5 lesser-known facts about the Volvo 164, a 140-based saloon combination of prestige and compact size that the Swedish automaker was absolutely certain would be needed by motorists, especially in the US market.
1. 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, this became a forerunner of the ambulances that would later be created on the basis of the Volvo 265.
2. 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. The workers were able to take turns to supervise, and job rotation around the various production tasks was possible.
3. The prototype for the Volvo 262C luxury coupe, built in Italy, was based on a 164. Coachbuilder Coggiola converted it to a two-door coupe that looked more or less the same as the production model. One major difference was the way in which the prototype kept its 164 front.
4. The 6-cylinder B30 engine from the Volvo 164 was also used in a number of Volvo’s military off-road vehicles. A marine version of the B30 engine, with three carburettors, was also produced by Volvo Penta.
5. Italian coachbuilder Zagato adorned its stand at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show with the 3000 GTZ sports coupe. This had the B30 engine under the bonnet and was based mechanically on the 164. The only prototype ever built is rumoured to still exist today.
