First drives in the 1972 Volvo 164 E - will it drive ok? The latest in a line of classic Volvos

More Volvo 164 E action as we take to the road for the first time in the classic Volvo to establish how well it drives and what work remains to be done. Despite having owned a few classic Volvos in the past - including Amazons and PVs - this is the first of the later 140/160 era cars I've owned for myself, it's certainly a very different car to the earlier models - especially the PVs - despite the running gear of the later car being an evolution of that found under the PV's shapely bodywork.
If you're interested in old cars like this Volvo 164E, or old cars in general, please pop a note in the comments and say hi, all feedback/comments welcomed as always, other videos on classic cars may be found listed on the following page of the Old Classic Car channel:
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Thanks for watching.
#classiccars #volvo #classicvolvos

[@oldclassiccarUK]

Hi, many thanks for watching this video on the old Volvo, to view all the other old-vehicle vids now on the channel, please visit the following page: kzbin.infovideos

[@raypusey8037]

This car will get better and better I’m thinking, very nice 👍

[@brendanhurley8780]

A set of its Volvo mud flaps would set it off nicely. Brookhouse still stock them and the bracketry. Someone mentioned below a possible vacuum leak causing fast idle and running hot. I had to replace the 49-year-old brake booster/servo as the rubber diaphragm inside had ruptured. Clamping the hose to the booster with the engine running is the easiest way to check if it changes the idle speed.

[@billmason2785]

You are correct... the servo on the break booster.."stole" vacuum and if faulty caused idle issues 💪

[@bernardrandles8013]

My late boss, had a 144 I used to drive him to business meetings in it, because he wanted people to think he'd got his own driver, which I wasn't but it a lovely car to drive, and damn well built.

[@bryjan51]

Yep, regretted selling my 245 estate many years ago to my brother who pestered me to sell to him☹️ . Just love these cars. Safe driving, cheers.

[@hopefultraveller1]

Great video! My father also bought a 144 in 1971, in Safari Yellow, as an upgrade from a sky-blue 1966 Volvo 122 4-door, which came after a navy 1962 Volvo 121 Estate, and I can still recall the number plates of all of them! At 12 years old in 1971 I became more car-conscious and lamented the fact that he hadn't bought the 164, which looked better and had the straight six, but he was a GP and said he couldn't justify the increased fuel consumption of the 3-litre engine when pootling around doing house-calls. However, a relative bought a 164 and I had a ride in it, and I was enthralled! It scampered up a local hill which kept the 144 at a steady pace and was smoother and more effortless, so I've always admired the 164 from a distance - I'd still love to own one today! Best of luck with the car and please keep the updates coming!

[@oldclassiccarUK]

Thanks, alas I didn't really gel with it and it is now with a collector of 164s

[@poonmig]

Thanks for this video, very nice example of a 164. I had a 144 GL in 1986, and loved it, even though it was getting on by the time I got it.

[@mervynharris9799]

Brought a few memories back. Had a j reg 164 auto, did 245000 miles in uk and on the continent pulling a four wheel trailer with a fork lift truck on board. Never skipped a beat serviced it once a month had to replace brake master cylinder and tyres but nothing else. Best car I ever had. Same colour originally, but sprayed it black!! Looked like a mafia staff car.

[@xqqqme]

My dad, too, had a 144. His was a '69. He traded a '64 VW for it and it was to be his commuter car. Nevertheless, my mother insisted that it have an automatic so that she could drive it. My father gave in...and, as a result, he was cursed with a Borg-Warner 35 tranny that, let's just say was not well matched to the B-18 4-cyl. Hardly a powerhouse engine to begin with, the auto 3-speed slushbox sapped it of what little grunt it had. And, oh yeah, my mom might've driven the car twice in the time my dad had it.

[@frankmcgorman962]

It may not be a race car, but I think they did well on the rallying circuit. I've always thought that style of grille gave a touch of flair to the plain, straight lines of that model. Very nice example. I hope it gives you and the family many miles of pleasant motoring.

[@robertmagee5523]

Hard to beat a classic Volvo...great to see it back on the road.

[@oldclassiccarUK]

Thanks for watching Robert, had it out again today and it drove well

[@OllieAlston]

Hello there ;). I had to watch your video and well done. What memories it brought back for me. The first car I bought was a white 72 - 164e with a/c leather, sunroof etc. My father thought I was crazy......I was 21 and he said just wait until you have to fuel that thing. I bought it at an auction in Carlisle, I loved that car, I once went for a drive to Newcastle and had my g/f in the back with my buddy's gf as he and I sat in the front chatting. I got sick of listening to the girls in the back so put the under floor heating on..........they were asleep in about 10 minutes ;). My buddy told me they used to rally those cars and the crazy swedes done well in them. My buddy ended up rallying for Ford in local rallies. I remember interviewing RAC rally drivers while at school...........G Wizz all those years ago, that Volvo was Fun ;) P.S>. Maybe my dad was Jealous .........

