Volvo 240 Classic Cars for Sale

In production for nearly 20 years between 1974 and 1993, the Volvo 240 was part of the Volvo 200 series. Designed by Jan Wilsgaard, the 240 body style was based on the 1967 Volvo 140 series and was well known for its safety and reliability.

The History of The Volvo 240

First appearing in 1974, the Volvo 240 combined the retro styling of the 140 series with the safety features of 1972’s Volvo VESC ESV, a vehicle which was regarded as a prototype experiment in road safety. Initially, six variations were available with buyers having the option to choose between two or four-door sedans or a station wagon.

Despite a number of improvements and refinements made over the years, such as the 1976 introduction of an oxygen sensor in North American models and 1978’s changes in the grille and rearview mirrors, the overall look of the Volvo 240 remained the same up until production finished in 1993. This consistency and recognisability may account for some of the 240’s lasting popularity today.

Popular Volvo 240 Models

Throughout the years, the Volvo 240 range contained over twenty different models, the longest running of these being the DL and GL. Produced In tandem from 1975 – 1993 the base level Volvo 240 DL (De Luxe) and the more luxurious Volvo 240 GL (Grande Luxe) took their names from their older series 140 model counterparts. Initially, the 240 GL boasted many more luxurious features than the DL, with extras such as electric windows, a choice in seat covering materials, and more chrome trim, however, as the years went by the DL gradually adopted many of these features until by 1986 the two models were very similar.

For those looking for a two-door option, there was the Volvo 242 and 242 GT, or, more geared towards a family market, the 244 was a four-door saloon and the 245 a five-door estate. In 1978 Volvo also branched out by introducing the Volvo 240 Diesel which featured a Volkswagen D24 Diesel engine.

A number of commercial options were also available including a Volvo 240 van, an ambulance and a hearse, but the rarest, and perhaps strangest of the series was the 1982 Volvo 243 which featured two doors on one side and only one door on the other, there are a number of different stories behind this, some claim that it was a mistake in production, while others claim this feature was specifically requested by the Swedish police. Whichever story is true, only thirty were ever made, and they were all exported to Estonia. The 243 is now considered ultra rare and a collector's item.