Author: Nik Berg
Photography: Volvo
Exactly 2,685,171 Volvo 240s were built between 1974 and 1993, setting a record for the Swedish tank that has only just been overtaken by the XC60 SUV.
The 240’s brick-like design barely changed in those near 20 years, although it received regular updates to build on Volvo’s exceptional safety reputation. At launch its front and rear crumple zones and reinforced passenger cell were pioneers of a structure that’s essentially still employed today, while it also became the first Volvo to feature the company’s patented Side-Impact Protection System (SIPS) and the first to be offered with a child booster cushion as far back as 1978.
Sold as a boxy saloon (240) and estate (245) it was immensely popular in the UK, with almost a quarter of a million examples finding homes. A regular fixture on the school run and commute, the 240 was the choice of safety-conscious families seeking to cocoon their 2.2 children inside a shell of Swedish steel.
Volvo even attempted to a dash of sportiness to the 240 by entering a “Flying Brick” Turbo into European Touring Car competition and also offered it in a range of quite vibrant colours, but despite these efforts it was never what one could call exciting.
The same could easily be said of its successor in sales records. The XC60 made its debut in 2008, and, now in its second generation, has just reached 2.7 million customers. That’s certainly been helped by the fact that it’s built in China as well as Sweden.
“Growing up in Sweden in the 1980s, the Volvo 240 was the iconic family car – you could spot one in almost every driveway,” says Susanne Hägglund, head of Global Offer at Volvo Cars. “Today the XC60 has taken over that position in two ways. Not only as the family favourite, but also becoming our all-time top-seller.”
These days the 240 is a rare gem, with just a few hundred remaining on British roads and values as high as £10,000 for a well-preserved car. That’s still a lot of metal for the money, and we can’t help but wonder if classic car fans will ever feel the same way about the XC60, despite its record-breaking run.
What are your thoughts on the Volvo 240 losing its top spot? Was it time for a change, or does the classic still reign in your heart? Let us know in the comments below!
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