Volvo 140 Series

Volvo 144 (1969)

The Volvo 140 was a midsize car by the Swedish automaker Volvo, which was produced from August 1966 to August 1974. It was offered in three body styles: two - or four-door sedan with a notchback (P 142 and P 144; schwed.: Personvagn ) and five-door station wagon (P 145). The second number indicates the number of cylinders of the engine, the last the number of doors.

To avoid the import duty, intended for the EEC sedans were assembled from CKD kits in Belgium in 1965 opened the Volvo plant in Ghent port area. The station wagon for the European market, however, all came from Sweden. A total of 412 986 two-door wagon type 142 523 808 four-door Volvo were 144 and 268 317 station wagon Volvo 145 produced.

From the 140 series, the Volvo 164 was derived, which came on the market in August 1968. The 164 was behind the A- pillar, the same body, the front was extended and modified ( the grille was narrower and higher, the headlights were placed in the corners of the fenders ) and offered space for a straight six -cylinder engine (code B 30). The 164 had a higher quality facilities and was offered only as a four-door. It is Volvo's successful attempt to put a cost model developed and producible in the next higher vehicle class foot.

The 164 was built a year longer than the 140 series and replaced by the Volvo 260 as of summer 1974. In the meantime, thought Volvo also considering a two-door version called 162, but this was rejected again, although an Italian bodywork company had already made ​​a roadworthy prototype. Only with the Volvo 262 C realized you like the idea of a "big coupe " with six-cylinder engine, which later became the Volvo 780 was continuing.

The successor to the Volvo 140 was introduced in the summer of 1974 model Volvo 240, a front extended 140 was mainly with other headlights and tail lights. The technical concept remained the same.

Variants

There were three variants:

A two-door sedan (142 ), a four-door sedan (144) and a five-door estate (145).

From 145 there was a variant with raised load space roof, called " Express". This model should be replaced as a major Space Shuttle in 1969 set Volvo Duett. However, it was never offered in the USA market. Two configurations were available: first, a standard five-seater with two extra, retractable rear-facing seats in the boot as well as a two-seater with the option to replace the rear wheels through less sensitive plates.

The 142 was the easiest. Therefore, in this model the higher equipment lines were also ordered far less common than in the solid model 144

Volvo 142 (1971)

Volvo 145 (1973)

Design

The 140 series marks the entry into the Volvo's associated with the slogan " boxiness " automotive design. The designer Jan Wilsgaard created with the 140 series a unagitated, yet modern automobile. The shape is determined by straight lines and edges with relatively small radii, such as the "shoulders" along the belt line. The predecessor of 120, however, was a rotund fifties car.

The angular shape is more aerodynamic than other, more dynamic appearing competing models. The similarly styled successor Volvo 240 for example has a better drag coefficient than the W123 Mercedes -Benz. Other advantages of the body shape are very convenient entry and exit, good space, low contamination of the side windows, low wind noise and little lift at high speeds.

The design of the 140 is the successor to 240 still clearly visible and also formed the basis for the later models Volvo 740 and Volvo 940 It lasted over nearly thirty years until well into the nineties. Above all, the station wagons retained until the recent time, the steep tailgate for more cargo space. The "shoulders" along the flanks of the vehicle can be found even in current models, such as the Volvo V70.

Technology and Security

The four-cylinder petrol engines with outputs of 75 hp (engine B 18 A) to 124 hp ( motor B 20 E) were mostly already the Volvo 120 (Amazon) known, as is the four-speed gearbox and the driven rigid rear axle. A technical innovation was at the presentation of the 1966 dual-circuit braking system in LL- sharing with disc brakes on all wheels, and from autumn 1972 ( model year 1973) the reinforced against side collisions doors with built-in steel tubes. The handbrake worked on drums in the hub of the rear brake disks. Other safety features were three-point safety belts for all headquarters, front head restraints (optional and GL version also rear), panes of laminated glass, integrated into the body roll bars, crumple zones front and rear - hence the trunk lid with a high loading lip for more stability and a safety steering column with a a predetermined breaking point in the engine compartment, which prevented a " spitting " of the driver during a frontal impact. The body is designed so that the passenger is on a head-on collision with a concrete block at 50 km / h without large deformation. With these measures, Volvo solidified his reputation as a manufacturer of very safe and durable cars. Volvo also discovered one of the first manufacturers the security field as an advertising opportunity. Especially in the United States, the main market for the 140, there was this advertisement on television.

