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Volvo 144 De Luxe B20 — 1974

A classic 50-year-old and a safety icon from the colorful 1970s.

Tore Thallaug
Inspector
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Rebecca R Bengtsson
Case manager
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"A charming vehicle in the classic color combination from 1974, the year when the sturdier bumpers made their debut. It was also the last year for the 140 series. However, even here, we could see a hint of the upcoming 240 series. This vehicle is largely in its original condition and runs well, but there are some details that need attention."

COUNTDOWN
CURRENT BID
ENDED
35 000SEK
LOT NUMBER
LOCATION
17414
BOTKYRKA
RESERVE PRICE
Reached
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Tore Thallaug
Inspector
Send message
Rebecca R Bengtsson
Case manager
Send message

"A charming vehicle in the classic color combination from 1974, the year when the sturdier bumpers made their debut. It was also the last year for the 140 series. However, even here, we could see a hint of the upcoming 240 series. This vehicle is largely in its original condition and runs well, but there are some details that need attention."

Description

This vehicle was registered for road use in September 1974 and, according to records, has had six registered owners. The current owner acquired the car in May 1999 and has therefore owned it for half of its lifespan. He has renovated the brakes all around, including pads, discs, calipers, and brake lines. The carburetor has also been refurbished. The exhaust system has been replaced, and it has widened original wheels with newer tires all around. Various documents, such as receipts and older inspection reports, are included with the car. The exact mileage is somewhat uncertain since the instrument cluster has been replaced, but it is estimated to be around 140,000 kilometers. The car is ready to drive.

Technical data

  • Year
    1974/1974 
  • Registration date
    1974-09-03 
  • Mileage
    109,784 km 
  • Kw / hp
    60 / 82 
  • Fuel Type
    Petrol 
  • Transmission
    Automatic 
  • Interior finish
    Textile 
  • Colour
    Orange 

Condition

  • Mechanical condition:

    The car starts easily and ran smoothly in both the engine and drivetrain. The automatic transmission worked well, with the kickdown responding nicely. Steering and brakes also functioned properly. The driving experience and test drive felt calm and relatively stable. The car has not been inspected on a lift, but the vital parts appeared to be in good condition, with no remarks from the vehicle inspection. However, there are areas on the lower edges, sills, and wheel arch edges that should be reviewed.

  • Interior condition:

    The interior is in good condition with normal wear for a 50-year-old vehicle. The door panels, trim, headliner, and carpets are in good shape. The seats and rear bench have minor damage. The instrument cluster, controls, and electrical functions appeared to work as intended. There is a crack in the dashboard and steering wheel. It is equipped with an original tachometer. A newer stereo and speakers are installed throughout. During the test drive, we forgot the panel, but it was installed when we got home, and it worked fine.

  • Exterior condition:

    The body has a paint job that shows signs of wear and repairs, with some early "rust blooms," but it still maintains a decent overall appearance. The car has widened rims with good tires. The engine and trunk compartments are in original condition with normal wear and tear.

  • General condition:

    The 1974 Volvo 144 is a special vehicle, representing a time when Volvo continued to advance its safety innovations. This car features the distinctive color combination that many associate with the 1974 model year. Now, having reached its 50-year milestone, it deserves recognition and celebration. Mechanically, it appears to be in good working order, though there are some details that need attention, allowing the new owner to decide on the level of restoration. It's a Swedish classic and a car of significant historical interest from multiple perspectives.

MOT (tech. insp.)

Fordonsstatus: Itrafik 2022-07-11
Ursprungsbesiktning: 1974-06-13 (typbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 1974-09-03
Senast godkända besiktning: 2023-07-12
Besiktningsbefriad: Ja
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 6

Facts about the model

When Volvo launched the 140 series in the fall of 1966, marking the 1967 model year, it signaled the beginning of a new era for the company from Hisingen. Previous vehicles from the Gothenburg-based automaker were inspired by American car design, with the Amazon and P1800 drawing influences from Italy. But now, Volvo adopted a more austere and relatively angular design that could be seen as reflecting a modern Scandinavian expression.

Work on Project P660, which later became the 1400 series and ultimately the 140 model, began as early as June 1960. Early in the process, Volvo decided on two-, four-, and five-door versions. Led by Jan Wilsgaard, the design team created a long-lasting and timeless design that endured from 1966 until 1993, when the 240 model was finally taken out of production.

From the outset, Volvo demonstrated its commitment to safety, taking the lead in this area. When the model was launched, it featured innovations such as a dual-circuit braking system, disc brakes on all wheels, a split collapsible steering column that, in the event of a crash, would break away instead of being forced toward the driver. The windshield was made of laminated glass, which was elastic. The car's passengers were surrounded by a "safety cage" of box beams, with crumple zones at the front and rear. The doors had safety locks, the rearview mirror was spring-loaded, and the seats were cleverly designed to reduce injuries like whiplash.

In the past, safety features—especially in the U.S.—were often seen as a sign that a car was inherently unsafe. However, this perception began to change worldwide, and Volvo emerged as the leader in automotive safety.

Initially, the traditional B18 engine powered the car, but the B20 engine soon followed. Over the years, the 140 series saw various updates and special versions, ranging from luxurious GT models to a five-door wagon with a raised roof called the Express, which offered better cargo capacity and replaced the aging workhorse, the Volvo Duett.

For the 1974 model year, the introduction of the robust, and somewhat controversial, large bumpers strengthened Volvo's reputation as the world's safest car. This version was only produced for nine months (before the 240 model began production in June 1974) and is appreciated for its angular yet sleek 140 body while also appearing durable and strong with its heavy bumpers. This was also the year when the vent windows disappeared, new side mirrors were introduced, the fuel tank was placed more safely, headlight wipers were added, and H4 lamps became standard. Inside, the car featured an electrically heated driver's seat and even safer, more comfortable seats. The B20E engine was equipped with Bosch's K-Jetronic fuel injection system.

Thus, when the 140 model was retired, it did so with distinction. As the saying goes, a car model is never better than when it’s taken out of production. The 140 series was manufactured in Sweden, Belgium, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, and South Africa, earning it the title of a "world car." Over 1.2 million units were produced between 1966 and 1974.

Location and viewing Information

Location: Botkyrka

For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:

Tore Thallaug
+46 705 90 23 65
tore@bilwebauctions.se

Pick up

Collection must take place before: 2024-09-05.

NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.

Auction information

General information about the condition of the vehicles .
  • At this auction, many vehicles have been included in car collections and have been stored (mothballed) for a long time. For this reason, they are described from a collector's perspective and may need technical reviews and maintenance service - oil, battery replacement, new tires, brake review, etc. - before they can be used. .
  • During the auction days information about a vehicle may be updated up to the day before the auction ends. When you bid at the end of the auction period - and also if you have made an earlier bid - we therefore ask you to read the descriptions carefully, in case something has been changed due to new information.
Important to know before placing your bids!
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  • When you need to retrieve a called in object we want you to examine it carefully. If you consider that the item does not match our description you do not need to complete the purchase. In this case the deposited purchase sum and the entry fee are refunded.
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