When it comes to the Volvo 142, most people may not consider it a classic, but it has the attributes that have made it shine and withstand the test of history. Upon its debut in 1966, the Volvo 142 attracted attention. It was a mid-size car available in both two-door and four-door models, with the four-door model technically referred to as the Volvo 144. The Volvo 142 was the two-door version, and it was modified numerous times until production concluded in 1974. Approximately one million Volvos were constructed in those eight years, and the car's basic shape would go on to inspire Volvo's 200 series from the 1990s.

Read on to find out why the Volvo 142 is considered a classic and what qualities it has that drivers enjoy.

Related: Here’s Why The Volvo C30 T5 R-Design Is The Best Hot Hatchback

It Was Lightweight And Inexpensive

green Volvo 142 at sea in old photo
via autoevolution

The Volvo 142 was both lightweight and inexpensive, making it both practical and appealing to drivers. Volvo had released their four-door Volvo 144 in 1966, and the Volvo 142 was the two-door version, hitting the sales floor in summer 1967, succeeding the previous model, the Volvo Amazon. The doors were the only significant difference between the two models, as they both had the same technical interior and exterior design.

The 142 was also more affordable than the 144, coming in at a lower price point. It also happened to be more lightweight than its four-door counterpart. It featured hydraulic disc brakes for all four wheels, and it had a four-speed manual transmission. While the 142 was notably more affordable and less heavy than 144, both cars were more affordable and less heavy than other cars available at the time.

“Sensible Car For Sensible People”

blue Volvo 142, angled front view
via Pinterest

Volvo decided to play up the affordability and practicality aspects in their ad campaign to attract drivers who sought out these qualities in vehicles, even coming up with the slogan “Sensible Car For Sensible People.”

Safety, durability, and comfort with the Volvo 142 were the main qualities it was known for, thanks to Volvo's ad campaign. This model was also known for attracting attention, as it featured a more box-shaped body instead of the round-fender aesthetics of their previous models.

Volvo also made it a point to market the 142 as a kind of gift that keeps on giving, as the thrill would not end anytime soon after the purchase. It was not marketed as a car for anyone who engaged in wild activities. That said, some people were known to add custom features such as roll cages and heavy-duty suspension bits so they could go racing in their Volvo 142.

Related: This Volvo Brick Wagon Hides A 2JZ-GTE Secret

Comfortable Interior Meets Sturdy Exterior

yellow Volvo 142, looking down
via YouTube

This car had both a pleasant, relaxing interior AND an exterior that would protect people in a crash- another two qualities that made the Volvo 142 more relevant.

The Volvo 142 blended both interior trends and exterior trends to make a vehicle that was functional, practical and appealing on both fronts. Several accessories of the time decorated the interior of the Volvo 142. For example, GT gauges were used instead of the usual ribbon speedometer, and its center console had several built-in switches.

Other Volvo accessories include a fuse box cover with clock, under-dash shelves, a center folding armrest courtesy shelf, and rubber floor mats. Vinyl and cloth upholstery, common for the time, covered the chairs in the interior. The exterior was also designed to be balanced and distribute the weight evenly, with competition suspension grounding the vehicle.

The Volvo 142 also puts out 140 horsepower. The body was also known for being as solid as a tank but also not getting in the way of the driver's visibility. As durable engines and gearboxes were commonplace for both race cars and budget cars, Volvo made sure to incorporate them into their 140 series models.

Safety First

blue Volvo 142 outside by grassy hill
via Top World Auto

Volvo also emphasized safety first, and it shows with the 142. While initial production had begun decades before its official debut, production was also largely delayed by WWII making essential supplies limited. When Volvo 142 was officially debuted in 1967, it was recognized for being ‘the safest car in the world.'

As a result, it was even voted ‘Car of the Year’ in Scandinavia. Volvo emphasized features for both active and passive safety in their 142, with notable features such as disc brakes, known at the time for only being featured on exclusive sports cars.

These disc brakes all round gave the drivers a major advantage with a dual-circuit braking system. In case of collision or crash, the Volvo 142 came prepared with a collapsible steering wheel and energy-absorbent crumple zones. All this came at a reasonable price of $3,370, and many old Volvo cars are now collectors' items.

Sources: volvocars.com, hemmings.com, classicdriver.com, lanemotormuseum.org,

Next: Watch This Insane Lambo V10-Swapped Volvo Do Donuts And Get A New Clutch