However, the flip side of the extensive safety features and sturdy construction was very heavy and therefore a relatively high consumption and moderate acceleration. Nevertheless reached the car, just with the more powerful engine versions over 100 hp, top speeds of over 150 km / h ( see data sheet).

Because of the long and severe winter in Sweden, the USA and Canada Volvo built a very solid electrical and equipped the car with a larger battery and a more powerful starter ( 1.5 instead of 1 HP) from. The rust prevention was also above average, so that such Volvos even today, unlike solid models of large manufacturers such as Volkswagen and Opel same epoch, can be found in the streets. For example, the sub-floor was completely sealed with a layer of tar.

Relationship and similarities to other models

The model 140 had much in common with other series of the manufacturer. From predecessor, the Amazon, for example, were components of the chassis, over the motors and gear units already mentioned. The wheelbase (260 cm) and the rear axle were unchanged and only during the model refinement (see below) changed - Wheelbase: 262 cm reinforced, and gimbal axis. This example is representative of the approach Volvos on technical aspects to focus on proven, instead of always up-to -date. The long construction time of components is achieved at the price of topicality that set sometime very low susceptibility to errors. An example of this is the engine series B 18 / 20th These engines were built with little change over 15 years from 1960 to 1977 in Volvo cars. This policy has helped Volvo producer is defined as very durable and low-maintenance vehicles. The problem was solved that Volvo from the late 60s to about went to leave the vehicles place on the assembly line assembling of fixed groups. So got a team of several mechanics always exactly the assembly of a car, rather than to realize as usual in the past, only a few steps. The expected quality also sat actually shortly after the beginning of this manufacturing technology.

The very far beyond the rear axle protruding trunk was very big back in the sedan versions. In the following models was this feature, as well as many others, applied.

Facelift

The model years changed out of sync with the calendar years. A new model year was the contrary given to production in August, after the end of the working holiday. It so happens that, for example, produced in September 1972 a car is a '73er model year. Nomenclature: The last digit in the model name stands for the number of doors. An "S" marked behind a two- carburetor version, come later "E" for the variants with fuel injection engine or a "GT" for rebuilds it. The trim levels (DL or GL) hintenan be hanged. There are also "Automatic" or " Overdrive " lettering at the corresponding variants. With the introduction of the B20 engines a homonymous lettering graced the front grille. The overdrive gearbox M41 was only at the Grand Luxe standard and with an A motor can not be ordered. The model number and model name policy of Volvo changed asynchronously annually and in different markets. Therefore, there is some overlap in the following list. Basically, the situation on the German market is playing.

1967: Code letter "M"

First model variant. Available are just the four, then the two-door.

Available are two trim levels: the Scandinavian "Favorite" called basic equipment for all body styles and the later " Grand Luxe" called, ajar to the Volvo 164 upscale amenities only for the 144 In addition, the "S " engine is only for the 144 available. There is no identification of the models on the body.

The four-door vehicles are available with two front bucket seats or a continuous front seat. The former variant is optionally provided with headrests. Three -point seat belts front are standard on the rear bench seat diverse Gurtvarianten are possible.

The rear window is not electrically heated, but is supplied through pipes blower combinations with hot air and possibly defrosted.

1968: letter "P"

Introduction of the five-door body variant 145 in November 1967 (MJ, 1968; see description above). The exterior mirrors are mounted in this model on the fenders. Acquisition of the belt and seating from 144

The two petrol engine "S " is now available for all body styles.

Black (plastic) chrome replace door lock buttons. Expansion of the color palette.

