In the autumn of 1968, Volvo presented the Volvo 164 and South Africa got the luxury sedan in 1969. It was a development of the Volvo 144 but had a more prestige-oriented position. In 1969, a 164 would have set you back R4 164 while a 144S cost R3 350.
The real difference in technical terms between the pair was a 3-litre, in-line, six-cylinder engine under the 164 bonnet rather than the 2-litre four-pot in the 144. The 164 sported twin Zenith/Stromberg carburettors and was later also available with fuel injection.
This was the first time in 10 years that Volvo was able to offer a six-cylinder car. The last time had been when the taxis in the 830 Series were built. However, when it came to cars aimed at private buyers, Volvo had not had a six-cylinder car for almost 20 years, since 1950 when production of the PV60 ceased.
When comparing the appearance of the 164 alongside the 144, you'll see the front had its own styling with a longer bonnet to house the larger engine, a larger grille and additional lights set into the valence (in a very classy Jaguar manner).
In the interior, the seats were totally different, the materials were more luxurious and leather upholstery could be specified.
146 008 Volvo 164s were produced between 1968 and 1975. South Africa saw a total of 4 168 sold and another 1 181 examples of the fuel-injected 164E.