1973 Volvo 142

1973 Volvo 142

In regard to safety, the 1973 142 represented the introduction of reinforcements welded into the doors for side impact protection. The sales brochure touts a new padded steering wheel designed 'to lessen the change of chest injury in a collision' and shock absorbing bumpers that take an impact at 5 mph without damage to the body metal. 1973 was the first year that all Volvos in the U.S. were built with fuel injection. This engine is a 2.0 liter in-line four cylinder that produces 112 horsepower and 115 ft. lb. of torque. 70,550 of these cars were built worldwide in the 1973 model year. Today, this car serves as a great reminder of how much Volvo has evolved while maintaining a heritage for safety. It also provides a great opportunity to appreciate what Volvo looked and felt like to drive in 1973.