VOLVO 245
1970s
1974 saw the launch of the model that would come to symbolise Volvo Car Corporation for many years: the Volvo 240. Few car models have had such a long lifetime, with the 240 series living on until 1993. More than 100,000 car builders in the Torslanda factory have contributed to it rolling out across the world over the years.
At the start of the 1980s, a turbocharged version of the 240 series was also launched – the first turbo from Volvo and now a much sought-after collector’s car.
Between 1974 and 1982, the 240 series – along with its 6-cylinder sibling the 260 – was the only model produced at the factory in Göteborg.
PRODUCTION 1974-1993
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 series with an overhead camshaft was also presented. The previous 4-cylinder was still used during a transitional period for basic versions of the 240-series.
Like the Volvo 244, the 245 could also be specified for a short period with a V6 engine. The market’s first 6-cylinder diesel in a passenger car made its appearance in the autumn of 1978 – in the Volvo 240. This was a successful alternative on certain markets where diesel fuel plays an important role.
The new Volvo 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.
However, the Volvo 245 also set the standard when it came to performance. When the turbocharged version of the 245 was presented in 1981, it was one of the world’s fastest estates.
On two occasions, the car was given a facelift, for the 1981 and 1986 model years. Towards the end of its life, the 245 experienced something of a renaissance. A version called the Polar became a cult car in Italy.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Model: 245
- Variants
- Produced: 1974 -1993
- Volume: 959151
- Body: 5-door estate
- 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.
In 1974, the archetypal Volvo estate car was launched: the 245. It is a car that is still strongly associated with the brand. It remained in production for almost 20 years until 1993, and was also available in a more exclusive edition – the 265 with a V6 engine. The 1980s marked the launch of the 245 Turbo edition, the world’s first estate car with a turbo engine.
