We service and supply parts for the following classic Volvo models.
The PV445 was the chassis version of the PV444, which due to its unitary construction could not be supplied in bare-chassis form. Its mechanical design and frontal appearance, however, were identical to the PV444 except for an additional bar in the grille.
From 1949 to 1953, the PV445 formed the base for small lorries, vans, estate cars and a few beautiful drophead-coupé convertible) cars. None of these were built by Volvo, but by independent coachwork firms.
In 1953, the famous Duett (variant DH) was introduced, based on the PV445. This became legendary, and is the ancestor of today’s exclusive, comfortable, safe and powerful Volvo estate cars.
Model: PV 445 / PV 445 Duett
Variants: PV 445 A, chassis PV 445 B, chassis PV 445 Van: DS, GS, LS, P-44505 – 1957, P-4405 M PV 445 Estate: DH, GL, LL, P-44506 – 1957, P-44506 M PV 445 Passenger estate: PH, GP, LP, P-44507 – 1957, P-44507 M
Produced: 1949 – 1960
Volume: 29409
Body: Estate and delivery van
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves; 1,414 cc; 75×80 mm; 40 85 bhp or 1,583 cc; 79.37×80 mm; 60 bhp at 4,500 rpm.
Transmission: 3-speed manual with floor-mounted gear lever.
Brakes: Hydraulic drums on all wheels.
Dimensions: Wheelbase 2,600 mm.
In August 1958, the Volvo PV544, a more modern version of the PV444, was introduced. The changes were the most extensive since the PV444 had been presented in 1944.The body was given a larger, convex windscreen together with a larger rear window to improve visibility. The interior featured a new dashboard with a padded upper half to improve interior safety. The speedometer was the “thermometer” type; a red strip showed the speed. The rear seat was remodelled to improve the level of comfort and provide space for an additional person compared to its predecessor, the PV444.
In technical terms, this model was also updated. The Volvo PV444 was (apart from in North America) only available with one engine alternative. With the arrival of the PV544, a second version was added. A 4-speed manual gearbox was also made available for the first time.
Under the skin, the PV544 was continuously updated. The major change took place in 1961, when the famous ‘B18’ engine was installed under the bonnet, at the same time as the electrical system received 12V current.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: PV 544
Variants: Special I, II and Sport (mainly called) PV 544 A PV 544 B PV 544 C PV 544 D PV 544 E PV 544 F PV 544 G
Produced: 1958 – 1965
Volume: 243990
Body: 2-door saloon
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves, 1,583 cc, 79.37 x 80 mm, 60 bhp at 4,500 rpm or 85 bhp at 3,500 rpm. 1961: 1,778 cc, 75 bhp at 4,500 rpm or 90 bhp at 5,000 rpm, later increased to 95 bhp
Transmission: 3 or 4-speed manual, floor mounted gear lever
Brakes: Hydraulic drums on all wheels.
Dimensions
Misc: The Volvo PV544 became one of the most successful rally cars at the end of the 1950s and beginning of the 1960s.
In 1956, a prototype of a new passenger car from Volvo was presented. The car became known as the Amazon in Sweden and the 121 and 122S on the export market. The designation 122S was used for a version with a more powerful engine.
Production began in 1957 and this car was initially regarded as a larger model than the PV444. The fact that the 121/122 S was a 4-door model naturally contributed to this.
The styling was modern and this model was the first car from Volvo with a pontoon body. People found the car very attractive. The front was characterised by the two oval air intakes. The rear wings were extended and ended with a hint of a fin, a very popular design feature at the time.
The Amazon 121/122 S also had a very high safety level with features including a padded upper half of the dashboard, a laminated windscreen and seatbelt attachments both front and rear.
In the autumn of 1961, the P120 models included a number of relatively large changes. The previous 1.6-litre engine was replaced by the B18 with an output of 75 or 90 bhp, a 12-volt electrical system and a new grille, while the 90 bhp model featured disc brakes on the front wheels.
The 4-door model of the P120 was produced until the autumn of 1966, when it was replaced by an entirely new car, the Volvo 144.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: P 1200 / P 120 AMAZON, Sedan
Variants: P 1200 V, P 1200 H, P 121, P 122 S
Produced: 1956 – 1967
Volume: 234208
Body: 4-door saloon
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves, 1,583 cc, 79.37 x 80 mm, 60 bhp at 4,500 rpm or 85 bhp at 5,500 rpm. 1961: 1,778 cc, 84.14 x 80 mm, 75 bhp at 4,500 rpm or 90 bhp at 5,000 rpm, increased in 1965 to 95 bhp.
