The VOLVO 240 was very popular and VOLVO sold millions of them on a period of 19 years, from 1975 to 1993. If you think it looks rather retro you are right; the 240 body style is an evolution of the Volvo 140 Series introduced in 1967 and some parts like the windshield is the same from 1967 to 1993 ! See also the Volvo 164 Series

The VOLVO 240 was available in 2 door, 4 door and station wagon chassis style. You will also find them in different trim and performance levels, from the basic DL to the performant Turbo version. Each version is explained in the tables below.

A lot of 240s are still registered and used daily today. Given its current popularity and inherent qualities it is certain to become a great classic, much like the Volks Beetle and VOLVO 1800.

See also the VOLVO 260 model which uses the same body but a V6 engine.

VOLVO 240 DL
1975-1993

In the USA and Canada the DL (De Luxe) model is the base trim and performance level, with cloth or vinyl interior, no power windows, black front grill, steel wheels. The differences between DL and GL models varied during the years. The luxury features of the 260 model were first adopted on the 240 GL, then they were included in the base DL model. After 1986 few differences remained between the DL and GL models.

In the USA the DL and GL have the same performance and share the same engine and suspension. The differences between DL and GL being mostly luxury and comfort. In Canada the DL came with carburetor engines for some years while the GL had the fuel injection.

VOLVO 240 DL ENGINES
USA

VOLVO 240 DL ENGINES
CANADA

VOLVO 240 GL
1975-1993

In the USA and Canada the GL (Grand Luxe) identifies cars with the more luxurious trim level like power windows, velour or leather interior, all chrome front grill, 14" mag wheels, front spoiler, more chrome around the windows, bumpers and wheel arches. See the 240 DL description for more comparison.

In the USA the DL and GL have the same performance and share the same engine and suspension. The differences between DL and GL being mostly luxury and comfort. In Canada the DL came with carburetor engines for some years while the GL had the fuel injection.

VOLVO 240 GL ENGINES
USA

VOLVO 240 GL ENGINES
CANADA

VOLVO 240 GT
1978-1980

Grand Touring Identifies cars with the sport trim level produced from 1978 to 1980. Only 2 door models were produced and were named 242 GT. Among the special features are: flat hood, special front grill with built in fog lights, bigger anti sway bars, 15" mag wheels, red line on interior panels and seats. Despite its GT name it has the same B21F engine has the base DL model.

VOLVO 240 TURBO
1981-1985

Identifies cars with the B21FT Turbo engine, produced from 1981 to 1985. Trims are the same as the GLT. See GLT model below.

VOLVO 240 DIESEL
1981-1985

The VOLVO 240 Diesel came with the D24 Diesel engine produced by Volkswagen. The D24 engine is a 6 cylinder inline, 2.4 liter. Note that 260 Diesel's where also produced. Aside from the engine the car is the same as a 240 GL.

VOLVO 240 GLT
1981-1982 (USA)
1981-1983 (Canada)

Grand Luxe Touring Identifies cars with the sport trim level produced from 1981 to 1983. Some GLT's have the turbo engine, but not all of them. Among the special features are bigger anti sway bars, 15" mags wheel, small diameter steering wheel, accessory gauges, power mirrors, all black trims on doors and inside roof. They also have most of the accessory of the GL like power windows. Note that in the USA the non Turbo GLT have the same engine B21F has the DL and GL. In Canada the GLT came with the more powerfulB23E used also on the GL at that time.

VOLVO 240 Classic
1993

VOLVO put a Classic emblem on some 1993 cars to remember the last production batch. Each car is identified inside with a decorative serial number. They are well equipped, including ABS brakes, air bag, power windows and more. Aside from cosmetic, the 240 Classic is the same as any 1992 and 1993 240, and use the same B230F engine.