Alternatively,
the dominant spectral features can be explained by low-ionization BALs forming
unusually wide, overlapping absorption troughs.
