Taking six years to progress from drawing board to production line, the Volvo 140-series was introduced during August, 1966.

Styled in-house by Jan Wilsgaard, its robust monocoque bodyshell boasted front and rear crumple zones and a built-in rollover bar (concealed within the roof lining).

Other passive safety features included anti-burst door locks, a collapsible steering column and front headrests.

Equipped with independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension, a twin trailing arm-located 'live' rear axle and cam-and-peg steering the new model also gained dual-circuit four-wheel disc brakes.

Powered by a range of torquey 1.8-litre (B18) and two-litre (B20) four-cylinder OHV engines, most variants were capable of over 90mph.

Famed for their ability to withstand Scandinavian winters and clock up huge mileages, 140-series cars were also surprisingly comfortable, benefitting from reclining front seats and fully carpeted interiors as standard.

Volvo’s saloons were capable rally cars a...