VOLVO 240 GREENBOOKS SERIES

The overhead-cam engine was a solid performer, though the three-speed automatic gearbox took the edge off it. Later cars perform better and have improved rustproofing, but that doesn’t mean the earlier models were poor in either respect. Volvos were far better protected against corrosion than most rivals, but they also tended to lead a harder life so rust is still the biggest consideration.Įarly models are now rare because they had less rot protection, which was progressively improved.Ī long production life means parts often get swapped around in old age, so check what you’re buying is what it claims. The V6 saloons and estates are scarce but the GL/E injected ‘fours’ are almost as quick, and more bombproof. The oddball two-door Bertone 262 C is the highest-valued of the set, but of the main UK range the GLT – both in saloon and estate forms – is most sought-after. Quality and equipment levels were always high: a heated driver’s seat was standard even on the UK-market DL by 1980, and road testers often commented on how much more was standard on the Volvo than its rivals. The cars were sold worldwide, with some markets getting models never seen in the UK including the 242 two-door saloon, 242 GT, 244 Turbo and five/six-cylinder diesels. Volvo was one of the first to fit 999,999-mile/km odometers, and to add variable lumbar support in the very comfortable, highly adjustable seats.įrom the start, some areas were galvanised and from 1988 this included the doors, bonnet and bootlid. More sporting models were offered later, especially the 244/240 GLT and the 2.8 V6, with improved transmissions.Įstates came with a heated rear ’screen with wash/wipe and the option of another row of (rear-facing) seats to make a seven-seater.It never did get a split/folding rear bench, despite continuing to 1993. The new PRV ‘Douvrin’ V6 was also an option, though it was rarely specified and rather sluggish with auto transmission.

VOLVO 240 GREENBOOKS SERIES

Building on the success of the boxy 140 saloons and 145 estates, the 240 series ran from the mid-’70s to the start of the ’90s, selling on space, strength, safety and reliability.Ī belt-driven (non-interference) overhead camshaft and crossflow aluminium head on a new slanted block gave a much-needed performance boost over the old pushrod engines rack-and-pinion steering and MacPherson struts brought the running gear up to date and a facelift integrated the 5mph US impact bumpers more comfortably than on most.īosch K-Jetronic injection gave the GL saloon and 245E estate a useful 123bhp.

Volvo 240 greenbooks