Volvo 164 (1969-1976)

Taking on the Germans and British with a straight-six and a stately grille

- Peter Palm

Model: Volvo 164 0-100 km/h: 10,5 seconds Top speed: 170 km/h Fuel index: 15,8 L/100 km Price: R5 495 CAR test: April 1970 (two others from 1973 to 1975)

After the Second World War, most survivors had to pick up the pieces, rebuild and slowly pull themselves out of poverty.

This meant transport had to be highly affordable, leading to smaller cars with smaller, fourcylinder engines. After some years, the straight-sixes began to reappear as luxurious alternatives to small inline-fours.

PACKAGING

The 164 looks much larger than the 144, but is just 76 mm longer, mainly in the wheelbase. This impression is possibly owing to the large, square grille and quad headlamps. These impart a distinct Jaguar- or Rover-esque appearance that does wonders for the impression of luxury. A conventional four-door, threebox design provides the basis for a family sedan with a large boot of 680 litres.

Safety has always been a Volvo priority, but this was still an era before airbags, ABS or even rear seat belts. The 164's instrumentation was lifted from the 144 and used a rather inaccurate ribbon speedometer. This was soon changed to more conventional sweep needles in squared-off dials. This switch from circular to rectangular and back was seen in a number of marques, from Valiants and Rovers to Alfas.

POWERTRAIN