In August 1974, Volvo presented a new generation of cars called the 240 and 260 Series.

These new models had been developed from the 140 series and were very similar to their predecessors. The changes included a new front, large bumpers and a further-developed chassis, featuring a front-wheel suspension system of the McPherson type. At the same time, a new 4-cylinder engine series with an overhead camshaft began to be used. The previous 4-cylinder was still offered in basic versions for some time.

Two-door cars were still very much in demand, particularly on the Nordic markets, and it was therefore only natural to include a 2-door in the programme. However, as the trend was moving towards 4-door cars, the 242 were taken out of production long before the 244 and 245.

Over the years, the Volvo 242 was produced with many different engines and gearboxes.

The most spectacular versions were the 242GT introduced in the late 1970´s and the 240 Turbo of the 1980´s marketed in North America, both cars offering spectacular performance and answering in full to the classical proverb 'a wolf in sheep?s clothing'.

Technical Specifications

Model: 242
Variants: 242 GT
Produced: 1974 - 1984
Volume: 242621
Body: 2-door saloon
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line OHV, 4-cylinder, in-line OHC, 4-cylinder, in-line OHC with turbocharging.
Transmission: 4-speed manual or 4-speed with el. overdrive, with floor-mounted gear lever. 3-speed automatic.
Brakes: Hydraulic, disc brakes on all four wheels.
Dimensions: Overall length 490 cm,wheelbase 264 cm.
Misc: In 1985, the Volvo 242 won the European Touring Car Championship.