VOLVO

Volvo 440 is already 30 years old
The Volvo 440 is celebrating its 30th Anniversary. Presented for the first time in June 1988, this 5-door model shared some technology with the 480 sports coupe and demonstrated the direction Volvo would take with its front-wheel drive models.The development work of the model that would later constitute the Volvo 440 began 10 years earlier in a project that Volvo would call the Galaxy. In this project, the brand was intended to demonstrate its direction and future ambition.In September 1980, the first prototype with front-wheel drive was ready. In terms of appearance, it resembled what would become the Volvo 440. The G4, the name given to this prototype, had the characteristics that Volvo wanted: front-wheel drive, fun to drive, good interior space and compact external dimensions.

The Galaxy project would culminate with the launch of two series. The 850 models, whose presentation took place in the summer of 1991, had a great impact, but the 400 range was presented a few years earlier. In 1992, part of the project would be taken over by Dutch subsidiaries of Volvo, and it would even be in that country that the next work would take place.The first of Volvo's new front-wheel drive models was the 480 sports coupe, which was officially unveiled at the 1986 Geneva International Motor Show. The car, for a niche market, paved the way for the 440 model, which was presented two years and would be a huge success in the mid-range segment.
The Volvo 440 was a modern car with very practical rear seats, capable of dividing into two sections. The instrument panel was placed facing the driver, making access to the controls easier. With soft and low lines, and almost vertical side windows this model had some connections to the 700 range.
The engine line was all 4-cylinder and included 1.6-liter versions, 2.0-liter and a 1.7-liter turbocharged version.As always safety was a priority and ABS was available as an option in 1989. Seat belt pretensioners and airbags were optional from the 1991 model onwards and the Volvo SIPS side impact protection system - was introduced in 1994.
This car was produced in Born, Holland, where 340/360 and 480 models were also produced.
The next model of the 400 series - the 460 model, which is 10 centimeters longer than the 440 - was introduced in 1989.
Production of the Volvo 440 was discontinued in November 1996. Its successors would be the S40 and V40 models, which were already in parallel production.


8 Facts about the Volvo 440:
1. The Volvo 440 had a version available to the police forces. In some countries, such as the Netherlands, this version was used as a national and regional police patrol car.
2. The 400 range never had a version wagon, however, two outside design companies came forward to present their proposals - the American company ASC Detroit and the French company Heuliez that even got to create a prototype which is part today on the day of the Volvo Museum.
3. The design of the Volvo 440 is by designer Peter van Kuilenburg, who worked in the design department of Volvo Car B.V. However, it is based on the G4 prototype whose designer was Jan Wilsgaard.
4. A Dutch company even provided a van conversion kit. The rear door was removed and replaced with a roof, side windows and trunk covers made of fiberglass. Volvo was not involved and did not even give permission for this conversion.
5. A rally version competed in 1992. This version included a 2.3-liter, 16-valve, and 715-hp engine. This model had four wheel drive traction.
6. The 440 Turbo model had a standard on-board computer. It was possible to see fuel consumption, average speed, oil temperature, cooling and outside temperature. Whenever the ignition was switched on, the display showed "OK" if the oil level was correct.
7. From 1 December 1991, Volvo Car B.V. stopped production of the 400 series and was transferred to NedCar B.V. This new company was owned by the Dutch state Volvo Personvagnar AB and Mitsubishi Motors.
8. The LCP 2000 was a predecessor of the 400 series. Introduced in spring 1983, the "Light Component Project" was a prototype of a car that used several lightweight materials and had front-wheel drive with a transverse engine.



Vasco Reis, de Portugal