VOLVO 245 (1974-1993)
VOLVO 245 (1974-1993)
In August 1974, Volvo presented a new generation of cars called the 240 and 260 Series.
These new models had been developed from the 140 series and were very similar to their predecessors, and with influences from the VESC safety concept car. The changes included a new protruding front, large bumpers and a further-developed chassis, featuring McPherson front-wheel suspension. At the same time, a new 4-cylinder engine series with single overhead camshaft was introduced. The previous B20 4-cylinder was still offered in basic versions for some time.
Like the Volvo 244, the 245 could also be specified for a short period with a V6 engine. The market's first 6-cylinder diesel in a passenger car made its appearance in the autumn of 1978 - in the Volvo 240. This was a successful alternative on certain markets where diesel cars played an important role.
The new Volvo car family had been developed with rigorous safety requirements. They were, in fact, so rigorous that the car was used as the standard car for safety developments by the authorities in the USA.
However, the Volvo 245 also set the standard when it came to performance. When the turbocharged version of the 245 was presented in 1981, it was the world's fastest estate car.
On two occasions, the car was given a facelift, for the 1981 and 1986 model years. Towards the end of its life, the 245 experienced something of a renaissance. A version called the Polar became a cult car in Italy.
For model year 1983, the emblem at the rear of all 240 models was changed. No longer did it say 242, 244 or 245. The badge just said 240, as part of a new designation strategy. In reality, however, most people continued to refer to their cars as a 244 or 245. Nevertheless, this change did not mean any large-scale modification to the cars.
MODEL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 245
Produced: 959,151
Body: 5-door estate
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line OHV, 4-cylinder, in-line SOHC, 4-cylinder, in-line SOHC with turbocharging. V6 SOHC and 5- or 6-cylinder, in-line SOHC diesel engines (VW).
Transmission: 4-speed manual, 4-speed manual with electrical overdrive, 5-speed manual or 3-speed or 4-speed automatic.
Brakes: Hydraulic, disc brakes on all four wheels.
Dimensions: Overall length 490 cm, wheelbase 264 cm.