← Back to 100 Cars Directory
Article Header Advertisement
Volvo 240 / 242 Turbo
#48 • Sweden • 1974 - 1993 • Classic Icon

Volvo 240 / 242 Turbo

The Indestructible Swedish Safety Brick

The Volvo 240 / 242 Turbo is globally revered as a definitive milestone in automotive history. Featuring a 2.1L - 2.3L 'Redblock' Turbocharged I4 delivering 115 - 155 HP, it achieved an illustrious legacy of the indestructible swedish safety brick.

Technical Specifications

In-Article Sponsored Ad

Key Highlights

  • Established Volvo's gold-standard global reputation for automotive safety
  • Legendary 'Flying Brick' 242 Turbo won the European Touring Car Championship in 1985
  • Known to reliably surpass 500,000 to 1,000,000 km in everyday driving

Development History & Cultural Legacy

The development of the Volvo 240 / 242 Turbo (1974 - 1993) represents a watershed moment for Volvo and the automotive industry. Engineered in Sweden during the 1970s-1980s, this machine pushed the boundaries of speed, styling, and engineering. Its 2.1L - 2.3L 'Redblock' Turbocharged I4 paired with a 4-speed manual with Overdrive allowed it to reach 175 - 190 km/h with breathtaking acceleration (8.9s 0-100 km/h). Over the decades, it won countless accolades, inspired generations of drivers, and permanently cemented its reputation as a world-renowned icon.

← #47 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 #49 Ford F-150 / F-Series →