1969: Letter "S"

Introduction of the B - 20 engines. However, an increase in performance primarily through the engine capacity gain only lists the Einvergasermotor B 20 A over the B 18 A (7 hp more ). However, the torque increases significantly for both engine variants. The B 20 B is equipped with a variable-speed fan, which although not proven itself and will in 1970 or 1971 no longer installed. Angedacht was a quieter noise when driving fast at high speeds.

All Karosserie-/Modellvarianten be equipped with a three-phase alternator instead of dc generator. Seating surfaces of the seats instead of polyvinyl chloride covered with fabric. Expansion of the color palette; Introduction of the taxi version ( only Sweden), this also has the Einvergaserversion carburetor Skinner United.

The mirrors of the 145 are mounted no longer on the fender, but at the door.

1970: Code letter "T"

Introduction of non-deliverable on the German market high roof version 145 Express in three versions: Standard version with two other, against the direction aligned extra seats in the boot; two-seater version with either metal or glass panel from the B-pillar.

Electrically heated front seats available; Rear window now electrically heated ( except Combined: Wiper and rinse). Installation of a warning flasher circuit.

In Germany, only the "S" engine for the station wagons available. All delivered in Germany Volvo 145 are from the years 1968-1969 and 1973-1974.

Last model year with the predecessor to the Volvo 120 (Amazon) reminiscent front grill.

Introduction of the GT package at 142: Front spoiler, special GT- round instruments, sport steering wheel, built- in barbecue additional lights and different rims available. In addition to the above Volvo dealers, particularly in the U.S., Sweden and Switzerland relating to packet extensive modifications of the engine have been implemented: better dual carburetors, capacity enlargement and further modifications made ​​for a power 128-180 hp. In Germany, the GT package was difficult to come by.

Based on these sporty version were available in all markets over Volvo workshops tuning kits and other " sports equipment ", the Volvo R- Sport brand.

A steel sunroof as optional equipment is available. Expansion of the color palette.

1971: Code letter "U"

Lengthening the wheelbase by 2 cm ( recessed rear axle). Wider wheels and tires (5 inches), more effective brakes, larger water coolers. Elimination of the standard reclining seat fittings.

Three trim levels are available: base model Luxe (L ), De Luxe (DL ) and Grand Luxe ( GL).

New Front Design: Grill (plastic instead of aluminum ) for the first time in this model with the characteristic Volvo cross bars on the DL and GL models. The entry-level versions (only 142 and 145) still retain details of the interior, the slimmer 4.5 -inch wheels / tires and the front grille of the older model years. The entry-level models were not identified separately in Germany, Scandinavia, however, they were called " favorites " in England " Luxe".

The GL models in some markets ( eg Sweden, Germany ) equipped with the new E 20, kompressionierten higher electric injection engine B. Due to the significant increase in performance, the propeller shaft and the rear axle are amplified and the brake discs / pads more powerful unit. For this engine variant, only the automatic and the M41- overdrive transmission available. This creates the GL trim line through the now different technique, the emancipation of the standard models with B20 A-, B- and D- Engine. The GT package is now easily available in Germany (eg other rims, round instrument, etc.). Features of the very expensive and rare GL features were next to the fuel injection engine, a sunroof, leather upholstery, automatic seat belts, radio, transmission with overdrive, additional lights on the front bumper and rear ( fog lamps ) and a metallic finish. In Germany, the 144 is only available in Sweden only 142 GL.

The motor B 20 B is in Sweden by the B 20 D replaced (90 hp). Change of carburettor models with B20 B of SU HS 6 to HIF 6 - these require less maintenance and reliable, including through an integrated float chamber, the heat- sensitive is. The carburetor model was also available from 1972 MJ with two chokes, what cold starts easier.

The rear seat of all sedans can be equipped with head restraints.

The formerly divided rear side window ( compartment) of the station wagon was no longer available, but installed an undivided, not opening window. Expansion of the color palette.

1972: Letter "W"

Revised interior, including with English text labels instead of symbols marked buttons and switches in a different arrangement. Because of the shorter stick shift is the center console with clock and space for the installation of additional instruments and other switches standard equipment. The facilities without designation (see model 1971 ) supplied entry-level version is still available on the German market.

