VOLVO 244 (1974-1993)
VOLVO 244 (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.
For a short period, the Volvo 244 could also be specified with a V6 engine. A popular alternative on some markets made its appearance in 1979 - the market's first 6-cylinder diesel in a passenger car (a 5-cylinder diesel engine was offered for some markets).
The new 240/260 family had been developed with rigorous safety requirements in mind. They were, in fact, so rigorous that the car was used as the standard car for safety developments by the authorities in the USA.
Volvo's 240 model almost became a classic in its own lifetime as it was produced for nearly 20 years. On two occasions, the car was given a major facelift, for the 1981 and 1986 model years. In all, more than 2.8 million cars in the 240/260 series were built.
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: 244
Produced: 1,483,399
Body: 4-door saloon
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 OHC diesel engines.
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.