The Volvo 240 and 260 series are a range of executive cars produced by Swedish manufacturer Volvo from 1974 to 1993. The 242 was introduced in 1981, but was phased out during the same year.
Design and Features
The 240 series was based on the larger 140/164 models but had a more sloping grille and slightly smaller dimensions. They featured a boxy, angular design with a characteristic 'brick' shape, which became synonymous with Volvo's styling at that time. The cars were available in two- or four-door sedan (saloon) form.
Engine Options
The 240 series was powered by inline-four engines ranging from 1.8 to 2.3 liters and delivering up to 127 horsepower. These engines, made of cast iron with aluminum cylinder heads, featured a camshaft driven directly by the crankshaft's timing gear for simplicity. In Europe, there were fewer engine options compared to North America.
Transmission and Chassis
The 240 series used a four-speed manual transmission and a three-speed automatic as standard. A five-speed manual was optional on some models. The car had an independent front suspension with coil springs and a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, which provided adequate comfort for its size.
Safety Features
Volvo's focus on safety is legendary, and the 240 series exemplified this commitment. These cars featured a robust bodyshell, with crumple zones to absorb impact energy in frontal collisions, along with an integrated headrests and a lap/sash seatbelt system. Side impacts were also considered due to Volvo's understanding that even minor accidents could cause severe injuries.
Performance
The 240 series was designed for comfort rather than outright performance. The engine options provided adequate power but not exceptional performance by the standards of the time. However, they were capable cars with a comfortable ride and reasonable performance given their intended use as family cars or company vehicles.
Success and Discontinuation
The Volvo 240/260 series enjoyed significant commercial success for over two decades, known for their reliability, durability, and safety features. As emissions regulations tightened and consumer tastes shifted towards more modern designs, the series was phased out in favor of the S40/V50 range. The last models were produced in 1993.
The Volvo 240/260 left a lasting legacy in the automotive world not just for their role as family cars but also for embodying many aspects that Volvo has come to represent: safety, simplicity, and practicality.
