Volvo 740 Turbo Intercooler Estate
The Volvo 740 Turbo Estate is perhaps the definitive expression of the turbocharged Swedish wagon, a vehicle type that has achieved almost mythical status among automotive enthusiasts. Introduced in 1984 as part of Volvo's new 700 series, the 740 Turbo combined the brand's well-established reputation for safety and durability with genuinely impressive performance from its turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
At the heart of the 740 Turbo was Volvo's B230FT engine, a 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder fitted with a Mitsubishi or Garrett turbocharger and, crucially, an intercooler. This combination produced 160 horsepower in standard form, though many owners found the engine responded very well to modest tuning modifications. The intercooled turbo setup was notably more refined than the earlier non-intercooled 240 Turbo, offering better throttle response and reduced heat-related stress on engine components.
The estate body provided a cavernous cargo area that made the 740 Turbo a genuinely practical performance car. With the rear seats folded, the load space was enormous by any standard, making it a favorite among architects, antique dealers, and anyone who needed to combine speed with hauling ability. The rear-wheel-drive layout, combined with the turbo engine's torque, also made the 740 Estate surprisingly entertaining to drive on twisting roads.
Volvo offered both manual and automatic transmission options. The five-speed manual was the enthusiast's choice, providing a more engaging driving experience and slightly better performance figures. The four-speed automatic, however, was the more popular option in most markets, reflecting the 740's dual nature as both a performance machine and a comfortable family transport.
The 740's angular, slab-sided design was the work of Jan Wilsgaard, and while it was hardly conventionally beautiful, it has aged remarkably well. The estate body added a purposeful, almost brutalist quality that has made these cars increasingly desirable among a new generation of enthusiasts who appreciate their no-nonsense character.
The 740 Turbo Estate was particularly popular in Scandinavia, the UK, and the Pacific Northwest of the United States, where its all-weather capability and robust construction were especially valued. The rear-wheel-drive platform, combined with the turbo engine's tendency to break traction, gave the car an unexpectedly playful character that endeared it to driving enthusiasts.
Today, clean examples of the 740 Turbo Estate are becoming increasingly sought after. The combination of turbo performance, wagon practicality, and Volvo durability has created a modern classic that appeals to a wide range of buyers. The car's role in establishing the performance wagon as a viable concept makes it historically significant as well.
The B230FT engine is extremely durable when maintained. Key items: flame trap must be clear, turbo oil feed lines should be checked, head gasket is a known failure point on high-mileage examples. Manual gearboxes are more desirable but automatics are more common. Check for rust in front subframe mounting points, inner wings, and rear wheel arches. Estate-specific items: check tailgate hinges and rear wiper mechanism.
The 740 series was produced at Volvo's Torslanda plant in Gothenburg and also assembled in Ghent, Belgium. The Turbo Intercooler model was introduced for 1985 model year in most markets. Late models (1990-1992) received a revised dashboard and some used the B230FT+ engine with improved turbo response.