[@Joe-w9h]

My dirst car was a 1966 pv 544....afterwards a 1973 164e...fantastic cars!

[@craigdickens791]

I love this car... 'good video 👍 ... and Collie to boot! 👍🐾👍

[@oldclassiccarUK]

I know which one is less aggro so far ....! thanks for watching

[@guillermoferraudi8750]

Hello from South Bend Indiana, I love the car.

[@dudleywordley6986]

Lovely looking example, always fancy one of these old volvos..

[@michaeltreadwell777]

You certainly found a nice looking example here. I love the colour too, and it looks much better without the badges. A lot of the 'niggles' will sort themselves out with more regular use. You did well to find the old girl - looking forward to more videos about your adventures in her.

[@dm5374]

Hello from Italy! Thank you so much for this video. My dad had a '72 164E in burgundy with the A/C and Borg Warner. It was a California- specific car and it was difficult to start from new (maybe part due to the catalytic converter). I totally loved it and was devastated when they did the restyling, then my dad sold it due to the terrible fuel economy. The D-jet wasn't the greatest. Anyway I would buy one now if I could find a nice one locally....

[@scotisland]

Very nice!

[@EnriqueLopez-hb5jn]

Nice color,.awesome condition of the Volvo 164

[@paulbunyon6324]

I had the same car (1972 164E ) in the burgundy colour. It had air conditioning, steel sliding sunroof and best of all the manual gear box with electric overdrive. A solid car that was fun to drive and served me well.

[@nevillecapper6529]

Feeling very envious, nice colour and nice steering wheel.also thermometer speedo and smaller rear light clusters. Lovely

[@Thorscauldron]

My dad had a 74 164E same colour as yours but with an orangey caramel interior. Mum found the clutch a bit heavy on the four speed. Compared to her 71 1300 beetle. On the motorway you'd feel a slight lurch when the o / d engaged and disengaged. That car ate the motorway miles no problem. It was thirsty but dad had a fuel allowance from work.

[@unbalancedcrank]

What a lovely machine. I always wished they had made a 165. I have a fantasy about building one (which will never happen!). I see she has the Michelins, which are perfect for these. Personally I would remove the extra club badges, but that’s a matter of personal preference. Overall I’m jealous!

[@oldclassiccarUK]

Thanks for watching, yes a 165 would be just perfect - ideally with a manual 'box and carbs

[@bullfidde]

There actually was a few 165's built but by other coach builders. Volvo never got any produced.

[@francoisdelatour7826]

I have two1972 Volvo 164E, one is the first generation, the other one is the second generation, this car is really solid, I love to drive this marvelous car! The 244 GLE is also very good bud you missing power and the noice of 6 cylinder engine!

[@hurri7720]

I had the last of the 164E before the 264 came. I still miss it. A wolf in sheep's cloth in a way. It was better looking inside than this earlier model. Did 200km/h (124miles/h) and made some more sporty looking cars very upset on some motorways. Very stable very reliable on the road and in the winter too. I still love the darker blue my had. I had two Alfa Romeo 2000 before the Volvo and while I liked them a lot I still think the Volvo was actually a more sporty car, if you wanted to.

[@bernardlowe7191]

I had one of these in South Africa back in the 1980's. Wonderful car (unfortunately mine, like this one, was an automatic). I did have the opportunity to drive my cousin's manual version. Now that was quite a different experience. Tremendous power and torque. Also amazingly thirsty, but then with the stick shift and all that power, one tended to be tad heavy footed.

[@oldclassiccarUK]

Yes ideally I'd prefer a manual on carbs, thanks for checking out this video

[@brendanhurley8780]

That’s a beautiful car, it looks much better without so many flashy badges. I like the seating and centre tunnel consuls on the 160 shame the 140’s were so bare and basic. Sediment can build up in the cooling channel of block on cylinder 4 on the B20’s causing the cooling system to be less efficient unless force flushed/drained through the stat housing out the drain cock. Maybe the same on cylinders 5 & 6 on the B30.

[@abrarsutube]

Great video. Thanks for making and sharing. I just bought a 1973 145 auto ❤🙏🏽

[@oldclassiccarUK]

Thanks, good luck with your 145

[@Shauniboy1984]

NOS for the win 😎

[@carsyoungtimerfreak1149]

Nice car!

