Background
Introduced for 1975, Volvo’s 240 series was the ultimate development of the venerable Swedish
automaker’s 144/164 series and continued in production for nearly 20 years through 1993. A truly
‘evergreen’ automobile line if ever there was one, Volvo’s 240 series featured vault-like solidity, uncompromising build quality, and best-in-class safety ratings. While not exactly fast or quick, the 240 series featured rather sophisticated OHC inline 4-cyliner engines and begat the turbocharged variants that were the scourge of Touring Car and Rally racing. The 240 also sired the V6-powered 260 line including the hand-built 262 Coupe built by Bertone for Volvo.
Offering legendary durability, longevity, and startling value for the money, all Volvo models were
the vehicular choice for many value-seeking members of the 1980s “Yuppie” set, especially the 240. Pop-culture celebrity also came from Dudley Moore’s 1990 movie Crazy People, with the memorable faux ad pitched by his burned-out ad man character, “Yes, they are boxy, but they’re safe!” While designed and built for sheer utilitarian purposes, the 240 line – including the 4-door 244 – remains one of those rare automobiles that defies time and looks and functions every bit as good now as when new, with the considerable benefit of the many aforementioned Volvo virtues.








