Volvo : 300 Series
Model Introduction
The Volvo 300 Series was announced to the press on 19 February 1976 and made its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 11 March the same year. Developed from the Dutch DAF 66 project, it sat between the smaller 66 and the larger 200 in Volvo’s range, and was built at Born in the Netherlands. Sharing the same 240.5-inch (2,450 mm) wheelbase as the Ford Escort, it was offered as a three- and five-door hatchback and later a saloon, combining compact dimensions with Volvo solidity. Early models carried over DAF’s ingenious Variomatic CVT transmission, alongside conventional manuals, and engines ranged from Renault-sourced 1.4 and 1.7-litre units to Volvo’s own 2.0-litre four. With its unusual rear-mounted transaxle and De Dion rear suspension, the 300 offered balanced handling and strong durability, even if performance was modest. Though often overlooked in its day, the 300 sold well across Europe and remains appreciated for its toughness and distinctive place in Volvo history.
Magazine Articles
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Newsdesk
Meanwhile the prize for the ugliest of the spring newcomers goes hands-down to the Volvo 343 1.4 litre saloon
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Newcomers
New Volvo for old men
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Newcomers
DAF-defying DL
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Giant Test
Talbot Horizon 1.5 SX v Lancia Delta v Volvo 345DL
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Motorweek
New look for Volvo's "problem child"
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Giant Test
Volvo 345GL v Lancia Delta v Honda Quintet
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Newcomers : Horsepower by Volvo
Volvo bring together a pair of familiar pieces, 300 body and 2.0 litre engine, to build a proper hot car
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Newcomers
Volvo's new 360GLE models (two of them) will stimulate sales in the UK - but they still seem old men's cars