Volvo 300 series

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Purchasing classics there

On 19 February 1976, the last result of the partnership between DAF and Volvo will be presented in Gothenburg. The car is being developed under the project name "DAF 77" and comes on the market as a Volvo 343. In March the public will meet him at the Geneva Salon and the new Volvo will be produced in our own Born factory. It will be built - in various capacities - 15 years.

The Volvo 343, as it was born 40 years ago. Image: Volvo
The Volvo 343, as it saw the light of day. Image: Volvo

Within the new model, unmistakable DAF roots are visible. There are similarities especially in technical terms, because the debut version of the Volvo 343 is only available with the variable Variomatic transmission, which is coupled to the 1.397 cc engine from Renault. The Volvo is well received by the press, which by the way have reservations about the high price and -later- consumption. Typical features of the 343 are the large glass surface, the hatchback shape with the protruding rear and practical gadgets such as the inward-tilting front seats, which make it easy for rear passengers to get in easily. The automatic transmission placed at the rear of the car was combined with a De Dion axle in a trans-axle construction. It ensures satisfactory handling. Yet the Volvo 343 had initial problems. The drive belts of the Variomatic were subject to wear due to the high wagon weight. Later modifications were applied and more happened in the field of transmission.

The five-door version came on the market in 1979 and made the delivery program of the "300 series" more varied. Image: Volvo
The five-door version came on the market in 1979 and made the delivery program of the "300 series" more varied. Image: Volvo

Introduction of manual gearbox and five-door version
At the end of 1978, a manual four-speed gearbox was also made available to the buyer. This provided a sales incentive for the Volvo 343, which welcomed a five-door brother in 1979: the 345. At the same time, a first facelift was implemented. In the meantime, the model range - which started with the DL - was expanded with a reduced L and a more luxuriously equipped GL version. In 1980, Volvo launched the 2 liter B19 engine. The models equipped with this power source were called DLS and GLS, and were recognizable by, among other things, front bumpers running all the way to the wheel arches. In 1981 a first really big change took place. The 343 / 345 series was given a new, tighter front, with headlights and grille forming a whole. The two liter 340 was only available in combination with a manual gearbox. Speaking of manual transmissions: the five-speed gearbox is available as an option in 1982.

New type designation
A major change is taking place in 1983. Volvo is switching to a new model designation. The 343 and 345 with 1.4 engine are now called 340, while the type designation “360” is reserved for the 2 liter series. The necessary changes are also taking place in the interior. Important news is the arrival of the sedan versions in 1983, which responds to the growing popularity of the compact sedans. The equipment range is now being expanded and is called the top versions GLT and GLE, equipped with the B19 E engine with LE-Jetronic injection from Bosch. In the meantime, the 1.6 diesel has also made its appearance.

A top version. The 360 GLT - here in sedantrim - coupled luxury with performance and had the fine B200 engine at its disposal. Image: Volvo
Top version. The 360 GLT - here in sedantrim - coupled luxury with performance and had the fine B200 engine at its disposal. Image: Volvo

Modifications
Various modifications are made for model year 1985. The 340 will be available with a 1721 cc carburetor engine from Renault. The B19 E engine clears the field for the environmentally conscious B 200 K and B200 E engines. The Volvo 340 gets new engine mounts, a new exhaust system, improved insulation and more effective draft and seal rubbers. The equipment standard is becoming increasingly luxurious, depending on the type and version. For 1986, all models within the 300 series are once again updated, improved and adapted. In the hatchback versions, the tailgate with the larger glued rear window stands out in particular. Volvo is also taking steps in the field of emission reduction, by, among other things, applying the catalytic converter and lambda probe technology to the B 200 power source. From 1987 the road has been taken back. And when the Volvo 440 makes its appearance, the end is near. The 360 ​​will be built until 1989. The 340 will last until 1991. “Project code 77” appears to have been a bull's eye. The 340, including the 343 and 345 models, is built 1.284.206 times. The 360 ​​leaves the band 176.023 times.

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19 comments

  1. After 24 years of driving, several Porsche's 911, Jaguars, Chevy Van's and Pick-ups, I bought a 343 Volvo 1979 with 72.000 km to bridge the gap. I have been crazy about it ever since, so I bought another one (343 from 1978 with 36.000 km), and one more (345 from 1981 with 55.000 km) and regularly check the internet for a fourth, fifth or maybe even more. Why? Dutch pride, it is no longer made that good these days.

