FROM SWEDEN WITH LOAD-LUGGING LOVE

The uncompromising 240 squares up to any task – and we reckon that it’s Volvo’s finest hour

Volvo arrived in the UK during the 1950s, but it was the 240 that cemented its reputation here – so much so that it’s become the definitive expression of the marque. Actually, ‘cemented’ is probably the wrong word here, because cement ages, becomes fragile and crumbles – Volvo 240s generally don’t.

They were built without compromise in safety, practicality and solidity – and if that meant that styling played second fiddle, then so be it. A Volvo 200 Series isn’t exciting – such a thing was left to Saab. Even when there was an attempt at a little raciness, as with the 262C coupé, the result still looked like a tank. Which, effectively, the 200 was.

Beloved of the British middle classes, it was the estates that truly won over the UK. They had all the virtues of the saloons – bulletproof engines, well-appointed, spacious passenger accommodation, an inherent sense of safeness and the sort of rust resistance that British Leyland and Vauxhall vehicles could only dream of – but the cargo capacity was enormous. A 240 estate could squeeze in the sort of loads with its rear seats still up that many other estates could only manage with them folded down. They simply took all that was thrown at them – and excelled.

The last 240 was built in 1993, having seen off the 700-series meant to supersede it. And you still commonly see them in everyday use today. That’s testament to a true practical classic.

The 240’s antifashion blocky looks have turned it into a cult classic. VOLVO 240 GL EnginE 2127cc/4-cyl/OHC POWER 107bhp@5000rpm TORQUE 125lb ft@2500rpm MAXiMUM SPEED 102mph 0-60MPh 13sec FUEL COnSUMPTiOn 23-34mpg gEARBOX RWD, four-speed manual + o/d/fivespeed manual/three- or four-speed auto EnginE OiL Castrol GTX 10w/40 3.8 litres gEARBOX OiL Castrol Classic TQF 0.8 litres AXLE OiL Castrol Classic EP90 1.3 litres

interiors are spacious and well-equipped, without being too lavish.

alloy wheels were an option on the higher-spec Volvos, but most examples were happy to wear steelies.

The four-cylinder engines may be hefty, but there’s plenty of space to work on them when put into a 240 engine bay.

Few other cars can match a Volvo 240 estate for ultimate carrying capacity, even today.