The Volvo 740 estate car. a real Volvo

That was, from 1984, a pretty big car. A very real Volvo. With the drive via the rear wheels. As it should. The Volvo 740s were famous as sedans and as 'estate' world famous for their cargo space. Volvo 740 estates have even been delivered as a body coach for the famous 'last ride'.

An impressive car

Such a Volvo was reliably spacious and comfortable, fast and safe, reasonably efficient and - certainly not the last - an investment on which very little had to be written off. And that shows every day. Because even today, such a Swede still has a commercial value with 400.000 km on the clock. With the 16 valve versions it is important to keep an eye on the interval to replace the toothed belt.

The Volvo 740 was intended as the successor to the 240 series

Competitors of the Volvo 740 are the Opel Omega, the Mercedes 200 series and the Saab 900 and Saab 9000.

But the start of the new generation was a bit cautious at first. At the same time, the Volvo 240 continued to perform unexpectedly well. The manufacturer therefore chose to continue to produce both models. In the end, the Volvo 240 remained in production for even a year longer than its successor, the Volvo 740. The Volvo 740 itself was succeeded by the Volvo 1990 from 940 onwards.

In the beginning

During its presentation in 1984, the Volvo was already a stately appearance. A sharply drawn car, without the rounded lines that were already used by the competition during its introduction. A car with the baselines such as a toddler who was not overly blessed with drawing talent would draw. And that tight simplicity suited him very well. A steadily growing number of buyers found that too. The Volvo also had the outside dimensions that reminded many Europeans of the comfort and size of 'an American'. Only the interior, the Swedes had dealt with it much more effectively than the Americans ever did. And the seats and rear seats were better than they'd ever been in an American car.

Large on the outside, spacious on the inside

The driver was behind a rather small steering wheel for such a large car, which in turn was behind a tight, well-arranged and clear instrument panel. All controls were placed logically and ergonomically. And the heater? It was completely geared to Scandinavian winters. A newly baked Volvo 740 owner did not have to work through a telephone book thick manual. He got in and drove away.

Clarity trump

Because everything in the Volvo was crystal clear and self-explanatory. And after that every ride was a nice ride. The tranquility in the interior. The quiet smoothness of the engine. This was another Volvo from the time that all Volvo drivers were quiet, relaxed and above all civilized people. People who may be quick, but always respectful, despite the fact that their own safety was largely guaranteed by Volvo's in-house safety structures. The basic model was simply called '740' and was available as a sedan and estate car, as an 'estate'.

And in the meantime? In the meantime, the Volvo 740 has become a sought after classic. And an 740 with 4 tons on the counter? That is pretty much the cheapest way to drive a classic car.