  2. My parents bought a young used 343 DL egg yolk yellow with brown interior. I thought it was a nice car, after the DAFs we have had. Started with Dafodil, Daf 55, Daf 66, Volvo 66 and then the 343.
    My father wanted to drive an automatic transmission and then the choice was not so wide in the smaller segment. I once had a Volvo 66 myself as an emergency car and was amazed at the enormously high consumption, while always driving very economically. the same as the Volvo 240, so the choice was not difficult. I have now switched to the classics of German origin, especially Mercedes. This is fine, but there are many nice classics from various brands. But you can not have everything. by the way, stopped counting for 70 cars.

    • I have that yellow 343 with brown upholstery Marcel, built in '81. Also a blue 343 year of manufacture 1979 and a blue 343 year of construction 1978. All variomates and very few kilometers driven, therefore seemed a good investment to me. You are welcome to drive in it once to reminisce about good memories. http://www.molenheerdt.nl

  3. I think that if DAF had already switched to automatic or manual transmission with eg type 44
    DAF still existed as a car manufacturer because the so-called bitch tedder ultimately meant their rise and fall.

  4. I have had almost all types from the first 434 automatic up to and including the 2 liter switch. Very nice but often (especially in the Netherlands) underestimated car. Driven almost 450.000 km and then sold to a colleague who drove it for a few more years. The 2 liter was super strong and indestructible.

  5. I have worked at NedCar for 27 years, the first 343 made in different versions, from L ,, DL GL, GLS, and even a 340 Van with 4 doors but no rear seat. I myself had 2 340 from 1982 and 1987, the last 10 years without any problems, I could still tinker yourself a lot, I was a member of the VOLVO 300 Club myself.

  6. I owned a 343 DL with 1400 gasoline, and I think that engine came from Renault. Then I switched to a 360 GLS sedan, wonderful car but did indeed want a sip. But still switched to a 360GLT sedan, the sporty version. Also a class car once driven more than 200. After many wanderings since 2016, a Volvo club member again, an S40 2.4i, wonderful car a bit more sporty and also likes a good sip.

  7. William:
    The RP drove the 340 with the Renault petrol engine for a while, but probably more (later) with a diesel engine. Not exactly successful numbers, in pursuit ...

    In 1986 I bought the 360 ​​with the Swedish injection engine. Apparently due to the higher engine weight, the front wheel bearings were repeatedly worn out. And with faster cornering also front tires ... But it drove excellent, and motorally problem-free, about 240.000 km in my period of use. Pretty worthless was rust, already within 2 years, in sheet metal overlap of the rear door opening. Guarantee but: according to a Volvo inspector “poorly polished”.
    So my next became a Swede: the 940. Ideal car, even in later years with LPi.

  8. I own an unspoiled 345GL with 1700 cc engine and 5 speed gearbox, year 1987 and now 102560 km on the clock.
    I bought this from 2nd owner
    same family, so actually first owner. So transcribed once.
    This car drives super tight and is certainly currently undervalued Classic. 😉👍 Go give it some TLC and drive it soon. Frank.

  9. Good evening.
    I must confess that they are technically indestructible cars. Comes in 1991 Citroën with the ZX series. I did the math and bought my 1st new car. After 300.000+ km exchanged for the same type with extras. Then ZX-3.
    CURRENTLY I drive Citroën Xsara Picasso and Skoda superb. One has to go with times and
    stay mobile.

  10. This article brings back fond memories for me. At the end of 1982 I was able to work at Volvo NL in Beesd to set up Volvo Leasing in a separate unit, Carned Leasing BV The first time of my work I drove a Volvo 360 that also had a strong (Swedish) tuning undergo. Very nice to drive, fast and with excellent handling. A big customer of Volvo Leasing at that time was Hoogenboom security, who drove around with a whole fleet of 340s with the same appearance as many police cars. In serious police and surveillance activities, the Volvos were of course (just like other brands) a lot more expensive to maintain, especially tire costs soared.

  11. I have a 360 GLS from 1983. A wonderful car that drinks like a Templar.
    What I miss in this story is the National Police! For what type of reason? and in what years?

  12. I got a 343 1982 just before it turned 340.
    Indestructible car with a wonderful variomatic.
    Grandma car that accelerates faster than a 2-stroke scooter.

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