The 240 series, along with 260 series was introduced in 1974 with six different models. Compared to the 140/160 series, the 240 series had a fresh front end. The 1974 240 was fitted with a new B21 overhead cam engine. Many of its features were inspired from the Volvo experimental safety car (VESC) that was built in 1972. The VESC was a test bed for innovative safety features such as anti-lock brakes (ABS), airbag, and telescopic bumper just to name a few. The 240 was a vanguard in safety design that in 1967, the US traffic safety administration (NHTSA) acquired a number of 240 and use them to set the safety standard for cars in the US market.

1977 was a special year for Volvo because it was their 50th anniversary. To celebrate this special occasion, Volvo introduced a special addition 240 that had a silver paint scheme, with black and gold trims.

The performance 240s were introduced in the 1980s. The first one to come out was 240 GLT. It had a 140 horsepower, four-cylinder engine. The second one, called 240 Turbo, greeted the public with Volvo's first turbocharged engine. The powerplant, B21ET, produced 155 horsepower. For those who wanted the performance of turbo sedan but the room of wagon, their dilemma was resolved by the introduction of the 240 Turbo Wagon in 1983. Even though it was a wagon, the turbo wagon had the performance and finesse of the turbo sedan.

Things for the 240 series between 1983 to 1993 were slow. There were neither any model introduction nor major modifications between that time period. However, minor improvements to the engine and body were continuous since its introduction back in 1974.

After nearly 20 years in production, the dark day finally came. The production of 240 was ceased in 1993 with the last car, a wagon, rolling out of the assembly line. To commemorate the end of 240 production, Volvo presented a special edition 240 called 240 Classic. It had color keyed grill and mirror, alloy wheels, leather seats and a number indicating which special edition it was. I believe 2000 of the Classics were built and distributed around the globe. Although I cannot confirm this, the last car was placed in the Volvo museum in Sweden. A total of 2.8 million 240 was built and I am glad I had a piece of Volvo history in my garage.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of Volvo, go to their home page at http://www.volvo.se.

Source: http://www.car.volvo.se/businessinfo/history/

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