Transmission: 3- or 4-speed manual with or without overdrive, with floor-mounted gear lever (some cars delivered with gearshift mounted on the steering column). 3-speed automatic with gear lever on steering column.
Brakes: Hydraulic drums on all wheels. 1961: disc brakes on front wheels for S versions. 1964: disc brakes on front wheels for all versions.
Dimensions: Overall length 445 cm, wheelbase 2,600 mm.
The P210 was the continuation of the PV445. The model designation was changed in the autumn of 1960, when the car was given the same curved windscreen and new dashboard which had been used in the PV544 since August 1958.
The production of chassis for special versions ceased at this time. Over the years, people’s interest in building special versions had declined and the cost had skyrocketed at the same time. However, the P210 was still available as a van or a more flexible estate.
During the winter of 1962, a major modification was made to the P210. This model was also equipped with the B18 engine developing 75 bhp. The transition to a 12-volt electrical system was another important new feature.
The P210 Duett was a car that was sold primarily on the Nordic markets. The last car in this series was built in February 1969.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: P 210 Duett
Variants: P 210 Duett and van: A, B, C, D, E, F, M, P
Produced: 1960 – 1969
Volume: 60100
Body: Estate and delivery van
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves, 1,583 cc, 79.37 x 80 mm, 60 bhp at 4,500 rpm. 1968: 1,778 cc, 84.14 x 80 mm, 75 bhp at 4,500 rpm.
Transmission: 4-speed manual with floor-mounted gear lever.
Brakes: Hydraulic drums on all wheels.
Dimensions: Wheelbase 2,600 mm.
In September 1961, yet another version based on the 121/122S was presented – a 2-door saloon. This version was an eagerly awaited model, particularly on the Swedish market, as Sweden was a typical market for 2-door cars at that time.
Technically speaking, there was no difference between the two models. The doors were naturally longer on the new 2-door model to make it easier to get into the rear seat, and the front seats could, of course, be folded forward for the same reason. The rear side windows could be opened at the rear edge to improve ventilation.
The engine programme was originally supposed to follow that of the 4-door model. However, as the 2-door was somewhat lighter, it was also regarded as somewhat more sporty and was therefore used in competitions, both rally driving and motor racing.
To enhance the sporty image of the Amazon, the fast and lavishly equipped 123GT version was introduced in 1966, with the same engine as the 1800S sports car.
In 1968, another engine version was added to this model – the so-called B20 engine, a 2.0-litre version.
Production of the P130 continued until July 2nd 1970. This was the final version of this car family, with a total of 667,323 P130s produced over the years.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: P130 Amazon, 2-d
Variants: P 131, P 132 (SPORT), P 123 GT
Produced: 1961 – 1970
Volume: 359916
Body: 2-door saloon
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, valves overhead valves, 1,778 cc (108 cu. in.), 84.14 x 80 mm, 75 bhp at 4,500 rpm or 90 bhp at 5,000 rpm, 95 bhp in 1964, 115 bhp in 1966. 1968: 1,986 cc, 88.9 x 80 mm, 90 bhp at 4,800, 118 bhp at 5,800 rpm.
Transmission: 3-speed manual or or 4-speed manual with overdrive with floor-mounted gear lever. 3-speed automatic with gear lever on steering column.
Brakes: Hydraulic drums on all wheels, S-version with discs at front. In 1964 all with discs at front.
Dimensions: Overall length 445 cm,wheelbase 2,600 mm.
Early in 1959, Volvo presented a new sports car, two years after the previous attempt with the Volvo Sport, with a body made of fibreglass-reinforced polyester.
The new car became known as the P1800, with later designations being P1800S/1800S and 1800E. This new sports car had Italian styling and production began in 1961.
As Volvo did not have the capacity to build the car itself, production during the first years was contracted to England. A company called Pressed Steel made the bodies, while final assembly took place at Jensen. Assembly of the P-1800 S was then transferred to Göteborg and Lundbyverken 1963. Body production too was transferred to Sweden and Olofströmsverken. This was in connection with the 1800 E in 1969. The Volvo P1800 was based on the floor pan of the Volvo 121/122S, but it had a shorter wheel base. The car also had an entirely new 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder engine, which initially developed 100 bhp, later 108, 115 and 120 bhp.
