240 - why can't I get it out of my head-now with PICS

[scooters]

What do we think about when we think of Sweden? Pioneers of 17th C pan European religious conflict? High taxes? A liberal attitude towards physical love? Ikea? Stig Larsson? Ulrika –a-a-a-a-? or a reputation for building quality and reliable motor cars?

 

For me Sweden IS the Volvo 240.

 

Designers have long admired the Swedes’ understanding that less is more and there is beauty in functionality and simplicity. Their Nordic ancestors took a hatred of the gauche to extremes by sailing over the sea and burning any churches which dared to deviate from simple pine benches and whitewash, murdering all the monks and parishioners and sailing back to Scwveden having confiscated their silver thus meaning that they would be unable to over decorate in future. Fortunately, they don’t do this anymore and instead spread their culture through IKEA – love it or hate it- the fact is that most of us in the developed world now furnish our houses with Swedish designed furniture and associated tat. I read in a Sunday supplement that the 20 year expansion of IKEA represents the first instance of Swedish design being rolled out globally – what utter tosh – I regret that I am not a retired Major and don’t live in Tonbridge Wells because if I were and did by golly, I would have penned my ire to the editor of the rag in question (The Sunday Times BTW). All lovers of the kit know damn fine that Saab and Volvo have been leading the Swedes up the beach ever since horned helmets and belching at the table went out of fashion! And arguably the most influential and pure expression of the ideals of Swedish design are expressed best in the Volvo 240.

 

So why the 240 – well, I am not going to bore you to death about the development history – most of us know it all already – this is about me trying to reconcile why I love, what is essentially, a pretty dull car.

 

We are in the process of launching a new business and I am looking at ways of cutting back the bills, this means that the BMW will probably have to go and be replaced by a reliable high mileage muncher that won’t cost the earth to fix as the simplicity of it means I will be able to tackle it myself and I can’t get the 240 out of my head – it is there like an itch.

 

As autoshitters we are lovers of the unusual and the retro – not for us the plastic curves and over engineered flummery of a modern car, we see the logic in the simplicity and affordability of the older, often unloved, car. We are also a sentimental bunch and, as I approach the big four-oh I find myself living 200 yards away from where I grew up (out of no design - it just happened)and morphing ever so slowly into my dad.

 

The spoon that was crammed in my mouth at birth wasn’t exactly silver but certainly was sliver plate. I grew up in comfortable middle class, pinkie out when you are drinking your tea, Jean Brodie –esque Edinburgh. My old man was a solicitor in that town of lawyers, my mother was a physio, I went to a respectable private school in town where I was taught to play rugby and dance the eightsome and all those other tools to surviving what was the Edinburgh chattering classes in the 70’s and 80’s. Houses were stone, kitchens were Habitat, furniture was pine, food was lentils and the car was a 240 estate. My old man had 3 identical blue 240 DL estates from the late 70’s till 1996 when he traded the last one in for a Westfield SEi – (an acknowledgement that he was free at last maybe). The 240 was the family car, the indestructibility of it, the hard wearing cloth seats, the basic functionality of what was an expensive but solid car. We went everywhere in it – dogs and all the 3 of us fighting to get a window seat. Each July when the Scottish schools broke it was off to Hull to get the ferry to Europe and 2-3 weeks of camping – no air con – very few Volvos in Europe in those days – you would get flashed by French drives because of your running lights. I remember having to chum dad from Spain to Avignon to pick up a part as that was where the nearest dealer was at the time.

 

We turn into our dads don’t we – I have driven some spectacular cars – the E34 535i is arguably one of the best cars made in the last 30 years, better than its successor even – why oh why would I want to trade it in for a 240? Well, maybe because in this world of the crushing responsibility of kids, mortgages and rent to pay, uncertain economy, one pay check from the bailiff, health worries, work pressures, maybe it is that I am looking for that sense of security I felt as a child and of course that was an illusion itself as my Dad had would have had the same worries?

 

So, when the BMW goes I have decided to try and find a 1993 Torslanda estate. This was the last of the 240s and was a special edition of a car that had become a favourite of Dukes and plumbers. It is perhaps fitting that the model was only sold in Northern Europe and Sweden, the countries where the model made its name. It is also fitting that the Torsy (for those who don’t know) is a very basic stripped down model of the 240 – no GL or GLT flummery here (I never could get my head around a ‘luxury’ version of the 240, a bit like putting bone handles on a colander) this baby came with no chrome, no leccy windows, no aircon, no cruise in fact nothing that could fail at low temperatures – it is a model designed for the Swedish winter and to survive it, the only concessions it has are power steering and a radio and the usual heated seats. The designers doffing their caps to commemorate the passing of a car with the functionality and simplicity of a reliable workhorse which established Volvo as a producer of safe, quality and slightly dull cars.

