Volvo 164E

ENGINE 2978cc/6-cyl/OHV POWER 138bhp@5800rpm TORQUE 154lb ft@2500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 115mph 0-60MPH 12.0 sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 15-25mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed auto MOT Apr 2020 ODOMETER 96,800 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

We found the fuel-injected straight-six a little reluctant to start from cold, but after a few seconds on the starter and a bit of coaxing with the throttle pedal, the engine fired and it ran perfectly. The engine pulls well for what is such a heavy car, and we found the gearbox to work reasonably smoothly too, with the kickdown operating perfectly, though the threespeed Borg-Warner automatic does sap away much of the car’s acceleration. We couldn’t hear or feel anything untoward from the suspension however, while the brakes worked fine as well, as did the power steering.

BODYWORK CHECK

Most of the glass on this Volvo has significant scratching, which does give a slight scruffiness to the appearance. Many of the window seals look in the need of replacement too. There’s a bit of paint flaking away at the base of the passenger side D-pillar while there are more scratches on both the front wings and much of the chrome work, which also exhibits considerable pitting. From its appearance, we’d suggest this car’s paintwork is original therefore, but crucially we couldn’t find any rust, and the car is perfectly useable as a ‘patinated’ runner as it is. The car is shod in Nokian tyres with good tread left, but they are seven years old. It’s also worth noting that the car’s being issued with age-related UK plates, to replace the current Swedish ones.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The car’s interior is original and fundamentally good, but has some scruffy areas. The seats are useable, but the leather looks desperate for some feed and there are a few deep cuts and tears. This car has the facelifted plastic dash, which has stood up to time well, while the door cards are similar to the seats: good, but with a few marks and tears. The headlining is marked in multiple places, just starting to come away on one of the D-pillars, and is the item most at need of replacement.

UNDER THE BONNET

The big B30 straight-six hardly looks fresh as it features plenty of surface corrosion, though the rocker cover has recently been repainted, suggesting the gasket here has been replaced too. The bodywork inside the engine bay looks rust-free if somewhat dirty, while the bonnet seal is in need of replacement. The optional Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection system fitted to this car works well, other than the slight starting issue we had.

THE CCW VIEW

This 164E is a bit of survivor, seemingly having dodged corrosion for all these years despite being on its original paintwork. It’s a bit patinated, but while it would be a good base for restoration, it would be very tempting to keep this car as it is, soldiering on like the hewn-from-granite bruiser it is – cuts, scratches, warts and all.

EXTERIOR Rust-free original paintwork INTERIOR Dash in good condition Seats patinated, with creasing and minor tears MECHANICALS Engine pulls well Rides fine