Volvo 300 Series
| Volvo 300 Series | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Volvo |
| Production | 1976–1991 |
| Assembly |
Born (DAF Born/NedCar), Netherlands Gothenburg, Sweden |
| Designer | Giovanni Michelotti |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact car / Small family car (C) |
| Body style | 4-door saloon 5-door hatchback 3-door hatchback |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Volvo 66 |
| Successor | Volvo 400 Series |
The Volvo 300 Series is a rear wheel drive small family car sold as both a hatchback and (later) a conventional saloon from 1976 to 1991. It was launched in the Netherlands shortly after Volvo acquired a major stake in the passenger car division of DAF in 1973. The series consisted of the Volvo 340 (previously 343/345) and the later Volvo 360.
The 300 series was unusual in having the gearbox mounted to the De Dion tube rear axle as a transaxle, with the 2 liter models having the driveshaft enclosed in a "torque tube". The rear-mounted gearbox helped with weight distribution but resulted in an unusually large transmission tunnel, especially by comparison with then-contemporary front wheel drive competitors such as the Mk. III Ford Escort and the Opel Kadett E/Mk. II Vauxhall Astra.
Overall, the 300 series was considered heavy and unrewarding to drive but reliable and safe by the standards of its day. However, early 360GLT versions were well regarded by more enthusiastic drivers, with the unusual gearbox location ensuring good weight distribution and unusually good balance and traction.
After building a series of compact cars, DAF sought a partner to bring its new larger model, codenamed P900 and intended to become the DAF 77, to market in 1970. Several manufacturers were approached, including Audi, BMW, and Volvo.
Volvo was not originally interested due to the cost, but they were later persuaded by DAF's access to Renault engines. This helped Volvo expand its model line-up without the large expenditures associated with developing a new model. Building cars in the Netherlands also helped the Swedish Volvo to access the markets of the EEC, of which Sweden was then not yet a member.
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