 

Yes, I know the 940 is a great machine and the 740 more refined and despite owning a hooligan of an 850 estate the fact remains that in my humble opinion the greatest Volvo ever made was a 245 DL estate with blue cloth trim and a blue paint job, ladder roof rack and a dog guard.

 

Now – off to ebay!

 

- update - well maybe the Volvo forum where business this morning has resulted in this being the new scooters daily - collect in a couple of weeks time!

 

[dollywobbler]

I've only driven a sheddy 1978 245GLE that my colleague owns. Wasn't that blown away by it - very odd driving position that leaves you almost wearing the dashboard.

 

However, I'd have another 740 like a shot. Mine was shite but I still loved it. Tail out action ahoy and the heater would be pumping out fierce heat by the time I got to the other end of the village. Why didn't I buy another one instead of buying the CX?

[Cavcraft]

Prefer the 2 series to the 7, think they got them pretty much just right.

 

Incidentally I don't know what your job is Scooters but if it's not motoring journalism you really should give it a crack.

[Pillock]

Scooters.... will you write a book please?

[Negative Creep]

Can only comment on the 6740 but that was pretty grim with horrific fuel consumption. Radio was stupidly low down meaning I kept hitting my hand on it when going for 1st and 3rd

[scooters]

Can only comment on the 6740 but that was pretty grim with horrific fuel consumption. Radio was stupidly low down meaning I kept hitting my hand on it when going for 1st and 3rd

yup - same on the 940 as well - cramming my fingers between the gear stick and the stereo was a frequent and painful experience - the 240 had 3 different slots to put the stereo in and most were at the top of the dash

 

fuel consumption is always an issue with these big cars but everything is relative and compared to the 850 (2.5 turbo) and the 535i (straight 6 3.5) it will be like an Ami 8

[Negative Creep]

My 2.3 na, admittedly with 200k on the clock, managed 12mpg

[scooters]

My 2.3 na, admittedly with 200k on the clock, managed 12mpg

200k is hardly breathed in for a 240 - I'm guessing there must have been a nasty carb issue - was it an auto? the early 244/245s had 3 speed borg-warner boxes and shit axel ratios resulting in pisspoor mpgs and 5000 revs at 70mph

[Mr_Bo11ox]

My 2.0 240 Turdslida wagon (won by Scooters on eBay) could get 30mpg no probs, and I am the daddy at MPG monitoring! I can well believe a carburettor effort could get 12mpg though and one of the old K-Jet or whetever its called (non-EFi) will be somewhere in between. I think the MPG figure is key to enjoyment, I would not enjoy driving an old carbed 245 cos of the fuel consumption.

 

The 240 estate is such a classic design it should be in a museum. its timeless and more importantly classless, I love those cars. To me they say 'i've got more important things to worry about than cars, thats why i've got a 240' Absolutely great!

[Negative Creep]

My 2.3 na, admittedly with 200k on the clock, managed 12mpg

200k is hardly breathed in for a 240 - I'm guessing there must have been a nasty carb issue - was it an auto? the early 244/245s had 3 speed borg-warner boxes and shit axel ratios resulting in pisspoor mpgs and 5000 revs at 70mph

 

It was a manual, most likely the carb was out but to be honest I only had it a short while so never bothered to get it looked at. Would have spent more than I'd saved in fuel

[dollywobbler]

My 740 was amazing on fuel. 30mpg easy from a 2.3 four pot allied to a mighty slush box! Previous owner reckoned he once had 37mpg out of it! He was doing a lot of very steady driving that day...

 

Worst thing was the interior plastics. All horrible and brittle. The 245 is much better on that score.

[pogweasel]

I do like a 240.

You could be anyone, from a super-wealthy proffessional to a penniless pauper or anyone inbetween driving about in one, no one will be the wiser and hence they have an enduring CLASS about them.

However (possibly for exactly the reasons above) Mrs_Pog absolutely detests them, which is a bit of an arseache really.

I had a lovely one, 2.3 injection with an auto, great for bimbling about in - they have a certain 'style' to driving them... you have to resign yourself to the fact that they do not attempt to be anything they are not, no hint of sportiness or real driving pleasure other than that to be derived from knowing you will always reach your destination comfortable and unflustered and that you have a certain knowing one-upmanship over other more brash road users. Having said that though they are so well engineered that you can find yourself actually licking along at a fair rate without noticing it, still whisper quiet in the cabin.

