Explore vehicles/Volvo
Sweden · 1975 model year; 240 family unveiled August 1974

Volvo 244 DL B21A

The familiar square Volvo shape hides an important change: this DL uses the new overhead-cam B21 engine, while some cheaper 1975 cars kept the older engine.

Family saloons
Representative 1976 Volvo 244 DL sedan; same early body, one year later than profile. B21A engine and Swedish launch specification are not established by the photograph.
Front three-quarter · Photo shows Representative 1976 Volvo 244 DL sedan; same early body, one year later than profile. B21A engine and Swedish launch specification are not established by the photograph.. Representative 1976 Volvo 244 DL sedan; same early body, one year later than profile. B21A engine and Swedish launch specification are not established by the photograph.
Volvo 244 DL.jpg · Bene Riobó · CC BY-SA 4.0
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A matching completed auction sale has not been verified for this exact year, body, trim, engine, transmission and market.

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A place in vehicle history

More than a set of wheels.

The 240 family appeared in August 1974 for the new model season. Volvo developed the existing 140 design with a longer front, larger bumpers and new front suspension. Swedish buyers could order a 244 DL with either the old B20A or the new B21A; this profile follows the latter.

Look a little closer.

The Swedish 1975 range introduced automatic daytime running lights.

Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.

The extra length had a purpose

The new front end gave the car a longer deformation zone. In a collision, that area was intended to absorb energy before it reached the passenger compartment. New strut suspension and rack-and-pinion steering also changed how the front wheels were supported and controlled.

Source: Volvo Swedish dealer guide, 1971–1975 models, pages 16–17 ↗

A familiar body with a new engine family

The 244 retained a clear family resemblance to the 144, but the overhead-cam engine marked a fresh mechanical chapter. Volvo continued to offer older engines in basic versions, so a 1975 badge alone does not identify what sits under the bonnet.

Source: Volvo Heritage · 244 ↗

Where these facts come from

Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed 2026-10-02.

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