The front doors get map pockets, head restraints are narrower. When using a choke indicator light illuminates in the instrument cluster. Replaces the two is a four-spoke steering wheel ( " butterfly " ) corresponding to the last of the Amazon. The automatic gearshift lever moves finally to the transmission tunnel ( illuminated backdrop ). From 1 January 1972 an optical seat-belt reminders will be installed in non- landscaped front straps, are also accompanied by a loud, permanent warning signal if the straps do not sit when in gear in the anchorages.

The center console was now covered with wood foil instead of bare plastic as before (only DL- Trim: Dashboard also with wood imitation).

Altered, set flush into the body door handles.

Modified motors: introduction of the B 20 F with 115 hp and emission control, which runs 94 RON fuel (initially only USA, since 1973 also in Germany ). The B 20 E now delivers with oil cooling 124 hp instead of 120, the B 20 D 95 instead of 90 hp ( DIN). Expansion of the color palette.

1973: Code letter "Y"

New design front grille with black plastic and larger turn signal lenses. Changed rear taillights with other ( large-scale, similar to the first 240 models) at the saloons, steel pipes as side impact protection in the doors, revised bumpers ( thicker). The license plate is now mounted on the bumper instead of underneath.

Again revised interior with new instrument panel (plastic instead of wood foil), instrument cluster with a round speedometer instead of ribbon speedometer and a new steering wheel with safety impact absorber. Interior adjustable exterior mirrors. The push / pull switches are replaced by a toggle switch. Parental Control in the rear doors.

The 145 Express combo runs out. The "normal" 145 is in Germany now also with the two carburetor engine B 20 B available. Instead of B 20 D 20 B as only the B is now back "average " engine available ( Germany ). The introduction of the motor B 20 F in Germany ( at injection variants) can at the same time, however, the demand for this motor ( B 20 B) vanish. Conversion of all motor dimensions from inches to metric.

The wiper is fundamentally changed: The wiper motor goes into the engine compartment, the nozzles spray water together in the center of the hood. Operable the wiper is now a blinker -like lever on the steering column. An optional air conditioning was available ( installed in the center console with jets, front left, right and center).

Exclusively in the U.S. power steering is available, but only in conjunction with the GL expensive equipment.

Automatic belts at the back are now also available in the DL.

1974: Code letter "A"

The last model year brought again revised and wider bumper with impact dampers, which according to the U.S. standard ( the shock absorbers / rods had an impact at 5 miles per hour can rebound without prejudice ) were aligned. Due to the very expansive bumpers vehicle length grows to 4.78 m.

Setting of the two carburetor engine B 20 as replacement largely by the motor B 20 F (145). The electrical D -Jetronic from Bosch is replaced by a mechanical K -Jetronic from the same manufacturer.

Yellow warning light in the instrument cluster for fancy lights. Displacement of the tank to the vehicle center (closer to the rear axle): In the event of a collision of the tank ( 60 instead of 58 liters ) is now better protected. This, however, the filler neck for the tank must also be enabled ( further forward; flap placed for laminating ), also accounts for the spare wheel and the exhaust system needs to be moved. Also, the crash safety serve the new window frame: They are made not of aluminum but of welded steel door with the rest.

Wipers before Abblend-/Fernlicht available ( in Sweden default). Thus, the splash tank holds now more fluid. Headlights are now available in all models H4 halogen lights.

Because the indoor air circulation is improved, the vent windows account for the front. This also different now framed mirrors increases. Changes to the seat adjustment.

Tunings: Volvo R- Sport

Under the label "R -Sport" Volvo sales from the mid / late sixties body and engine accessory kits that allowed the car a more sporty appearance and performance improvements. Most of the R- Sport kit from Volvo dealers and repair shops were sold and installed properly and partially (Canada, Switzerland ) were so changed Volvos with the addition of " GT" provided and marketed. In particular, the robust and easy to changing carburetor B18/20 with the letters A, B and D were tuned.

The following remarks refer to engine tuning, as it was in the mid / late seventies available for all Volvo B18 and B20 ( 1966-1975 ) Engine. The information comes from the R- Sport catalog for the North American market (USA & Canada ), but the products were unchanged also available in Germany.