Over the years, the car was developed primarily by the introduction of new engine alternatives. In the autumn of 1968, a 2.0-litre engine with an output of 118 bhp was introduced. It was followed in 1969 by a version with fuel injection and an even higher output.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: P1800 / 1800
Variants: P 1800 S, 1800 S, 1800 E
Produced: 1961 – 1972
Volume: 39414
Body: Coupé 2 2 seater
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves, 1,778 cc, 84.14 x 80 mm, 100 bhp at 5,500 rpm, increased in 1968 to 108 bhp at 5,800 rpm. A 2.0-litre, 1,986 cc ( 88.9 x 80 mm), carburettor version appeared in 1968, followed by a fuel-injection version in 1969, 120 bhp.
Transmission: 4-speed manual or 4-speed manual with overdrive or a 3-speed automatic, all with a floor-mounted gear lever.
Brakes: Hydraulic, discs at front and drums at rear, later models had discs for all wheels.
Dimensions: Overall length 440 cm,wheelbase 245 cm.
Misc: This Volvo model became very famous as a result of its role in the films about “The Saint” in which the hero Simon Templar (Roger Moore) drove the car.
This model can be described as an estate based on the 121/122S (Amazon). It made its debut at the Stockholm Motor Show in February 1962. This extension of the model range gave Volvo a more extensive programme in one and the same car family than ever before.
The P220 had four doors and the tailgate was divided into two parts, one part folded down and the other folded up. This design was inspired by station wagons from the USA.
The production of the P220 took place alongside that of the P210 and the P220 became more frequent outside the Nordic markets. This car represented yet another important step towards a more family-oriented estate which was less of an into the commercial vehicle market. In this way, the P220 played an important role for Volvo in its development as leading producer of estate cars.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: P 220 Amazon Estate
Variants: P 221, P 222 (SPORT)
Produced: 1962 – 1969
Volume: 73169
Body: 4-door estate
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves, 1,778 cc, 84.14 x 80 mm, 75 or 90 or 95 bhp, and later 1,986 cc, 88.9×80 mm, 90 bhp.
Transmission: 4-speed manual (with or without overdrive) with floor-mounted gear lever or 3-speed automatic with gear lever on steering column.
Brakes: Hydraulic drums on all wheels initially, discs on the front wheels at a later stage.
Dimensions: Overall length 449 cm,wheelbase 260 cm.
In August 1966, Volvo presented a new 4-door car called the Volvo 144. It represented the start of an entirely new car series which, until 1974, accounted for Volvo’s volume models.
The styling of the 144 was truly timeless and this is confirmed by the fact that the car, in further-developed form, was still being sold successfully in the early 1990s. The characteristic features of this car included the large areas of glass and three side windows.
The 144 was a very spacious car with a large luggage compartment. The Volvo 144 also included many new safety features. In addition to the body with its energy-absorbing zones front and rear, there was a unique braking system in which each braking circuit handled three wheels. Disc brakes were used on all four wheels. The interior had no protruding parts and there were safety belts for the driver and front-seat passenger.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 144
Produced: 1966 – 1974
Volume: 523808
Body: 4-door saloon.
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves, 1,778 cc, 84.14 x 80 mm, 75 or 90 bhp and 1,986 cc, 88.9 x 80 mm, in several power versions.
Transmission: 4-speed manual, 4-speed manual with electrical overdrive or 3-speed automatic.
Brakes: Hydraulic, disc brakes on all four wheels.
Dimensions: Overall length 464 cm,wheelbase 260 cm
The two-door version in the 140-series, the Volvo 142, was introduced early in the summer of 1967 – in other words, less than a year after the 144.
This model had the same technical design as the 4-door model, apart from the number of doors. The doors were naturally longer and the front backrests could be folded forward to make it easier to get into the rear seat.
One major difference when it came to the silhouette of the 142 compared with the 144 was that the 2-door version only had two side windows, while the 144 had three.
The price of the Volvo 142 was slightly lower than for the corresponding 4-door model, and the car was also about 40 kg lighter.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 142
Produced: 1967 – 1974
Volume: 412,986
Body: 2-door saloon
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves, 1,778 cc, 84.14 x 80 mm, and 1,986 cc, 88.9×80 mm, in several power versions.
Transmission: 4-speed manual, 4-speed manual with electrical overdrive or 3-speed automatic.
Brakes: Hydraulic, disc brakes on all four wheels.
Dimensions: Overall length 464 cm,wheelbase 260 cm
At the end of November 1967, Volvo presented the third version, in what was now developing into a complete car family known as the 140 Series, the Volvo 145.
The Volvo 145 was a 5-door estate with a rear section that, had a virtually vertical tailgate. Everybody agreed that this was a safe, comfortable and extremely practical and spacious car. The cargo volume was more than 2 cubic metres and the floor of the cargo area was completely flat.
