VOLVO 240

From the late 1960s Volvo had been working on an experimental safety car (VESC), developing features such as airbags, anti lock brakes and telescopic bumpers. Now it was time to introduce these features to the public. Volvo took the old 144 and stuck a new nose on it. They fitted a new range of overhead cam engines, improved the front suspension with MacPherson struts and grafted on the safety features from the VESC. Offered as a two door, four door and five door estate, the 240 was the archetype safe ‘brick’ with which Volvo became synonymous. It was used as the benchmark for safety standards in the United States was renowned for its built quality and handling.

A diesel unit was added in 1979 and then, in the 1980s, came greater performance. First came the 240 GLT producing 140bhp, and then the 240 Turbo producing 155bhp. For those wanting power and space, 1983 saw the introduction of the Turbo Wagon, offering the performance and handling of the Turbo in an estate car. Volvo kept the changes to a minimum from then on, but commemorated the end of the run in 1993 by producing around 2000 special edition 240 Classics, with some nice trim touches and an edition number. By the time the 240 line came to a halt, it had produced close to three million cars.