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Volvo 740 Series (1984-92)

Production Total: The total production of the Volvo 740 series from 1984 to 1992 was approximately **1,009,395 units**.
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Price New: In 1984, the new price for a Volvo 740GL in the UK was approximately **£16,595**.
The new price of a Volvo 740 in 1984 was approximately **£11,433** 2.0 GLE 4d Specs & Dimensions - Parkers](https://www.parkers.co.uk/volvo/740/saloon-1984/20-gle-4d/specs/). Adjusted for inflation to 2025, this would roughly equate to **£35,000**.
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Rivals: In 1984, the main rivals of the Volvo 740GL and their approximate new prices in the UK were:

### Main Rivals and Prices (1984)
- **BMW 3 Series (E30)**: Around £12,000
- **Mercedes-Benz 190E**: Around £13,000
- **Audi 80**: Around £10,500
- **Ford Granada**: Around £9,500

These prices reflect the competitive landscape of the executive car segment during that time.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are **37 Volvo 740 series** vehicles left in the UK with a valid MOT.
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PLEASE NOTE: The information provided below is given in averages across Northern Ireland at the date specified. Petrol reflect average prices for four star fuel in litres.

Road Tax: In 1984, the road tax for a Volvo 740GL in the UK was approximately **£100 per year**.
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Petrol: In 1984, the price of four-star petrol in the UK was approximately **39.5 pence per litre**.
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Insurance: In 1984, the average cost of insurance for a Volvo 740GL in Northern Ireland would have varied based on factors such as the driver's age, location, and driving history. However, for a typical driver, the average annual premium was around **£265**.
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1974/COST OF LIVING UK
In 1974, the average annual salary in the UK was approximately **£2,168**.
£2,168 in 1974 is equivalent to approximately **£22,000** today.
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In 1974, the average cost of a house in the UK was approximately **£10,000**.
£10,000 in 1974 is equivalent to approximately **£110,000** today.
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In 1974, the average price of a new car in the UK varied depending on the model and brand. Here are some examples:

- **Ford Cortina**: £1,519
- **Austin Allegro**: £1,287
- **Jaguar XJ12**: £3,500
- **Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow**: £8,000

These prices give you an idea of the range of costs for new cars in 1974.
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In 1974, the average price of a loaf of bread in the UK was approximately **14.5 pence**.
In 1974, the average price of a loaf of bread in the UK was approximately **14.5 pence**.
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In 1974, the average price of a bus journey by the mile in the UK was approximately **2.5 pence**.
2.5 pence per mile in 1974 is equivalent to approximately **21 pence per mile** today.
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In 1974, the average price of a taxi fare per mile in the UK ranged from approximately **17 pence to 22.5 pence**.
17 pence to 22.5 pence per mile in 1974 is equivalent to approximately **£1.50 to £2.00 per mile** today.
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In 1974, the average cost per mile of a railway journey in the UK was approximately **1.5 pence**.
1.5 pence per mile in 1974 is equivalent to approximately **13 pence per mile** today.
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In 2025, the average cost per mile of a railway journey in the UK is approximately **33 pence per mile**.
In 2025, the average cost per mile of a car journey in the UK is approximately **33 pence per mile**.
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In 1974, there were approximately **19 million vehicles** recorded on UK roads by the DVLA.
As of 2025, there are approximately **41.4 million vehicles** on UK roads.
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Volvo 740 Series (1984-92)

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 740GL, like many cars of its era, has some common faults that owners often encounter. Here are a few:

1. **Starting Problems**: Issues with the fuel pump relay, crank sensor, or radio suppression relay can cause starting problems.
2. **Cutting Out**: The car may intermittently cut out due to issues with the impulse transmitter, fuel pump relay, or electrical connections.
3. **Electrical Issues**: Problems with the wiring and electrical components, such as the alternator and starter motor, are common.
4. **Cooling System**: Radiator and water pump failures can lead to overheating issues.
5. **Suspension**: Worn suspension components, such as bushings and shock absorbers, can affect ride quality and handling.

These issues are typical for a car of this age and can be addressed with regular maintenance and care.
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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 740 series had a single generation but offered various trim levels throughout its production run from 1984 to 1992. Here are the main trim levels:

### Trim Levels
1. **740 GL**: The base model with standard features.
2. **740 GLE**: A more luxurious version with additional features.
3. **740 Turbo**: A performance-oriented model with a turbocharged engine.
4. **740 SE**: A special edition with unique features and styling.
5. **740 Estate**: The station wagon version, available in various trims.