GT Tuning Kit The GT tuning kit was marketed as the road-going Alltagstuningkit. Volvo is recommended, for example, older engines that needed to be overhauled anyway. First, the displacement of B18 engines were enlarged to 2 liters, which de facto means a B20. By another cylinder head with altered Ein-/Auslassventilen the compression increased to 10.5:1. For this purpose, a different camshaft (letter K) and a single twin carburettors with sports air filter came instead of one or two single carburetors. In principle, then, the entire upper parts of the engine was rebuilt. These changes resulted in an increase in power to 130 hp at 6000 rpm and 177 Nm of torque at 3500 rpm.

Stage I & II Tuning Kits Other than that suitable for everyday use and relatively cheap GT kit the " Stufenkits " were primarily designed for racing and much more extensive. For an output of 145 hp at 6000 rpm and a torque of 192 Nm at 4500 rpm attended two 45 mm Solex twin carburettors with sports air filter in lightweight construction with an aluminum intake manifold, a modified cylinder head ( compression: 10.5:1 ) an "F" (letter ) camshaft and a 4-2 -1 exhaust manifold. Also various parts have been increased or designed to be particularly robust in order to withstand higher stress and can be moved with only a slightly higher maintenance costs. Stage II required the Level I and included in addition to the above comments the following additional changes: special cylinder head with valves and modified lower valve plates, a stronger Bosch ignition coil, lighter and stronger rocker gaskets.

Stage III The Level III tuning package was not sold as a complete package, but based on it, to replace individual parts from the stage II package, which was logically essential: special cylinder head with polished, larger valve / orifices ( compression 11.0: 1) Bosch Rennzündanlage, "R" camshaft, polished intake, heavy-duty electric fuel pump, oil cooler and venturi atomizer in the carburetors resulted in 175 hp at 6250/min and 208 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm.

Stage IV This level represents the highest evolution of the B20 engine; they do makes 190 hp at 6500 rpm and 229 Nm of torque at 4700 rpm. The performance increase is mainly in the drilling of the engine at 2200 cc, and the necessary adjustments to the cylinder head ( seal ), valves, etc. In addition, in the stage -IV kit that also as the stage III kit not as a set, but was sold in individual parts for replacement of stage I and II parts, an "S" cam shaft and a high-performance oil cooler installed. The compression was 11.5:1.

Other parts In addition to the tuning kits distribution Volvo virtually all engine parts also available individually, what it allows to compose and implement their own combinations. There were often forcibly necessary changes to the drive train, transmission, brakes and suspension.

Allen tuning measures in common was the decreasing suitability for everyday use, the more the power was screwed up, since it is the high performance levels III and IV of the tuning kits had only a relatively narrow speed range, in which the said peak powers were available. In addition, the durability of such engines fell course, which is why they are very rare today.

Other accessories in the R- Sport design were, for example, trim, lettering, Spoilerkits, aluminum rims and various auxiliary lights outside as well as racing helmets and seats, instrument cluster and sport steering wheels inside.

Current situation

Currently, in Germany there are very few Volvos of the series to be found 140. The high number of identical parts, especially when the drive train has led, especially in the 1980s and 1990s meant that many Volvo 140 were exploited for the benefit of already established as vintage predecessors. At the same time, the long construction period of visually very similar successor model 240 dampened the attractiveness independent of the Volvo 140 as classic cars in the streets. In addition, the Volvo 140 are worn as pronounced frequent traveler mileage, despite its fundamental robustness over the decades accordingly. A typical problem is today, as with almost all cars of this age, the rust. One has to differentiate, however, on two levels: First, the models produced in Sweden are significantly better corrosion protection than the Belgian, which is related to the types of steel used. Secondly, the rust prevention is better than many contemporary models from other manufacturers. With high probability, one finds, however, still largely ungerostete vehicles in Sweden and the rest of Northern Europe, which is related to the fact that the road patrol begins there in winter no salt.