[@georgeyboyhowe1685]

that expansion cap does not have an rubber on the top seat if it did it would not be able to release the pressure if it needs to had a few of these in the past the plus side of having my own garage used to do body work for Braydon motors in hackney east London a Volvo dealers atb

[@markbehr88]

I enjoyed your video. I plan to get a 164 one day, to go along with all of my other cars.

[@oldclassiccarUK]

Thanks for watching, yes they are a good old car definitely

[@enriquelopez9124]

What an awesome 164E nice car

[@bobspeller2225]

Looks good and make a very nice classic to use on a more regularly. Well done Bob

[@Mark1405Leeds]

If your using unleaded fuel it does run hotter! Lovely stylish old classic - I remember them from the early seventies but they were always rare!

[@happyhermit2022]

Really interesting thank you very well presented 👍

[@benitopussolini544]

That old sweede wasn't sat in front garden in Hereford was it? I know of an identical one.dont know if it's still there or not.

[@billmason2785]

164 volvos were tanks and withstand abuse....I owned (4) being a Volvo service manager.... fantastic car

[@jagvette1]

time for a coolant flush. Are your reversing lights working ?

[@robertyoung1777]

The radiator cools both the engine coolant and transmission oil. The car probably needs a new radiator.

[@richardjjones2581]

Fast tickover plus suspect slightly high running temp, this could be an small air leak somewhere causing a weakish mixture, just a thought.

[@user-zx4tf8dl5i]

I had it in exactly this colour.

[@kurtsoderberg]

Doing 60 standing still...not bad.

[@paulbennell3313]

Did fixing the cooling system affect the tickover?

[@krb64172]

do you have a winter termostat, I had a summer termostat in my 164, worked for me

[@idonotwantahandle2]

Too long about temperature. What is of interest is what looks like an aftermarket ECM to replace the analogue D-Jet box. I'm interested in that due to non availability of D-Jet parts like auxiliary air valve. Would need other modifications as the injectors are 6 volt ones.

[@oldclassiccarUK]

Ok thanks

[@Andy-sh9eq]

It should start in neutral if it doesn't there's something wrong with the inhibitor adjustment

[@oldclassiccarUK]

I tried it today and it worked fine :-)

[@mkshffr4936]

I really prefer the 100 series over the 200 series but I understand some parts like steering boxes are getting a bit hard to come by.

[@peterbuckley5204]

Local doctors wife had one of these same colour I seem to recollect the reg as HFM 53K years before the doctor had an Hillman minx convertible

[@peterbuckley5204]

After a bit of research the reg was ufm53k it was last motd 2009 with 23049 miles on clock and between 2006 and 2009 it only did 3 or 4 miles each year no idea where it is now as the lady passed away but the daughter is still local I think

[@hopefultraveller1]

Small world - my doctor father had a 144S and my mother had a 4-door Hillman Minx!

[@nickclark6001]

Lovely car, you don't seem too happy with the performance, do you realise it should be putting out 175 bhp its a 120 mph car? When you kickdown from 3rd to 2nd on full throttle there should be a big kick in the back and go off like a rocket. The bad cold starting is probably the cold start injector not working. It is controlled by the thermal time switch on the back of the engine. Check the fuel pressure too 30 psi. Is the viscous fan coupling working properly? it should blow a lot of air on initial cold start for a few seconds and have a resistance when you turn it by hand. When it has warmed up it should turn freely if you stop the engine and spin it by hand. If it makes a whooshing noise on cold start it will be seized and sap many horsepower from the engine ! Idle speed is set by that black plastic knob on the drivers side we were looking at set to 900 rpm. Cam lobes can wear down causing low power.

[@oldclassiccarUK]

Thanks, yes I think it needed a bit of setting up but I never really gelled with it so sold it in the end. It looked great though, part of the problem was that the previous owner had been very keen on fitted gadgets and so on, so the wiring was a bit of a mess, in the end I just decided to look for something else.

[@davidsondaini3999]

Front look reminds me off TOYOTA CRESIDA. TOYOTA probably copied that front design, I guess.

[@ungurdani8346]

my friend super car super video subscribe subscribe

[@oldclassiccarUK]

Thank you 👍

[@manuelstarr3602]

1972 is not an old car to me.. it comes under the heading of a newer car.. maybe it's me that's old. I respect Volvo but it's not British OR American.. better chuck in a FJ. Cheers 🥂

[@Message4UandME]

of course the temperature will be a bit high if you don't drive it. let some air flow through that nice big grill.