Volvo 164 (1968-75)
Production Total: 146,008
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Price New: In 1968, the new price of a Volvo 164 in the UK was approximately **£2,000**. The new price of a Volvo 164 in 1968 was approximately **£1,500**. Adjusted for inflation to 2025, this would roughly equate to **£25,000**.
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Rivals: In 1968, the main rivals of the Volvo 164 and their approximate prices in the UK were:
### BMW 1602 - **Price**: Around £1,300
### Ford Cortina Mk2 - **Price**: Around £900
### Vauxhall Victor FD - **Price**: Around £1,000
These prices reflect the competitive landscape of the compact executive car segment during that time.
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Recorded in UK 2025 As of 2025, there isn't a specific record of the exact number of Volvo 164 (1968-1975) cars still on the road in the UK. However, they are considered rare and are often cherished by enthusiasts and collectors. You might find more detailed information through Volvo owners' clubs or classic car registries, such as the [Volvo Owners Club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_164) or [Volvo Enthusiasts Club](https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/history/164_stats_search.shtml).
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Road Tax: In 1968, the road tax in the UK was based on the engine size of the vehicle. For a Volvo 164, which had an engine size over 1,549 cc, the annual road tax was approximately **£25**.
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Petrol: In 1968, the cost of four-star petrol in the UK was approximately **74 pence per gallon**, which is roughly **16.3 pence per litre** - Citroen HY Online](https://www.citroenhyonline.co.uk/resources/AA%20Petrol_Prices_1896_2012_gallons.pdf).
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Insurance: The average cost of insurance for a Volvo 164 in the UK in 1968 isn't readily available. However, insurance costs for classic cars like the Volvo 164 can vary significantly based on factors such as the driver's age, location, driving history, and the car's condition. For more accurate and specific information, you might want to reach out to classic car insurance providers like [Peter Best Insurance](https://www.peterbestinsurance.co.uk/classic-car-clubs/volvo-owners-club-insurance/) or [Lancaster Insurance](https://www.lancasterinsurance.co.uk/insurance/classic-volvo/), or check with Volvo owners' clubs for historical data.
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1968/COST OF LIVING UK In 1968, the average annual salary in the UK was approximately **£1,144** for male manual workers and **£572** for female manual workers. Adjusting for inflation, the average annual salary in the UK in 1968 would be approximately **£30,000 to £35,000** in 2025 terms.
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In 1968, the average price of a house in the UK was around **£3,996**. Adjusting for inflation, this would be approximately **£54,000 to £60,000** in today's terms.
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In 1968, the average price of a new car in the UK was around **£809**. Adjusting for inflation, this would be approximately **£11,000 to £12,000** in today's terms.
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In 1968, the average price of a loaf of bread in the UK was around **11½d** (approximately **£1.50 to £2** in today's terms).
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In 1968, the average price per mile for a bus journey in the UK was approximately 1.25 old pence (pre-decimal currency). This figure is based on historical transport cost data from that period, which reflects the relatively low cost of public transportation at the time due to government subsidies and lower operational costs compared to modern standards. To adjust for inflation, we can use the average inflation rate between 1968 and 2025. The average annual inflation rate over this period is approximately **5.21%**. Using this rate, **£1.25 in 1968 would be equivalent to around £22.50 in 2025**.
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The average price per mile for a taxi journey in the UK in 1968 was approximately £1 (one pound). Using the average annual inflation rate of **5.21%** between 1968 and 2025, **£1 in 1968 would be equivalent to approximately £17.72 in 2025**.
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In 1968, the average price per mile for a railway journey in the UK was around **1 penny per mile** (approximately **£0.03 to £0.04** in today's terms).
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In 1968, there were approximately **6.5 million vehicles** on UK roads. This included a mix of private cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles.
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COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
The Volvo 164, while a robust and reliable car, did have some common faults that owners might encounter:
1. **Fuel Injection Issues**: For models with fuel injection, fuel not getting through was a common problem. This was often caused by the fuel pump fuse becoming corroded.
2. **Power Steering**: Early models without power steering could be quite challenging to maneuver, especially in tight spaces.
3. **Rust**: Like many cars from that era, rust could be an issue, particularly in the wheel arches and underbody.
4. **Electrical Problems**: Some owners reported issues with the electrical system, including problems with the alternator and wiring. Despite these faults, the Volvo 164 was known for its smooth six-cylinder power and comfortable ride.
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Generations/Trim Levels
Please Note: Generations and Trim Levels Across Countries Generations and trim levels of vehicles often vary between countries as manufacturers tailor models to meet the preferences and requirements of specific markets. For example, a trim level designated as “GL” in the UK might be labelled as “XS” in another country. Due to these regional differences, the information provided on this site pertains exclusively to UK-specific products.
The Volvo 164 was produced in a single generation from 1968 to 1975. During its production run, it underwent several updates and facelifts, but it remained within the same generation. **
Trim Levels The Volvo 164, produced between 1968 and 1975, had several trim levels and variations over its production run:
1. **Base Model**: Initially, the 164 came with a 3.0-litre, in-line, 6-cylinder engine with two carburettors.
2. **Fuel Injection Models**: In 1972, Volvo introduced fuel injection with the B30E (high compression) and B30F (low compression) engines.
3. **TE Model**: The top-of-the-range TE model featured leather seats, air conditioning, and power steering. These trim levels offered a range of features and performance options, catering to different preferences and needs.
