1974 Volvo 164 e review from Australia and New Zealand

The following faults had already occured when I acquired the vehicle, which I accordingly fixed, sourcing a lot of parts from a wrecked 142:

Seized brake master cylinder (replaced), seized brake pistons (now loosened), old piston seals replaced also, radiator hosing gone hard (replaced as a precaution), burnt out dash light wiring (replaced), tailshaft out of balance (balanced), auto transmission dipstick tube pulled out (shoved back on :P), worn hardpan-rod bushes (replaced with 142), front shock absorbing bumper re-aligned.

Modifications made to improve car:

Dunlop silica tyres added to the 740 rims that came with the car.

Custom stromberg twin carb conversion due to old fuel injection being stuffed.

60/120W xenon headlights with a high beam relay added so the standard relay wouldn't melt.

Pioneer speakers added to rear parcel shelf to match speakers in front doors with aftermarket radio.

3 rust spots cut back and professionally sprayed.

What a first car!! It easily outhandles most modern cars... it's on rails!! The previous owner had heavy duty towing shocks in the rear, so it's reasonably stiff suspension wise, but has increased handling greatly. Front and rear anti roll bars help!

The heaters great and I've just had the air con re-gassed. Mines had a total engine rebuild at the 220000k mark due to a fool driving it with no coolant. Whoever did it did a fantastic job, as it uses no oil whatsoever!! Even our modern Falcon uses oil.

It used to have big power with the fuel injection (and big fuel consumption), so that had to go. The twin carbs are tuned as good as we can get them, and provide decent low and mid range, it only loses out in top end power. Fuel consumption is now 12.5/100k's or roughly 21 mpg.

It's a luxurious car, the seats don't exist on modern cars, it's silent on the highway and makes a relaxing commuter.

The auto transmission is pretty in-efficient, so I'd get a 4 speed overdrive gearbox in future if I still have it.. Considering selling due to fuel costs. We'll see!!