THE KNOWLEDGE
TIMELINE
1974 244 saloon/245 estate launched: DL 97bhp, GL/E (optional overdrive) 123bhp
1975 264/265 added, 145bhp V6
1976 Bertone-built 264 TE seven-seat limo
1977 262 C coupé added (6622 built to ’81)
1978 Square headlamps; GLE added
1980 GLT: 2316cc, 136bhp; 264/5: 2.8 V6
1982 264 replaced by 760 series; 240 DL/GL 2.1 and GLE/GLT 2.3
1984 5-speed manual option; 4-speed auto option for GL; 2.0 replaces 2.1
1986 260 2.8-litre dropped in the UK
1990 GLT dropped in the UK
1991 240 saloon dropped UK; 2/2.3 SE only
1993 Run-out Torslanda; production ends
FACTFILE
Sold/number built 1974-’93/2,442,395 240s; 169,127 260s Construction steel monocoque Engine iron-block, alloy-head, overhead-cam 1986/2127/2316cc ‘four,’ with Stromberg 175CD carburettor or Bosch K-jetronic injection; or all-alloy, ohc 2664/2849cc V6 with Bosch K-jetronic
Max power 97bhp @ 5000rpm to 146bhp @ 5700rpm Max torque 125lb ft @ 2500rpm to 161lb ft @ 3000rpm Transmission four/ five-speed manual, overdrive option on GL/E, or three/four-speed auto, RWD
Suspension: front independent, by Macpherson struts, anti-roll bar rear live axle, four trailing links, Panhard rod, coil springs, telescopic dampers; anti-roll bar from 1980 Steering rack and pinion
Brakes dual-circuit discs, vented fronts from 1984, with servo Length 15ft 9in-16ft 1in (4800-4900mm) Width 5ft 7in (1710mm)
Height 4ft 81/2 -91/2 in (1435-1460mm)
Wheelbase 8ft 8in (2642mm)
Weight 2816-3210lb (1280-1456kg)
0-60mph 13.1-9.4 secs
Top speed 95-113mph Mpg 18-26
Price new £6656-10,989 (244 DL 2.1265 GLE 2.8 estate auto, 1981)
CLUBS
Volvo Owners’ Club volvoclub.org.uk Volvo Enthusiasts’ Club volvoenthusiastsclub.co.uk Volvo 240 Owners UK facebook.com/ groups/825973497446750
SPECIALISTS
Skandix skandix.de Brookhouse Volvo Parts classicvolvoparts.co.uk Scandcar Classic Volvo Parts classic-volvo.com
Voltech voltechautomotive.co.uk
Classic Swede www.classicswede.co.uk
Formula Cars formulacars.co.uk
Pfsparts partsforvolvosonline.com
WHATTOPAY
Show/rebuilt Average Restoration
240/260/GLT/262 C £8500/9k/12k/18k £2500/3k/5k/10k £500/600/1k/3500