Early October I came across three subsequent generations of Volvo sedans. And all three of them happened to have two doors. Volvo, Latin for I roll. Make that I keep on rolling in this case, as this trio of classic Swedish automobiles stands for durability and longevity. And safety, but that speaks for itself.
We start with the oldest, a 1966 Volvo 121. This generation of Volvos, introduced in 1956, is commonly known as the Amazon.
The 121 was the base model of the series, this one is powered by Volvo’s 1,780 cc single carb B18A engine.
The Amazon was also available as a four-door sedan and as a wagon. Throughout its production run, which ended in 1970, the engine options were the single or dual carb B16 (1,580 cc), B18 (1,780 cc) and B20 (1,986 cc) engines, up to 100 DIN-hp. In 1961 the B18 engine replaced the B16, and in 1968 the B20 superseded the B18.
Then, parked next to the Amazon, a 1970 Volvo 142 S.
Volvo’s transition from round to brick.
The letter S, as in 142 S, means that there’s a dual carb engine under the hood, more specifically a 100 DIN-hp B20B engine. Note the period-correct Volvo mud flaps, just like on the Amazon. Ah yes, mud flaps. A common item on any car back then.
Volvo’s 140-series was introduced in 1966 and like the Amazon it was offered as a two-door, four-door and wagon.
The transmission is a four-speed manual with overdrive. That’s the M41 transmission, in Volvo-jargon.
Now then, this is it. The ultimate brick, the civilian tank, the Volvo-est of all Volvos, the I Roll Final Boss: the 1974-1993 240-series. The car that outlived anything else on the road, often its driver included. That is, with the exception of certain contemporary Mercedes-Benz models.
The 1975 Volvo 242 DL in our national color was in the parking lot of the DAF factory. And an LDV Maxus is photobombing. Inbetween the Volvo and the LDV panel van is a 1992-1997 Renault 19 five-door hatchback (same segment as the VW Golf).
You got a light ? This duo would look completely ridiculous on anything but a civilian tank.
According to its registration this 242 DL has a 60 kW engine. That’s 82 DIN-hp, which means the power comes from the “old” single carb B20A engine, instead of a -then new- Redblock SOHC engine. Initially the Redblock was an option, it became standard by model year 1976.
By the way, did you also spot the German interpretations of longevity in some of the 242 pictures ? In the background, on the right.
Related:
My wife had a 244 84 model DL Volvo when we met. Good car, except for the wiring harness disintegrating. I enjoyed driving it. But when I had to wire a separate switch to the fuel pump she and I realized it was time to let go. By that time, it looked like a 747 cockpit with all the separate switches for the ignition, wipers, and various other things. If not for that, we’d still have it. It had 204,000 miles on it when we sold it and still ran good.
The Amazon looks very well maintained … or restored … until I noticed the rust on (in) the right rear fender. Could that out-of-place Volvo badge be hiding a rust hole?
There was no rust. What you see are reflections of the red car parked next to the Amazon. And that out-of-place Volvo badge is the filler cap for the LPG tank.
On the subject of mudflaps; I belive it was manditory in Norway until about 1976.
BLARG = British Leyland Austin Rover Group? A very active term in other social media
Everyone on here needs to cease showing pictures of Amazons; I’ve been looking at Volvos on eBay for about a year now and I don’t have anywhere to put one. 🙂
I love the big red rear spotlight on the 142S, is that an aftermarket early version of a fog lamp?
It’s a rear fog lamp alright. Just like the ones on the front, these fog lamps used to be “stand alone” before they were integrated in the (plastic) bumper or in the main light units of the vehicle. They were very common, regardless the price & size of the car.
For those (Americans, mostly) unfamiliar with the concept: Rear fog lamps explained
Hi Daniel!
Small typo about halfway down the page:
” If only one rar fog is fitted,”
But a very good explanation, indeed!
Thanks, fixed!
A nice-looking trio! Makes one wish Volvo did more coupes in their later years; After the 242 was discontinued in the early 80’s, the only coupes were the (very expensive) 780 and the C70. The new design language looks very striking on the S90 and XC90; time to give the coupe segment another try, perhaps?
Ah yes the indestructible bricks. My grandmother bought a brand new 1986 Volvo wagon, a 740 GLE I believe (whatever the top of the line wagon was in 86 with a 4 cylinder). She lives in the north Georgia mountains, on top of a mountain, and drove that car until 2011. She then gave it to me. It had 375k miles on it when I got it. 90% of those miles were covered on mountain roads. I wish I would have kept it. The interior was still near perfect and the body was completely straight and the paint still shined. Not a spot of rust on the car. I’m sure it helped that it was garage every night.
142 for me please
my dad took me out of school on my 16th birthday to get my learners permit and the first car I ever drove on the highway was my mom’s 70 144.
lol…it was also the LAST time I drove it as she was not in favour of me getting my license. I was restricted to the old man’s half ton til I got my own car.
still would like one of those little bank vaults on wheels. I think they would make an excellent daily driver even in this day and age.
As a matter of fact, not that long ago the Amazon was “hot” as a (semi) daily driver. You saw them everywhere. Now the Amazon and 140-series have returned into the hands of the classic-Volvos-crowd.
And Old Money loved, and still loves, the 240 wagon. Plus the older Land Rovers (Defender and earlier models) and Range Rovers.
There’s still a very healthy number of 140 and 240 series bricks in Eugene, but the number of two-doors has always been much less than the four doors.
Ive seen very few two door Volvos for the price charged for them out here the cheaper body style just wouldnt cut it.
This was by far the cheapest and smallest two-door Volvo in the mid-seventies.
Had a ride in a 242 GT around a very muddy rally stage a few years ago, it was driven with a good deal of enthusiasm and a heavy right foot – good fun!
Great post and find Johannes – as a Volvo fan and owner, it’s always nice to see these older classics. Would love to find a pristine Amazon with a dual carb B20. Jim.