Highlights

Dry stored when not in use
Very good, mainly original condition overall
Only 3 owners from new
Featured by Volvo in one of their print ad campaigns during the early 1980s
The car retains original and desirable registration number: CAR 264F

The Appeal

Taking over from the 120 series, Volvo's 144 S is a 4-door saloon initially released in 1967. In total over 1 million of the 140 series were built, a commendable milestone for any car manufacturer. The 144 was also produced in all corners of the world as well as its native Sweden. A desirable improvement over its predecessor was the fitting of disc brakes on all four corners, not a common configuration for vehicles at the time.

On earlier models the 103 BHP is delivered by Volvo's very own B18B engine, an ample amount of power for a 4-door saloon at the time of release. The B18B engine was also used in Volvo's P1800S, a sign that they were proud of this engine. 1969 would see Volvo introduce a slightly larger B20 engine along with tweaks to styling. However, earlier models until 1968 are becoming harder to find in good, original condition. The 144 S is a wonderful example of the late 60's automotive sector as globalisation was on the rise, the vehicle was assembled as far away as Malaysia and South Africa!

The History and Paperwork

MOT exempt but currently SORN
Originally registered 22/02/1968
155,823 genuine miles
Service history, part main dealer and part independent
The car has stayed with the same family since 1972
From the 1980s onwards it was garaged and used as a Sunday classic (shown at various car meetings over the years)
The car has been kept in storage for the last 4 years, has been started occasionally in that time
Owner was an enthusiast and took very good care of the car which can be seen in its condition and service history
Car featured by Volvo for an ad campaign during the 1980s (see paperwork file)
https://www.media.volvocars.com/uk/en-gb/media/pressreleases/10697/1960-1969-a-historical-review
Original owners manual included with the vehicle and in good condition
Having been part of the family since 1972 it is now time for someone else to enjoy the car
Miscellaneous parts such as belts, filters and trim included with the vehicle
Current owner states the engine was rebuilt by Amazon Cars in 1998 as well as some repair work to the rear after a shunt in the late 1970s
Repair work was deemed satisfactory by an engineer (see paperwork)

The Interior

Black interior in excellent to very good condition overall
Seats had previously been used with covers which have helped retain their quality and condition
Carpets and floor mats present, secure and in very good to excellent condition throughout
Head lining secure and present with some small marks
Door cards all present and secure
Dashboard in good condition overall, some attention possibly needed to lower dashboard / fuse box cover which is loose
Rear seats remain in excellent condition
Very spacious and comfortable interior, more than adequate space for 4 passengers
Rubber door seals starting to perish and may need attention in future
Seatbelts present for 2 front and 2 rear seats
Drivers foot well in a good condition
Considering the age and mileage, minimal signs of wear within the interior, vehicle has evidently been very well looked after
Boot in a fair, used condition with spare wheel, jack, fire extinguisher and warning triangle present, all in fair condition
Boot struts have failed meaning lid won't stay open without being held / propped up

The Exterior

Original blue exterior remains in very good condition overall, some small areas of wear and tear in keeping with the age and mileage
4 matching original alloys in good to very good condition
4 matching Continental Contact tyres in very good condition with very good tread
Rear of vehicle previously received repair work after a shunt in the 1970s, repair work inspected and deemed satisfactory by an engineer shortly after
Glass, brightwork and badges remain in very good condition overall, some signs of wear and age in expectance with the age and mileage
Rear nearside wheel arch has been worked on previously (possibly filler), remains in fair condition
Desirable pre-facelift front grille remains in good condition
Paint starting to peel in small areas above the front bumper
Black plastic bumpers remain in fair condition throughout
Tow bar fitted to the rear for added convenience if towing
Mud guards present on all 4 wheels and remain in fair condition

The Mechanics

Volvo's well-known and regularly chosen B18B engine with overdrive
Current owner states the car has been started occasionally whilst in storage
Received regular servicing and maintenance until circa 2016, has been dry stored since and not covered any notable distance
Engine bay in a used, tidy condition
Desirable twin carburettors with twin air filters, both in good condition
Underside of bonnet in a fair, used condition, possibly in need of a clean
New battery fitted and reported to function as expected
Engine block, head and gearbox casing all painted in red helping to catch your eye, all remain in a fair, used condition
Radiator appears to remain in a good condition given the age and mileage (possibly replaced during engine rebuild)
Top rubber seal of bonnet has started to perish and may need replacing in the future
Underside in a fair, tidy condition, exhaust backbox appears to have been replaced recently (spare included in box of parts with vehicle)

Summary

Whilst the Volvo 144 S was produced and sold all over the world, it is thought that there are only a handful of 1968 registered examples in the UK as of 2023. Out of those, this example must surely be one of the best looked after with such provenance and desirable registration plate. Previously featured by Volvo in their ad campaigns during the 1980s, it's evident this vehicle has been cherished.

Receiving regular maintenance and servicing up until entering storage, this 144 S transports you back to the late 60's in a jiffy. With an engine rebuild in 1998, this Volvo deserves to be back on the road and enjoyed by its new owner. Could this be the classic Swedish saloon for you?

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