Volvo 340 360 66
Volvo 66
In 1972, Volvo purchased one-third of DAF Car BV in the Netherlands and thus established itself in the small-car segment where it had not previously been represented. In the mid-1970s, additional holdings in DAF Car BV were purchased and the company was re-organised to create Volvo Car BV.
The first car from Volvo Car BV to bear the Volvo name was the Volvo 66. This was a development of the previous DAF 66 model.
The Volvo 66 was available in two versions, a 2-door saloon and a 3-door estate. These cars had rear-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox in the form of continuously variable transmission, CVT.
Technical Specifications
Model: 66
Produced: 1975 - 1980
Volume: 106137
Body: 2-door saloon or 3-door estate
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line OHV, 1,109 cc, 47 bhp, or 1,289 cc, 57 bhp.
Transmission: Automatic, continuously variable CVT.
Brakes: Hydraulic, disc brakes at the front and drums at the rear.
Dimensions: Overall length 390 cm,wheelbase 225 cm.
Volvo 343
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.
Volvo 345
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.
Volvo 360 3-Door
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.
Volvo 360 Saloon
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
Volvo 360 5-Door
Autumn 1982 saw the introduction of a new model in the Volvo range - the 360. The Volvo 360 was based on the 340 range but featured a 4-cylinder 2-litre engine. 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, featuring a more powerful fuel-injected version of the same engine.
There was also a 3-door hatchback and a 4-door sedan.
Technical Specifications
Model: 360 5-door
Produced: 1983 - 1989
Volume: 76281
Body: 5-door hatchback
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
Source: Volvo Car Corporation.
Register Keeper's reports - 300 Series This page contains a series of articles of technical and general interest by the club official who specialises in this particular Volvo
Register Keeper's reports - 66/CVT Series This page contains a series of articles of technical and general interest by the club official who specialises in this particular Volvo.
Profile on the Volvo 300 An article outlining the history of the 300 Series Volvo
Living with a Volvo 340/360 An article outlining the day to day running of this model and its care and maintenance
Profile on the Volvo 66/CVT An article outlining the history of the 66/CVT Series Volvo
Volvo Brochures These contain technical and general specifications.
Web site dedicated to the 66 From The Netherlands, with some nice photos
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