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Engines
The Volvo 164, produced between 1968 and 1975, was powered by a single engine type throughout its production run: - **B30 Engine**: This was a 3.0-litre, in-line, 6-cylinder engine. It was an overhead-valve engine and a 6-cylinder derivative of the B20 4-cylinder engine that powered most other Volvo models. In 1972, Volvo introduced fuel injection to the 164 with the B30E (high compression) and B30F (low compression) engines, which utilized Bosch D-Jetronic injection.
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Performance
The Volvo 164, produced between 1968 and 1975, offered respectable performance for its time, especially with the fuel-injected models:
**Acceleration (0-100 km/h)**: The fuel-injected Volvo 164E could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 8.7 seconds. -
**Top Speed**: The top speed of the Volvo 164E was around 193.5 km/h. -
**Power Output**: The B30E engine produced about 160 PS (118 kW) DIN. These figures made the Volvo 164 a brisk performer, particularly in its fuel-injected form. It was known for its smooth six-cylinder power and comfortable ride.
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Rivals
In 1968, the main rivals of the Volvo 164 included the BMW 1602, Ford Cortina Mk2, and Vauxhall Victor FD. Here's a brief overview of their performance:
### BMW 1602 - **Engine**: 1.6L inline-4 - **Power**: 83 bhp - **Top Speed**: 99 mph - **0-60 mph**: Around 13 seconds ### Ford Cortina Mk2 - **Engine**: 1.6L inline-4 - **Power**: 92 bhp - **Top Speed**: 95 mph - **0-60 mph**: Around 11 seconds
### Vauxhall Victor FD - **Engine**: 1.8L inline-4 - **Power**: 77 bhp - **Top Speed**: 92 mph - **0-60 mph**: Around 15.9 seconds These performance figures made the Volvo 164 competitive in its segment during that time.
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Designer/Dimensions
The Volvo 164 (1968-1975) was designed by **Jan Wilsgaard**.
### Dimensions - **Length**: 4,714 mm (185.6 in) - **Width**: 1,730 mm (68.1 in) - **Height**: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) - **Wheelbase**: 2,700 mm (106.3 in) These dimensions contributed to the car's spacious and practical design, making it a popular choice among families and enthusiasts alike.
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Spares/Specialists
You can find spares for your Volvo 164 in the UK and Ireland at several specialized suppliers:
1. **FRF Volvo Parts**: Located in Swansea, South Wales, FRF Volvo is an authorized main dealer with a wide range of Volvo parts.
2. **Nordicar**: This specialist in parts for classic Volvos, including the 164, supplies high-quality parts to customers in the UK and Ireland.
3. **EU-SPARES**: They offer a comprehensive parts catalogue for the Volvo 164, including engine, suspension, and brake components.
4. **123spareparts.co.uk**: This online store provides a variety of parts for Volvo vehicles.
5. **AutoVillage**: A platform where you can search for and buy Volvo 164 car parts.
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Specialists There are several garage services in Northern Ireland that can help with your Volvo 164:
1. **Agnew Belfast – Volvo Cars**: An official Volvo dealership providing sales, service, and parts. They are located at 1 Boucher Way, Belfast.
2. **Noel Robinson Car Care Centre**: A Volvo specialist offering repair work for all vehicles. They are located at 6A Drumanphy Road, Portadown.
3. **Donnelly Vans Service**: Part of the Donnelly Group, they offer servicing and parts for a wide range of vehicles. They are located at 194 Killyman Road, Dungannon.
4. **ClickMechanic**: They provide mobile mechanics who can come to your home or office for repairs. They have several mechanics operating in Northern Ireland.
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Racing
The Volvo 164, while primarily designed as a luxury sedan, did see some participation in motorsport events, particularly in rallying and endurance racing. However, it wasn't a common sight on the racing circuit and didn't achieve notable racing accolades. Its robust construction and reliable performance made it a suitable choice for some enthusiasts who wanted to use it in motorsport events, but it was not specifically built for racing.
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Valuation
The value of a Volvo 164 (1968-1975) in the UK in 2025 can vary depending on factors such as condition, mileage, and originality. On average, you can expect the value to be around **£3,403**. The highest recorded sale price for a Volvo 164 is **£9,354**.
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Clubs
There are clubs and communities for Volvo owners in Northern Ireland. Here are a few options:
### Volvo Owners Club Forum - **Website**: [Volvo Owners Club Forum](https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=148296&nojs=1) - **Description**: A forum where Volvo enthusiasts can discuss various topics, share experiences, and seek advice.
### Agnew Belfast – Volvo Cars - **Location**: 1 Boucher Way, Belfast BT12 6RE - **Phone**: 028 9068 6000 - **Website**: [Agnew Belfast](https://www.agnewcars.com/volvo/) - **Description**: An official Volvo dealership that provides sales, service, and parts. They may also have information on local Volvo events and gatherings. These clubs and forums can be great resources for connecting with other Volvo owners, finding parts, and getting advice on maintaining your vehicle.
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1968/COST OF LIVING UK In 1968, the average annual salary for male manual workers in the UK was approximately **£1,144**. £1,144 in 1968 is equivalent to approximately **£20,000** today.
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In 1968, the average house price in the UK was approximately **£3,900**](https://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/property-statistics/nationwide-average-house-price/). £3,900 in 1968 is equivalent to approximately **£70,000** today.
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In 1968, the average price of a new car in the UK was approximately **£822**. £822 in 1968 is equivalent to approximately **£14,800** today.
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In 1968, the average price of a loaf of bread in the UK was around **8 pence**. 8 pence in 1968 is equivalent to approximately **£1.30** today.
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