This design of the rear section has since become a well-known characteristic of all Volvo estates.
The Volvo 145 quickly became an extremely popular estate and played an increasingly important role in the 140 Series.
The annual changes were mainly the same as were introduced in parallel on the 2- and 4-door versions. A visible change took place in 1970, when the rearmost side window disappeared in favour of a longer one-piece window behind the rear doors.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 145
Variants: Express, Increased roof
Produced: 1967 – 1974
Volume: 268317
Body: 5-door estate
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves, 1,778 cc, 84.14 x 80 mm, and 1,986 cc, 88.9 x 80 mm, in several power versions.
Transmission: 4-speed manual or 4-speed manual with electrical overdrive or 3-speed automatic.
Brakes: Hydraulic, disc brakes on all four wheels.
Dimensions: Overall length 464 cm, wheelbase 260 cm.
In the autumn of 1968 Volvo presented the Volvo 164. It was a development of the Volvo 144 but had a more prestige-oriented position.
The principal difference in technical terms was that the Volvo 164 had a 3.0-litre, in-line, 6-cylinder engine under the bonnet. This engine had been developed from the 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine that was introduced for the 140 Series at the same time, in 1968. From the beginning, the 164 had two carburettors and it was later also available with fuel injection.
This was the first time in 10 years that Volvo was able to offer a 6-cylinder car. The last time had been when the taxis in the 830 Series were built.
However, when it came to cars aimed at private buyers, Volvo had not had a 6-cylinder car for almost 20 years, since 1950 when production of the PV60 ceased.
As far as the exterior of the 164 was concerned, the front had its own styling. The bonnet was longer, to make room for the larger engine. The shape of the front also imparted greater prestige owing to the large grille.
In the interior, the seats were totally different, the materials were more luxurious and leather upholstery could be specified.
The Volvo 164 was produced between 1968 and 1975. Most of the cars produced during the last year were sent to the USA.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 164
Produced: 1968 – 1975
Volume: 146008
Body: 4-door saloon
Engine: 6-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves, 2,978 cc, 88.9 x 80 mm, 135-175 bhp.
Transmission: 4-speed manual, 4-speed manual with electrical overdrive or 3-speed automatic.
Brakes: Hydraulic, discs on all wheels.
Dimensions: Overall length 470 cm, wheelbase 270 cm.
In the autumn of 1971, a new version of Volvo’s famous 1800 model was presented. The new version was called the 1800ES.
The 1800ES had a newly designed rear end compared with the previous versions of the 1800. The roofline had been extended and the car had a profile that was more reminiscent of an estate. The 1800ES had increased luggage capacity to provide extra space for golfing or hunting equipment, for example.
Under the surface, the technology in the 1800ES was the same as that in the other 1800 models.
The new version was produced for two model years, 1972 and 1973. In 1972, both versions were produced simultaneously, but only the 1800ES was produced in 1973.
When the last cars were built in 1973 and production was wound up, this was due to the increasingly rigorous safety requirements in the USA, in particular, which would quite simply have been too expensive to comply with.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 1800ES
Produced: 1971 – 1973
Volume: 8078
Body: 2 2 seater coupé
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves, 1,986 cc, 88.9 x 80 mm, 124135 bhp.
Transmission: Electrical overdrive, 4-speed manual with floor-mounted gear lever. 3-speed automatic with gear lever on steering column.
Brakes: Hydraulic, disc brakes on all four wheels.
Dimensions: Overall length 438 cm, wheelbase 245 cm.
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. The changes included a new front, large bumpers and a further-developed chassis, featuring a front-wheel suspension system of the McPherson type. At the same time, a new 4-cylinder engine series with an overhead camshaft began to be used. The previous 4-cylinder was still offered in basic versions for some time.
Two-door cars were still very much in demand, particularly on the Nordic markets, and it was therefore only natural to include a 2-door in the programme. However, as the trend was moving towards 4-door cars, the 242 were taken out of production long before the 244 and 245.
Over the years, the Volvo 242 was produced with many different engines and gearboxes.
The most spectacular versions were the 242GT introduced in the late 1970´s and the 240 Turbo of the 1980´s marketed in North America, both cars offering spectacular performance and answering in full to the classical proverb ‘a wolf in sheep’s clothing’.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 242
Variants: 242 GT
Produced: 1974 – 1984
Volume: 242621
Body: 2-door saloon
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line OHV, 4-cylinder, in-line OHC, 4-cylinder, in-line OHC with turbocharging.
Transmission: 4-speed manual or 4-speed with el. overdrive, with floor-mounted gear lever. 3-speed automatic.
