The mid-1960s was a time for change worldwide. With war and prosperity running into each other at various flashpoints, automotive design and engineering began to really take off to meet the needs of a modern world. 

Europe followed America in "catching up" to modern specifications. This was a reflection of post-World War II prosperity that has caught up to most of the continent. Automotive design took on squared-off elements, similar to American cars, to meet the tastes of a new Europe. 

Volvo was part of that change. The Amazon served Volvo well, while the last 544s rolled off the line. The P1800 was a smash hit giving the decade a fashionable car to rally around. Yet, the Amazon felt dated in Europe's changing car market. It was time to join in the new trend.

The summer of 1966 was the right time for a new Volvo. The 140 Series arrived at showrooms across Europe as a departure from the dated Amazon and the fading memory of the 544. Yet, it contrasted with the svelte curves of the P1800. However, the coupe and the sedan/wagon lines would have more in common than ever in terms of design, engineering and safety. 

The 140 series was boxy - a shape that would serve Volvo well into the next few decades. This was done on purpose to demonstrate the latest safety engineering Volvo had been working on. A squared-off shape translates into designed crumple zones to control vehicle impact, proper passenger shell protection built around the cabin and added space around each occupant for future addition of passive safety technologies. 

Volvo did not stop with body construction and safety engineering. It also refined the nomenclature convention. From 1966, Volvos were named accordingly: Series, number of cylinders and the number of doors. In essence, the 145 wagon had a four-cylinder engine in a first series model?with five doors! 

Four-cylinder models came in three configurations: The two door 142, the four-door 144 and the 145 wagon. They all had the same B18A 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine with a choice of a manual or an automatic transmission. 144S models added extra horsepower through twin carburetors. In 1970, a grille update made way for a larger B20 2.0 liter engine. Wagon models used to have a split rear quarter window where the passenger part would open for additional ventilation. This was considered unsafe by Volvo engineers. The 1970 update eliminated the split rear quarter windows for good. 

 

Volvo had other things in mind for the 140 series. It was looking upmarket for a luxury model that reflected style while embodying its safety advances. They took a 144 sedan, crafted an elegant and distinctive front end - sort of a paean to Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz and Rover - and dropped an all-new B30 in-line six cylinder engine displacing 3.0 liters. The 164 was the first six-cylinder Volvo and its first upscale offering. 

With a three-car lineup in place, Volvo was set to advance their models to meet new safety and emissions regulations in the USA and beyond. In 1972, Bosch fuel injection was added to the four and six cylinder engines. Bumpers were extended for the 1973 model year. Trims were added to the 140 series with L and GL designating equipment levels available for each one. 

At the end of the 1974 model year, the 140 series was replaced by the 240 series, while the 164 lasted another model year before transitioning to the 264. 

The 140 and 164 advanced Volvo further in this country. It gained a huge following by being straightforward in design, advanced in safety and practical beyond customer expectation. Every year these two models sold, Volvo sales increased with consecutive record sales years in America. They were very popular in many places - in particular with the 164 opening up a new market among luxury car buyers. 

With these two models, Volvo continued to work on advancing vehicle and occupant safety. It would see the first major results with the introduction of the next line of cars. 

If you have a classic Volvo and want to keep it going for the long run, contact Volvo of Richmond below to find out about parts and service!

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