Typical sites for rust are the sills, the fenders ( wheel arches ), the exhaust and the frame of the windscreen. The engines show up, as well as the transmission and the other mechanics, very durable. Mileages over 300,000 kms no problem with good care. Volvo was the first manufacturer who introduced a six-digit odometer and this development thus took into account.

The very angular body design, however, ensures that even today sheets are remanufactured for what lowers prices. The reason is that for the preparation of the sheets is not the original pressing are required, but contemporary can be used. However, please pay attention to the fit.

In models with injection engines even more than it already is to ensure that all engine components complement one another. However, all engine parts are easily understandable and comprehensible labeled (eg, injection, camshaft, carburetor, etc.).

Typical weaknesses of the model, some of which were already known to production times and are corrected, and were run-in camshaft even at low mileages < 100,000 km. This problem occurs especially when the car is driven with a little oil or only over short distances, so that certain components are not properly " durchgeölt ", which they grind and wear out more and more.

Furthermore, especially the models with B18 engine in the summer often fought with formation of vapor bubbles in and on the carburetor. The fact that these are placed directly over the very hot exhaust manifold, it may happen that the waste heat can evaporate the gasoline in the lines and the car being "flooded " and can no longer be run after high load ( highway driving ). Remedy the ventilation of the engine compartment or heat shields, as they were later provided as standard for B20 models.

A problem for models with twin carburettor engine B20 B introduced gradually enforced during the 70s and 80s deposition (prohibition ) of leaded gasoline with 100 octane in Germany and Europe dar. Unlike the engines with the letters A, E and F recommended Volvo for the B- motors always octane gasoline with 100 instead of 97 RON as the other mentioned. That is why many cars later while retaining other characteristics ( camshaft, cylinder head, cylinder head gasket ), partly as a warranty or goodwill performance, " shut -equipped " to a Stromberg or SU carburettors, in order to continue to be moved without excessive wear or engine knock may have. The so- converted engines rendered, depending on the condition, about 90 hp.

As a measure to limit the volume are also e- fan a popular retrofit object. Standard were synchronous speed, four-leaf metal fans that can be confirmed in the course of time through hairline cracks caused extensive damage in the engine compartment the service, however. Especially manufactured until 1972 yellow one-piece fan were affected by this problem and have been replaced by Volvo. Nevertheless, there are cars that have not participated in this recall and are therefore at risk. The conversion to an e- fan with thermostat control also has the advantage that the motor is faster to ideal operating temperature and that therefore a minimal increase in performance of about 1-1.5 PS takes place.

For leaks tend the front vent windows as the default opener glued to MJ '73 only on the discs and there are only difficult to reattach it after dropping. The remedy here Buttons Clip from suppliers.

Other weaknesses are: freezing of the trunk lid, electrical problems due to corrosion or verdigris ( time permitting) as well as cracks and discoloration of the interior ( especially in vehicles that were exposed to constantly high solar radiation / are ).

It is also problematic to retrofit a right side mirror, because it was such a standard is limited. The left exterior mirror can indeed twist and also obstruct the right, meet there but attitudinal only a restricted service.

In the Benelux countries, the Class 140 have been very popular since its launch, which is why an active scene there is nowadays to be found. Here are also often conversions with LPG installations. Here, the performance decreases slightly and the consumption increases slightly. Nevertheless, such a conversion paid for itself pretty quickly because it is inexpensive to implement (about 1,000 to 2,000 € ). Apart from a tank, which can be in the trunk niche block over the rear axle, and some lines are not big changes necessary.

A good Used beats today depending on the condition and reports with approximately 2,000 to 10,000 euros.

Swell

  • Automobile review, catalog numbers 1968, 1973 ( for technical specifications and prices)
  • Market for classic cars, classic cars buying guides the sixties and seventies, Special Issue 12 (1992 ), VF Publishing Company Mainz
  • In the name of security. The Volvo Story by Graham Robson; ISBN 3-430-17804-5
  • Http://www.164-140club.de/pdf/Modelljahre-V1.pdf
  • Http://www.volvo140.de/
  • Volvo R- Sport catalog 1976/77 (North America)
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