1967 Volvo 144

The 140 was the first Volvo to feature a more rectilinear or boxy styling. Compared to the Volvo Amazon, the 140 was a radical departure with minimal exterior and interior carryover, notably the front split grille. The car's basic shape would survive into the 1990s as the 200 series.

The first 140s used the same 85hp (63kW) B18 engine as the Amazon, with both cars later getting the 2-litre B20 engine. Mechanically, the car used many of the same drivetrain components as the Amazon, but also showcased many improvements, including disc brakes on all four wheels. It was named car of the year in 1966 by Swedish magazine Teknikens Värld.

During the run of the 140 series, Volvo introduced the 164, which shared much of the 140 series structure and styling aft of the windshield while incorporating a 6-cylinder engine.

Volvo produced a high roofed version of the Volvo 145 estate wagon known as an Express as a replacement for the Volvo Duett. It found a niche market and several coachbuilder firms made "Express" versions of the 245. Its rear hatch was made of glass-reinforced plastic.