PLUS they are truly enormous in the ASS department, I seriously doubt there is an estate car you can buy today which will swallow so much.

[Guest]

PLUS they are truly enormous in the ASS department, I seriously doubt there is an estate car you can buy today which will swallow so much.

My Dad had a long line of 145-240-245 Volvo's and now has a v40. He has had to buy a trailer as all his gear the 140/240 would swallow wont fit in the newer Volvo's.

[whiskeyonesix]

What a great thread!

 

I remember driving around Sweden yrs ago in an ex-Swedish Army 245 Estate, over 600k on the clock as I remember, and that NATO-esque green paint.

I've never driven another one since then, but my 360 is somewhat along the same lines....

Maybe one day......

[scooters]

update of the OP -

 

just bought a 1993 Torsy with 120k on the clock FSH, tax 12 months MOT in rather good nick methinks!

 

now, where did I put me pipe?

[Torsten2001]

Excellent work!

[dollywobbler]

Jeepers you move quick! Looks a good'un. Look forward to another 'first drive with Scooters.'

[Formula Autos]

I've always loved these since the '80s when my uncle had a succession of Volvos (Volvii?) - all 240 saloons. I was too young to clearly remember most (he got them as company cars every eighteen months), but I remember some of the later ones. One was a mustardy yellow, like this:

Though UK spec, not the US spec shown here.

 

Which was followed by a brown one, like this:

 

Great cars, and he wasn't as impressed with the 760 he replaced the brown one with, which led him next to the nearest AR dealer for an 800.

[r.welfare]

I've not experienced a 240 but have a sneaking regard for what I see as the unsung hero of the big Volvo range, the 740 saloon. Pretty much all the benefits (and downsides!) you mention, less loadspace but with much added cheapness to buy!

[Vin]

you would get flashed by French drives because of your running lights

So true. I remember this happening quite often when we went to France in 1988.

 

Papa Vin had a gold Y Reg saloon. It was just badged VOLVO GLT on the back.

[michiel]

What do we think about when we think of Sweden?

Bob Hund (playing in the background now, best fökking band in the world) & polarbröd with salty butter and/or some sugar.

 

+1 for the book, +? for the Volvo: my only experience is with my sisters automatic 440 without power steering (rip), parking was no fun. Driving was very 'meh'.

 

Neighbours have a silver 240 estate, and they seem to like it.

[whitevanman]

Nice.....Must admit I have a dose of Volvo love for the past 18 months which is why I wanted your old orange one maybe next year

[Lankytim]

I love 240 estates, the problem is finding one that hasnt been abused half to death or hasn't gone rusty. Find a good one and it will last for as long as you want it to. Great cars!

 

Im currently toying with flogging my 944 thanks to the cost of fuel though. Theres always a downside to Volvo ownership

[reallyloud]

That looks very straight. These last models are the ones to keep I reckon. I had a '89 4 speed carb 2.3 DL estate - I'd literally watch the fuel needle drop as I pressed the accelerator. Other than that I couldn't fault it, it had great presence - I used to love the roar of the fan when I used to cruise in it. The car was somehow scrapped only a few years after I sold it - it was in excellent condition so I can't really figure out how or why that happened.

[greengartside]

One was a mustardy yellow, like this:

Though UK spec, not the US spec shown here.

My mechanic friend has a 245DL estate in that yellow at his house over the road from me. Not used it (properly) since 1988...

[eddyramrod]

Both my Volvos were fuel-injected automatics, which may account for my fond memories of them. I drove a manual one - once! - and completely failed to see any reason for it to exist. Here's my first one:

And here's the second (the blue one) which I regret not bringing to Cyprus:

The grey one is my mate's, bought after driving mine. Until then he had so many Granadas that even I lost count! He now has another Volvo, a 740 estate, with which he regularly tows a caravan.

 

Well chosen, scooters, may it serve you for many a year.

[Guest]

I want this one

 

[Vin]

^^^I would like to own that. It would be good to go to the shops in

[Formula Autos]

It would need a top level security system though.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFoUL_bI ... ure=search

[chaseracer]

The 240 estate is such a classic design it should be in a museum. its timeless and more importantly classless, I love those cars. To me they say 'i've got more important things to worry about than cars, thats why i've got a 240' Absolutely great!

This neatly sums up why I'm keeping the Berlin-go. But I'd have another 240GLT like a shot