Fun Facts about South Korean Volvos
Some people assume there might be some connection to North Korean 144s — but there isn’t 😂
Volvo 940s were sold in extremely small numbers in South Korea, with around 1,400 units officially imported.
The 740 was even rarer, with roughly 300 units sold.
1988 marked the first year the South Korean government allowed the sale of foreign cars, as part of a policy shift after years of protecting domestic manufacturers such as Hyundai and Kia.
At the time, buying a Volvo (or any foreign car) in South Korea could actually attract investigation. The National Tax Service would investigate owners for being “disloyal to local brands,” and official Volvo importers were required to submit customer lists annually.
(Yes, this is a documented fact.)
Most 940s sold in Korea were European-spec models, with one notable exception:
• The 1991 940 SE, which was a US-spec B230FT paired with a 960 interior.
Unlike the US market, 940 sales in Korea continued until 1998, and all post-1995 models were B230FK low-pressure turbos.
All naturally aspirated 940s sold in South Korea were equipped with the B230FB engine with the 531 cylinder head.
For the 740, some units were European-spec, but not all.
The example pictured here is an official South Korean import, yet it is US-spec, featuring the Regina-equipped B230F.
There were also a handful of grey-imported 240s, but only about six are known to remain today.
The 960 and 960 LWB Royal/Executive were officially offered as well, though they are extremely rare.
Commentaires
Enregistrer un commentaire