Brakes: Hydraulic, disc brakes on all four wheels.
Dimensions: Overall length 490 cm,wheelbase 264 cm.
Misc: In 1985, the Volvo 242 won the European Touring Car Championship.
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. The changes included a new front, large bumpers and a further-developed chassis, featuring a front-wheel suspension system of the McPherson type.
In connection with the introduction of the 240 family, a new 4-cylinder engine family with an overhead camshaft began to be used. The previous 4-cylinder was still used for some time in basic versions.
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.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 244
Produced: 1974 – 1993
Volume: 1483399
Body: 4-door saloon
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line OHV, 4-cylinder, in-line OHC, 4-cylinder, in-line OHC with turbocharging. V6 OHC 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.
When the Volvo 343 was presented in the winter of 1976, it was the first totally new car from the Dutch company Volvo Car BV. The Volvo 343 entered a very important segment for the European markets – the compact segment.
The Volvo 343 was a 3-door hatchback and the large tailgate at the rear ended in a small spoiler. The car was relatively roomy and also had a good, flexible luggage compartment.
From the beginning, the car was only available with a 1.4-litre engine and continuously variable automatic transmission. It was rear-wheel-driven and had its gearbox at the rear next to the differential to guarantee good weight distribution. The rear-wheel suspension was a De Dion system.
During its lifetime, the Volvo 343 underwent a number of changes in terms of appearance, engine and gearbox. The largest change in its appearance took place in the autumn of 1981 and included a new front and a new interior.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 343
Produced: 1976 – 1990
Volume: 472434
Body: 3-door hatchback
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line OHV, 1,397 cc, 4-cylinder, in-line OHC, 1,986 cc, 4-cylinder, in-line, 1,721 cc or 4-cylinder, in-line OHC 1,596 cc diesel.
Transmission: Automatic, continuously variable CVT, 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual.
Brakes: Hydraulic, disc brakes at the front and drums at the rear.
Dimensions: Overall length 419 cm,wheelbase 239.5 cm.
The 340-series soon became very popular in a number of countries in Europe. To further widen its appeal to many customers and markets demanding at least four doors, a 5-door version was introduced in the autumn of 1979, as the 1980 model year.
The 5-door version of the 300 series soon became a very popular car. It became the last-produced version in the 300 series being produced up to 1991, by which time the 3- and 4-door versions were not longer being made.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 345
Produced: 1979 – 1991
Volume: 358024
Body: 5-door hatchback
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line OHV, 1,397 cc, 4-cylinder, in-line OHC, 1,986 cc, 4-cylinder, in-line, 1,721 cc or 4-cylinder, in-line OHC 1,596 cc diesel.
Transmission: Automatic, continuously variable CVT, 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual.
Brakes: Hydraulic, disc brakes at the front and drums at the rear.
Dimensions: Overall length 419 cm,wheelbase 239.5 cm.
Autumn 1982 saw the introduction of a new model in the Volvo range – the 360. The Volvo 360 was based on the 340 range and featured a 4-cylinder 2-litre engine together with a 5-speed gearbox. The “360” model designation was introduced to give these better-equipped and more powerful cars a profile of their own.
A sportier variant called the 360 GLT was also introduced at the same time, powered by a fuel-injected version of the same engine.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 360 3-d
Produced: 1982 – 1989
Volume: 33535
Body: 3-door hatchback
Engine: 4-cylinder in-line OHC unit, 1,986 cc, 88.9 x 80 mm
Transmission: 4 or 5-speed manual
Brakes: Hydraulic, front disc brakes
Dimensions: Overall length 423 cm, wheelbase 240 cm.
Model year 1983 heralded a new addition to the Volvo range – the 360 Series. The Volvo 360 originated in the 340 models, and was powered by a 4-cylinder 2-litre engine. The new car was better equipped, and the “360” designation was introduced to give the new model a stronger profile in the Volvo range.
A year after the launch of the 360 Series, the range was expanded with a 4-door saloon featuring a conventional luggage compartment. This version gave the body a longer rear overhang and thus increased total body length as well.
As a more economical version than the 360 saloon, the 340 series was also produced in 4-door saloon shape (79,964 cars of this 340 version being made).
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 360 Sedan
Produced: 1983 – 1989
Volume: 66207 (360 Sedan)
Body: 4-door sedan
Engine: 4-cylinder in-line OHC unit, 1,986 cc, 88.9 x 80 mm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Brakes: Hydraulic, front disc brakes
Dimensions: Overall length 441 cm, wheelbase 240 cm