These trim levels provided a range of options for buyers, from basic to more luxurious and performance-oriented models.
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Engines
The Volvo 740 series had a variety of engines with different power outputs throughout its production run from 1984 to 1992. Here are the main engines and their power outputs:

### Petrol Engines
1. **2.0 B200E**
- **Power**: 121 hp (89 kW)
- **Displacement**: 1986 cm³

2. **2.0 B200K**
- **Power**: 103 hp (76 kW)
- **Displacement**: 1986 cm³

3. **2.0 Turbo Intercooler**
- **Power**: 160 hp (118 kW)
- **Displacement**: 1986 cm³

4. **2.3 B230E**
- **Power**: 131 hp (96 kW)
- **Displacement**: 2316 cm³

5. **2.3 B230K**
- **Power**: 117 hp (86 kW)
- **Displacement**: 2316 cm³

6. **2.3 Turbo**
- **Power**: 156 hp (115 kW)
- **Displacement**: 2316 cm³

### Diesel Engines
1. **2.4 Diesel**
- **Power**: 82 hp (60 kW)
- **Displacement**: 2383 cm³

2. **2.4 Turbo Diesel**
- **Power**: 109 hp (80 kW)
- **Displacement**: 2383 cm³

These engines provided a range of options for buyers, from economical diesel engines to more powerful turbocharged petrol engines.
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Performance
The performance of the Volvo 740 series engines varied depending on the specific engine. Here are the key performance figures for the main engines:

### Petrol Engines
1. **2.0 B200E**
- **Power**: 121 hp (89 kW)
- **Top Speed**: 109 mph (175 km/h)
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 13.0 seconds

2. **2.0 B200K**
- **Power**: 103 hp (76 kW)
- **Top Speed**: 105 mph (169 km/h)
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 14.0 seconds

3. **2.0 Turbo Intercooler**
- **Power**: 160 hp (118 kW)
- **Top Speed**: 125 mph (201 km/h)
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 8.5 seconds

4. **2.3 B230E**
- **Power**: 131 hp (96 kW)
- **Top Speed**: 115 mph (185 km/h)
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 11.0 seconds

5. **2.3 B230K**
- **Power**: 117 hp (86 kW)
- **Top Speed**: 110 mph (177 km/h)
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 12.5 seconds

6. **2.3 Turbo**
- **Power**: 156 hp (115 kW)
- **Top Speed**: 120 mph (193 km/h)
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 9.0 seconds

### Diesel Engines
1. **2.4 Diesel**
- **Power**: 82 hp (60 kW)
- **Top Speed**: 96 mph (155 km/h)
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 17.5 seconds

2. **2.4 Turbo Diesel**
- **Power**: 109 hp (80 kW)
- **Top Speed**: 110 mph (177 km/h)
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 12.0 seconds

These performance figures provided a range of options for buyers, from economical diesel engines to more powerful turbocharged petrol engines.
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Rivals
In 1984, the main rivals of the Volvo 740GL included the BMW 3 Series (E30), Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80, and Ford Granada. Here's a brief overview of their performance:

### BMW 3 Series (E30)
- **Engine**: 1.8L inline-4
- **Power**: 105 hp (78 kW)
- **Top Speed**: 112 mph (180 km/h)
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 10.5 seconds

### Mercedes-Benz 190E
- **Engine**: 2.0L inline-4
- **Power**: 122 hp (91 kW)
- **Top Speed**: 118 mph (190 km/h)
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 10.0 seconds

### Audi 80
- **Engine**: 1.8L inline-4
- **Power**: 90 hp (67 kW)
- **Top Speed**: 108 mph (174 km/h)
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 11.5 seconds

### Ford Granada
- **Engine**: 2.8L V6
- **Power**: 160 hp (118 kW)
- **Top Speed**: 120 mph (193 km/h)
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 9.5 seconds

These performance figures made these models competitive in the executive car segment during that time.
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Designer/Dimensions
The Volvo 740 was designed by **Jan Wilsgaard**, who was the chief designer at Volvo for many years.

### Dimensions of the Volvo 740
- **Length**: 4,800 mm (189.0 in)
- **Width**: 1,750 mm (68.9 in)
- **Height**: 1,410 mm (55.5 in) for the saloon, 1,435 mm (56.5 in) for the estate
- **Wheelbase**: 2,770 mm (109.1 in)
- **Curb Weight**: 1,315–1,404 kg (2,899–3,095 lbs) for the saloon, 1,371–1,458 kg (3,023–3,214 lbs) for the estate.

