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Introduction
The Volvo 164, a 4-door, 6-cylinder luxury sedan, was unveiled by Volvo at the Paris Motor Show in early October 1968 and first sold as a 1969 model. This car marked a significant step for Volvo into the luxury sedan market, aiming to offer a more exclusive and powerful vehicle compared to their existing models. The 164 was part of a new breed of Volvos, featuring a grille modeled on British classics and a 3.0-liter, in-line, 6-cylinder engine developed from the 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine used in other Volvo models. Despite some handling issues such as understeering “like a pig at the first hint of a corner,” the 164 has been remembered fondly by many enthusiasts and has a dedicated following today.
Historical Context and Development
In 1968, while the world was in a state of upheaval, Volvo in Gothenburg, Sweden, was focused on launching the new prestige model, the 164. The idea of designing a larger, more exclusive model had been on Volvo’s mind for a long time. In the late 1950s, plans were made for a big luxurious Volvo with a V8 engine and a powerful, vertical grille. However, this project was abandoned in 1960 when a survey indicated that compact cars were the future, especially in the US.
Design and Chassis
The launch of the 140 series in 1966 gave rise to the idea of placing a straight-six engine in the 140 bodies. This would allow Volvo to create a combination of prestige and compact size that they believed people needed. Chief Designer Jan Wilsgaard kept the chassis of the 140 series and used the front from the 1950s 358 projects. The iron mark logo once again took on a prominent position, placed on the diagonal in the same way as on the first Volvo back in 1927—similar to what we see on today’s models.
Engine and Performance
The 140 chassis was extended by 10 cm from the windscreen forward to make space for the newly developed straight-six engine, designated B30. This 3-liter engine developed 145 hp thanks to twin Zenith-Stromberg carburetors. The press release from August 1968 proudly declared that the German ZF gearbox was of a “remote control” type, which meant that the relatively short gear lever was positioned on the transmission tunnel adjacent to the front seats.
Interior and Features
The fittings in the Volvo 164 were considerably more lavish than in the 140 series. The interior featured thick woolen fabric on the seats, textile floor mats, and a rear seat designed for two people with a drop-down armrest in the center. After the first year of production, the 164 was given leather upholstery as standard, integrated halogen-type auxiliary lamps, and headrests. In the US, it was offered with electric windows, an electric sunroof, air conditioning, and tinted windows.
Market Reception and Target Audience
When US magazine Car and Driver tested the Volvo 164 in its July 1969 issue, it described the kind of people who were expected to buy the new Volvo: “The Volvo people are looking to steal buyers from Buick, Oldsmobile, and Mercedes showrooms, and they are doing just that. Volvo’s new customers are professional types—doctors, lawyers, dentists… people who can afford something different.” An American ad for the 164 from Volvo was linked with the same theme: “The Luxury Car That Shows You Have More Than Money.”
Continuous Development and Successor
The Volvo 164 underwent continuous development throughout its life. For instance, electronic fuel injection was added as of the model year 1972. The last model year was in 1975, and all the cars built in that year were exported to the US. By then, the car‘s successor, the 264, had already gone into production.
Interesting Facts about the Volvo 164
- Only one Volvo 164 was turned into an ambulance. Volvo’s special vehicles division had a prototype built that was significantly taller and had an extended wheelbase. Although only one of these vehicles was ever built, it became a forerunner of the ambulances that would later be created on the basis of the Volvo 265.
- Volvo 164 production was relocated to Kalmar in 1974. The methods used at the new Volvo plant were very modern for the era. The cars were moved on battery-operated trolleys controlled by loops in the floor. Teams of workers assembled the cars, allowing for job rotation around various production tasks.
- The prototype for the Volvo 262C luxury coupé, built in Italy, was based on a 164. Coachbuilder Coggiola converted it to a two-door coupé that looked more or less the same as the production model. One major difference was that the prototype kept its 164 front.
- The six-cylinder B30 engine from the Volvo 164 was also used in a number of Volvo’s military offroad vehicles. A marine version of the B30 engine, with three carburetors, was also produced by Volvo Penta.
- Italian coachbuilder Zagato adorned its stand at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show with the 3000 GTZ sports coupé. This had the B30 engine under the bonnet and was based mechanically on the 164. The only prototype ever built is rumored to still exist today.
Conclusion
The Volvo 164 was a significant model for Volvo, marking their entry into the luxury sedan market. With its unique design, powerful straight-six engine, and luxurious interior, it appealed to a professional and affluent clientele. Despite some handling issues, the 164 has left a lasting legacy and is remembered as a milestone in Volvo’s history. The continuous development of the model until its replacement by the 264 in 1975 underscores its importance in Volvo’s lineup during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Key Takeaways
- The Volvo 164 was a 4-door, 6-cylinder luxury sedan unveiled in 1968 and first sold as a 1969 model.
- The car was designed to offer a combination of prestige and compact size, targeting a professional and affluent clientele.
- Continuous development included the addition of features such as electronic fuel injection in 1972.
- The Volvo 164 was succeeded by the 264 in 1975.
- Interesting facts include a single ambulance prototype, a modern production facility in Kalmar, and a prototype for the Volvo 262C based on the 164.
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