The B30 is the first new developed 6 cylinder Volvo after W.W. 2. This engine is basically the 4 cylinder with two additional cylinders. This 6 in line, the B30, was first used in the  Volvo 164. The body of the Volvo 164 is clearly based on the 4 cylinder models. The front, bonnet, frontfenders and grill are totally different from the 144. It gives the 164 his typically nose. Also the wheelbase is longer, to create space for the larger engine.

This is a relatively economic solution based on an existing model and parts. Furthermore, this cosmetic "nose job" enables to mount a clearly distinguished grill. Volvo takes this opportunity and this makes to look Volvo's 164 type extremely elegant and very refined.
 

The "nose job"

The styling of the nose is a continued development of Volvo's P1900 nose, the only 67 times produced Volvo's plastic sportscar from the mid 50's. Around that time Jan Wilsgaard also designed the P179, better known as the  'Margaret Rose'. At the end of the 50's they tried to fit the Nose on to a Amazone, but was never actually produced. Let's face it: the distinguished grill was destinated for the luxury Volvo 164.

(on these 3 b/w pics Volvo's P1900 nose, Volvo's P179 nose and the modelling-work on the Amazone)

During the development of the Volvo 164 the P358's nose was profesionally mounted on to the Volvo 144. The P358, a creation of Jan Wilsgaard was meant to be a VIP limo and a Taxi (in a more simple version) and to succeed the 800 series. However, this was financially not feasible.

The upper pic shows the P538 in VIP version. Then the P358 taxi version. The middle pic shows the rearend of the P358 in VIP version. The P358 would first be available with a 3,6 L V-8 and later on with a 2,7 - 3.0 L 6 in line. However, the decreasing market for such large cars, the Ford Edsel débâcle and the much too high production costs made Volvo's board decide to give the P358 a NO-GO.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The two pics at the bottom show the Volvo 164 prototype and the B30 engine.
The Volvo 164 is introduced in 1968. The new B30 is basically a B20 with two additional cylinders. The engine gives 145 SAE hp (130 Din hp), later on an injection version will raise the power to 175 SAE hp. The 145 hp version version has a double SU carburettor. The gear-box has as option an overdrive. Even an automatic gear-box can be obtained, as well as power steering. De basic steering has a variable transmission, which makes parking easier. Because of the venerable silver grey velvet upholstery the car just radiates luxury all over. Leather upholstery was introduced as a standard feature of the 164 in Autumn 1969. The equipment depends on the exportmarket. Electrially operated sunroof and windows, Airco, readinglamp in the rear seat, headrests, headlamp wipers, tinted glass, Volvo car stereo: everything is possible.