“… an unmistakable outlaw edge.”
The 700 series Volvos had been available in the United States for a few years before Volvo brought the station wagon to our shores to offer Volvo loyalists a step up from the aging 240. The most interesting version of the 700 series wagon to enthusiasts was the 740 Turbo, which was formally introduced in the middle of the 1985 model year.
The 740 Turbo‘s standard engine was a B230FT 160 bhp 2.3 liter/141 ci inline four with fuel injection, a Garrett T3 turbocharger, and an intercooler. A four-speed manual was standard, while a four-speed automatic with overdrive was optional. Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 time of 7.9 seconds in a 740 Turbo sedan with the manual. With the manual, mileage in the 3,042-pound car was rated at 19 city/25 highway by the day’s standards (17/23 by today’s standards). With a 15.8-gallon fuel tank, 740 Turbo drivers could expect 285 to 310 miles of range with a 10% reserve.
The 1985 740 Turbo station wagon’s base price was $21,340—about $64,400 in today’s dollars or about what a 2025 V90 Cross Country Ultra station wagon goes for. Standard exterior and mechanical equipment included tinted windows, a front spoiler, halogen high and low beam headlights, a manual sunroof, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, power-assisted disc brakes, and 195/60R15 Michelin MXV tires (a size still readily available) on 15-inch wheels. Inside, a rear window wiper/washer, power door locks, cargo tie-down rings, and air conditioning were included. Trim and upholstery features included adjustable front bucket seats with integrated head rests and lumbar support, a heated driver’s seat, a 60/40 split rear seat, and full carpeting including the trunk.
Options & Reviews
Like all Volvo models in the 1980s, the 740 Turbo had few individual factory options—you chose the exterior and interior colors, and that was about it. Cruise control and an AM/FM-stereo radio/cassette with four speakers ($800) were available.
The automobile press of the day liked the 740 Turbo wagon, and it’s interesting to watch MotorWeek‘s review. Common complaints were the lack of an oil pressure gauge—considered essential for turbocharged engines at that time—along with the “archaic” driver’s seat height adjustment. Everyone also felt the need to comment on the Volvo’s very square design.
The View from 2025
All vintage Volvos have strong club support, and there is definite collector interest in the 740 Turbo. 740 Turbo station wagons are often available in the Hemmings Motor News classifieds, on eBay Motors, and at online auctions such as Bring a Trailer that cater to the eighties car market.
Make mine Silver, please.
Other Volvos that have been covered in Eighties Cars are the 1985 240 station wagon and the 1987 780 coupe. I should write about a Volvo sedan or two at some point.
Eighties Cars 