Classic cars with history: Volvo 240

For Volvo, the 240 was a true icon thanks to its success since its launch in 1974. On August 21 of that same year, the Swedish brand presented it to the media, which it transported from the headquarters in Torslanda to Borlänge.

The journalists attending the event had the opportunity to test the model 244 GL that Volvo had in the city of Borlänge for the presentation. They were painted in an orange color, very typical of the era, and the interior was in a shade similar to the bodywork.

The Volvo 240, inspired by the 140 series, was an evolution of that model with numerous changes introduced. The front was based on the VESC safety car, presented two years earlier, from which it inherited prominent bumpers that made it 13 cm longer than the 140 series. It also included very distinctive lattice headrests that became a hallmark of the 240.

In addition, the front end had a new design and featured a MacPherson-type suspension along with a new rack-and-pinion steering. The different models were distinguished by the digits in their nomenclature. The second referred to the number of engine cylinders and the third to the number of body doors.

Under the hood sat the B21 engine in two variants. One was the carburetted version producing 97 CV, and the other featured fuel injection producing 123 CV.

Later, in October 1974, the Volvo 260 arrived, the most exclusive series, which had two versions, GL and DL. The Volvo 264 mounted a 2.7-litre V6 engine producing 140 CV called the B27. It was the result of a collaboration between Volvo, Peugeot and Renault. This powerplant was manufactured in Douvrin, in northern France.

During its production period, the Volvo 240 had a varied range of engine options available. In the 1979 model, a six-cylinder variant developed in collaboration with Volkswagen arrived. In some markets a five-cylinder diesel engine was available, and in 1981 the Volvo 244 turbo with 155 CV was launched. Somewhat later came the Volvo 245 turbo, which was in high demand on the used market, in station wagon or estate bodywork.

Regarding body variants, the Volvo 240 had countless versions. It was built in two-, four- and five-door forms, although there was also a coupé version, the Volvo 262C, built by the Italian firm Bertone of which 6,622 units were manufactured between 1977 and 1981. The 264TE and 245T had a bodywork 70 centimetres longer. The first was a luxury limousine edition (Top Executive) and the second was used, among many other purposes, for school transport in rural areas.

The Volvo 240 turbo also took part in competitions, where it achieved success. The most important was the European Touring Car Championship title won by Thomas Lindström and Gianfranco Brancatelli in 1985.

In 1976 the first cars including catalytic converters and lambda sensors arrived. This meant that 90% of the harmful gases coming from the exhaust pipe were eliminated in the catalytic converter. Thanks to these advances the Volvo 240 won the American National Environmental Industry Award in 1977, and in 1978 it was named the cleanest car in the USA by the California Air Resources Board.

In terms of passive safety and mechanical reliability, the designers of Volvo could never have imagined that this model would eventually make the brand famous, being recognised with important awards in both Europe and the United States. It was produced for more years than originally planned. It was so successful that the Volvo 240 was also manufactured in Kalmar (Sweden) and in the Belgian city of Ghent.

On 5 May 1993 the last car rolled off the assembly line at the Torslanda plant in Gothenburg. Pehr G. Gyllenhamma, CEO of Volvo, was in charge of handing over the keys to this last unit.

From its launch in 1974 until the end of its production in 1993, 2,862,573 units were built, making it the most produced Volvo in the brand’s history. Of the total, 2,685,171 units belonged to the 240 series and 177,402 units were of the 260 series, the most exclusive.

The Volvo 240 has become a collector’s car, with the turbo being the most sought-after by collectors. Prices paid for the most common models are rising. In addition, Volvo guarantees the availability of a large number of spare parts.

Source | Volvo