These dimensions contributed to the spacious and practical design of the Volvo 740, making it a popular choice among buyers.
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Spares/Specialists
For locating spares for your Volvo in the UK and Ireland, you can check out the following sources:

### Spare Parts
1. **[Brookhouse Volvo Parts](https://www.classicvolvoparts.co.uk/car.asp?cID=2&page=Volvo_1800_1800S_1800E_1800ES)**: They offer a wide range of parts for the Volvo 1800 series, including the 1800ES. You can find everything from engine components to body panels.
2. **[Classic Volvo Restoration (CVR)](https://classicvolvorestoration.com/c/classic-volvo-parts/volvo-1800-parts)**: They stock a large selection of Volvo P1800 S/E/ES parts, covering every aspect of interior and exterior design.
3. **[Volvo Parts at TMS Motor Group](https://www.volvoparts.tmsmotorgroup.co.uk/)**: An online store supplying genuine Volvo parts, accessories, gifts & merchandise, tyres, and aftermarket parts for the full Volvo range.
4. **[PartsforVolvos](https://www.partsforvolvosonline.com/)**: They offer a wide range of Volvo parts and accessories, including service parts, performance parts, and more.
5. **[AutoVillage](https://www.autovillage.co.uk/car-parts/volvo/area/northern-ireland)**: They provide new and used Volvo car parts in Northern Ireland.

### Garage Services in Northern Ireland
1. **[Agnew Belfast – Volvo Cars](https://www.agnewcars.com/volvo/)**: An official Volvo dealership providing sales, service, and parts. Located at 1 Boucher Way, Belfast BT12 6RE. You can contact them at 028 9068 6000.
2. **[Commons Brae Garage](https://www.bing.com/search?q=Commons%20Brae%20Garage&filters=local_ypid%3a%22YN1029x10449044347235568160%22)**: A trusted car repair establishment located at 188 Saintfield Road, Breda BT8 6NN. You can contact them at 028 9543 8739.
3. **[Approved Garages](https://www.approvedgarages.co.uk/mot-servicing-and-repairs/car-brands/volvo/belfast/)**: A network of trusted independent garages across the UK, including Belfast, that can handle Volvo repairs and servicing needs.

These resources should help you keep your Volvo in top condition.
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Racing
The Volvo 740 series did see some action in motorsport, particularly in touring car racing. While it wasn't as prominent as some other models, it did participate in various racing events. The Volvo 740 Turbo, in particular, was used in Group A touring car racing during the 1980s. It competed in events such as the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) and the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).

The 740 Turbo's robust build and reliable performance made it a competitive choice in these racing series, although it didn't achieve the same level of success as some of its more famous counterparts like the Volvo 240 Turbo.
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Valuation
The value of a Volvo 740 in the UK today can vary based on factors such as condition, mileage, and originality. Here are the approximate values:

### Volvo 740 Values (2025)
- **Lowest Price**: £300
- **Median Price**: £2,000
- **Highest Price**: £5,000.

These values reflect the market trends for classic cars and the demand among enthusiasts and collectors.
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Clubs
There are clubs and communities for Volvo 740 series owners in Northern Ireland. Here are a few options:

1. **[Volvo Owners Club](https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/living_with_740.shtml)**: This club has a dedicated section for the Volvo 740 series and offers resources, forums, and events for Volvo enthusiasts.
2. **[Volvo Owners Club Forum](https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=215472)**: An active online community where you can connect with other Volvo 740 owners, share experiences, and get advice on maintenance and repairs.
3. **Local Car Clubs**: There are various local car clubs in Northern Ireland that welcome classic car owners, including those with Volvo 740s. You can check with local motoring clubs and classic car events for more information.

These clubs and communities provide a great way to connect with fellow Volvo 740 enthusiasts and share your passion for these classic cars.
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1984/COST OF LIVING UK
In 1984, the average annual wage in the UK was approximately **£8,000**.
£8,000 in 1984 is equivalent to approximately **£27,000** today.
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In 1984, the average house price in the UK was approximately **£29,000**](https://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/property-statistics/nationwide-average-house-price/).
£29,000 in 1984 is equivalent to approximately **£97,000** today.
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In 1984, the average price of a new car in the UK was approximately **£5,000**.
£5,000 in 1984 is equivalent to approximately **£16,735** today.
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In 1984, the average price of a loaf of bread in the UK was around **38 pence**.
38 pence in 1984 is equivalent to approximately **£1.27** today.
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