Volvo 244. 1974 - 1993

History of the Volvo Car

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 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 a 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 1978 - the market's first 6-cylinder diesel in a passenger car.

The new 240/260 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.

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 facelift, for the 1981 and 1986 model years. In all, more than 2.8 million cars in the 240/260 series were built.

Technical facts:
Prod. years:	1974-93
Assembly:	Sweden: Torslanda (Torslandaverken) Sweden: Kalmar (VKA) Australia: Melbourne Belgium: Ghent (VCG) Canada: Halifax (VHA) Italy: Turin [N 1] Malaysia: Shah Alam (SMA)
Prod. volume:	1,483,399
Body style:	4-door saloon
Engine:	1784 cc B17 I4 1986 cc B19/B200 I4 1986 cc B20 I4 2127 cc B21 I4 2316 cc B23/B230 I4 1986 cc D20 I5 diesel 2383 cc D24 I6 diesel
Transmission:	4-speed M45/M46 manual 5-speed M47 manual 3-speed BW35/BW55 automatic 4-speed AW70/AW71 automatic
Brakes:	Hydraulic, disc brakes on all four wheels.
Dimensions:	Length 192.5" (489 cm), width 67.3" (171 cm), height 56.3" (143 cm), wheelbase 104.0" (264 cm), kerb weight 2889-3028 lbs (1312-1375 kg)