The Volvo 200 series is a revered car. If you ask anyone over the age of 30 about these cars, I'm sure 9 out of 10 of the people you ask have a story to tell about an old Volvo. The Volvo 240 was produced for almost 20 years, from 1974 to 1993, being phased out by the Volvo 940. During its production run, Volvo made over 2 million units, making it Volvo's first "million model seller." The 240 also outsold and eventually outlived its successor, the Volvo 700 series, which ended production around 1992. 

The 200 series was a success because it was safe, reliable, and easy to work on. The Volvo B-Series "Red Block" engine was next to indestructible, and the car was engineered to withstand almost anything. Because Volvo produced over 2 million examples of the 200 series, parts were plentiful and its simple construction made it an easy car to repair. 

During the production run of the 240, several trim options were available, as well as body styles. The most popular was the sedan, but there was also an estate and a coupe available. The coupe was produced until 1984, but the estate remained in production alongside the sedan until 1993. For trim options, there was the DL, GL, GLE, Diesel, and Turbo, which is where our story takes off, pun intended.

Josh is fond of Volvo turbos. In addition to this 240, he also has a 760 Turbo and a 940 Turbo. However, the driving experience is noticeably different from the more modern Volvos he owns. 

The driving experience of the 240 Turbo provides an old school turbo feel, something a modern turbocharged sports sedan can't replicate. Most turbocharged cars today have the boost immediately kick in when you put your foot on the accelerator. In contrast, when driving the 240 Turbo, the car accelerates, then all of a sudden, around 3000 RPM, 15 pounds of boost comes in and it shoots like a rocket.

"The Turbo is much faster than a typical 240," said Josh, "The 240 is much faster with a manual, they’re more sporty, and when you throw that turbo in there, it just goes like hell. My son suspects it's boosted up higher than normal, I’m not sure though."

According to Josh, it does not handle as tightly as an E28 or an E30 BMW in its stock form. With the addition of aftermarket IPD sway bars, it handles much better. Those are the only modifications Josh has done to the car since ownership. If it were up to him, he'd change a few small things, but he doesn’t want to sacrifice the ride. It’s a nice sized car, it holds a lot of stuff, it’s my go to car, and I just really enjoy it. 

Stepping inside the car, a fully loaded Volvo 240 interior greets the driver. Most notably, the gauge cluster is much different from a typical 240.  The radio, which is normally located on the top of the dash, is now located at the bottom.  In the place of the top mounted radio are now special gauges, which include the boost gauge, a separate oil pressure and separate voltmeter, and an exterior temperature gauge. According to Josh, the temperature gauge is pretty accurate, but below 30 degrees, a little red light comes on. 

Speaking of radios, the radio to this car is original, and functions. There are also period correct Jensen speakers. The wood trim was installed from another car, and Josh plans to refinish it in a darker tone. 

Currently, the car sits at 290,330 miles, and Josh is waiting to see that 2 roll to a 3. 

Josh Lyons is the proud owner of this '85 Volvo 244.  He has owned Volvos since the late ‘70s. Notable models he's owned include an ‘85 wagon with a 5 speed and 215k miles on it, which was bought around 25 years ago. The car still had the original clutch installed. He's had had several 240s, and, aside from this '85 Turbo, currently owns a 760 Turbo and a 940 Turbo wagon.

Josh's brother is also a Swedish car fanatic. His brother had a Saab 95, which he then traded for a BMW 2002, but then he went back to the 95 wagon. Also, his friend had a series of 900 convertibles, which he loved.