Volvo 240 classic cars for sale

History of the Volvo 240

Launched in 1974, the Volvo 240 Series drew heavily from the outgoing 140 Series—the DNA is especially visible in the familiar silhouette. The 240 embodied cutting-edge safety research from Volvo’s VESC experimental vehicles, setting new benchmarks for crash protection and passive safety. Produced for almost two decades, the car was continually improved yet retained its unmistakable profile, making it instantly recognisable. Particularly in Europe, the estate version (245) established itself as the definitive family workhorse, while saloon and two-door variants catered to broader tastes. By the end of its production in 1993, more than 2.8 million 240s had rolled off the lines, making it one of Volvo's most successful models and propelling the brand’s reputation for no-nonsense durability and safety.

Model history

The 240’s lineage began as the spiritual successor to the Volvo 140. The model family included the two-door 242, the four-door 244, and the five-door 245 estate—with design tweaks through the years but core engineering unchanged. Predecessor: Volvo 140. Its successor, the 700 Series (Volvo 740), only began to phase out the 240 starting 1985, but Volvo kept the 240 in production alongside until 1993, further proof of the car's market pull. Notable highlights in development included the introduction of the diesel 240 (D6) with a Volkswagen engine in 1979, the appearance of the turbocharged versions in the early 1980s, and regular refinements to interiors and trim levels, culminating in simplified, catalysed injection engines by 1989.

Highlights and distinctive features

Volvo 240 models are known for their outstanding crash safety engineering and uncompromisingly practical approach to comfort and interior space. Estate versions gained particular acclaim for clever design, with features like integrated children’s seats in the load area and exceptional cargo capacity. Data from Classic Trader confirms the 240 accounts for over 89% of listing views for classic Volvos—a share unmatched by any other model series from the brand. This dominance is equally obvious on the market, where 91% of Volvo classics offered on the platform are 240s, dwarfing the supply and demand for rarer variants like the P245 or P244. For buyers, this means a large community, good availability of cars, and robust parts support.

Technical Data for the Volvo 240

Special Editions and Collectible Models

A small number of 240 variants stand out for collectors: rare factory models like the Turbo (B21ET, B19ET) offered higher performance. The 'Polar' and 'Super Polar', available in markets like Italy and the Netherlands, came factory-loaded with luxe options such as air conditioning, heated seats, and exclusive trim. Ultra-rare is the 243—built in 1982, with an unconventional door layout for Estonian export, with only ~30 made. Motorsport fans seek the 240 Turbo, which clinched the European Touring Car Championship in 1985 and remains a homologation hero. Estates with seven-seat arrangements and particular market-specific 'Pullman' specs also attract buyers.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

While a Volvo 240 is famously durable, certain weak spots must be checked during purchase. Bodywork rust is enemy number one—rear arches, spare wheel wells, tailgates (especially on estates), door bottoms, and inner wings are the hotspots. Check beneath plastic trims and thoroughly inspect likely repair areas. Cabin-wise, dashboards crack and original seat fabrics or plastics may be brittle—spare parts can be hard to source for specific trims. Mechanically, the B230K engine (1987) has a known timing belt vulnerability. Rear axles are nearly unkillable, but worn ball joints, track rods, aging bushes, and rusty struts are common. M47 5-speed manuals sometimes lose fifth gear. Original electrics are robust, but later models may suffer blower motor and ignition module faults. Meticulous inspection for hidden rust and mechanical neglect is key to avoiding expensive surprises.

Engine, Transmission and Driving Experience

Most 240s used the B19, B21, B23 or B230 series of inline-fours—a mechanical architecture famed for simplicity, torque and lifespan well over 300,000 kilometres if serviced. Turbos (from 1981–85, primarily for the North American market) brought markedly spirited acceleration, while Volvo diesels delivered relaxed high-mileage cruising. Rear-wheel-drive architecture with a simple, non-independent rear axle, meant predictable, stable roadholding—matched with soft springing and high-profile tyres for reserved comfort. Four- and five-speed manual transmissions were the weapon of choice, but automatics were numerous in later estate variants. The 240 is not a sports car, but rewards its driver with confidence, a tight turning circle, unobtrusive steering, and composed motorway manners. - 244 GL/GLT (petrol, up to 116 PS): balanced comfort and classic four-door saloon style.

• 245 Estate Diesel (D24): excellent for long-distance and utility, legendary for marathon mileage.
• 240 Turbo: most powerful in the range, especially prized by touring car fans.
• Super Polar: top-trim Italian/NL market estate with virtually every available luxury and comfort option.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The 240 is pure Scandinavian form following function, penned by Jan Wilsgaard. Its boxy lines, upright glasshouse, and tall greenhouses were guided by safety and visibility first—giving the car excellent sightlines and immense practicality. Later models got premium exterior details: chrome, colour-coded bumpers, special alloy wheels. Early estates featured rear-facing fold-out children’s seats; GLT/GL trim brought plush corduroy or velour, sometimes leather. Factory options included sunroofs, electric windows, heated front seats, air conditioning, and (on some estates) unique roof rails and tailgate arrangements. Accessories culture runs deep—ranging from camping window kits to rare roof racks and ski holders. Instrument clusters with turbo boost gauges and even innovative features such as integrated headlamp wipers highlighted Volvo’s approach. Cabin build quality was robust if not extravagant; everything was engineered for utility and longevity.

Other Features

Notable for its extraordinarily supportive seats—designed in consultation with orthopaedic specialists—the Volvo 240 was a benchmark for driving comfort. Its rear-drive chassis enables an unusually tight turning circle for the class, a boon for city or country driving. Running cost-conscious owners benefit from an international owners’ community and a thriving supply of both original and reproduction parts, making daily driving, maintenance and even extensive restoration realistic for decades to come.

Summary

The Volvo 240 is more than a Swedish classic—it's a reference point for practical engineering, contrasts of utilitarianism and comfort, and family transport that lasts generations. Its overwhelming presence on both the classic Volvo supply and demand charts speaks volumes for its genuine, day-to-day appeal as a vintage car that can still be used as intended. Whether for enthusiasts seeking a project, a trustworthy old-school estate, or just the pure pleasure of dependable retro driving, the 240 stands in a class of its own.