The Volvo 300 Series is a rear-wheel-drive small family car sold from 1976[2] through 1991, both as a hatchback and (from 1984) as a conventional notchback saloon.

It was launched in the Netherlands shortly after Volvo acquired a significant stake in the passenger car division of DAF in 1973.

Due to the cost, Volvo was not initially interested, but it was later persuaded by DAF's access to Renault engines.

Building cars in the Netherlands also helped the Swedish Volvo to access the markets of the European Community, of which Sweden was not yet a member.

The rear-mounted gearbox helped with weight distribution, but resulted in an unusually large transmission tunnel, especially by comparison with the contemporary front-wheel drive competitors such as the Mk.

[3] However, the 360 GLT versions were well regarded by more enthusiastic drivers, with the unusual gearbox location ensuring good weight distribution, balance, and traction.

The introduction model was fitted with a 71 PS (52 kW; 70 hp) 1.4 L[6] Renault Cléon-Fonte engine in the front and DAF's radical Variomatic continuously variable transmission unusually mounted in the rear, helping weight distribution.

Volvo had also by this point substantially redesigned the interior with a much higher quality dashboard; also new seats, steering wheels and various fittings derived from the larger 200 Series model - addressing the heavy criticism of the DAF-designed interior of the early cars.

The extra doors added 30 kg (66 lb); other modifications included better brakes, a slightly larger track due to wider wheels, and interval wipers.

In 1981, another engine option was added to the range, the Volvo designed B19, which was only available in GLS specs with the manual transmission.

A facelift in summer 1981 for the 1982 model year featured a revised bonnet, grille, front lamp arrangement, and slightly different bumpers.

[8] The more powerful 360 GLT was only available with a five-speed manual and the engine came equipped with a breakerless ignition system and velour interior, amongst other comfort details.

A famous advertisement for the 300 series in the late 1980s saw a crash test dummy "come alive", and drive a 340 out of a second-floor factory window, nose-diving into the concrete ground.

The newly designed power steering from the new Volvo 480 became available as an option for the 1988 model year, while rust protection was improved with the increased use of galvanised steel.

[11] A diesel engine for the 340 developing 54 PS (40 kW), was only available in select export markets and was added to the 340 models in 1984.

This diesel was a Renault F-series (like the petrol 1.7), and was available with a 1.6 L naturally aspirated engine only - called the "D16" in Volvo's internal jargon.

Sales began at a low level, not helped by the absence of a manual transmission option and an early reputation for poor build quality.

Still, sales gradually increased as the lineup expanded with manual transmission and a 5-door body style, and the initial quality issues were solved - by redesigning the interior and dashboard.

It regularly made it onto Britain's top annual 20 sales tables for that decade and was the best-selling import car at several points in the early 1980s.

The 1,200-litre (42 cu ft) cargo compartment has a flat floor and a metal bulkhead behind the front seats to protect occupants from moving loads.

[22] It was called "Volvo 345 Van" and was developed for commercial use at the behest of the Dutch Postal Services, who preferred a Dutch-made vehicle.

This edition featured all options on both the 340 GLE and 360 GLE/T, including air conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors, alloy wheels, and a leather interior.

At the 1979 Geneva Motor Show, Bertone presented a three-door hatchback coupé concept on 343-basis called the Volvo Tundra.

A heavily modified version using Alpine/Gordini cross-flow engines bored out to 1770 cc was driven by Per-Inge Walfridsson to win the European Championship of Rallycross in 1980.

The cars gained homologation for rallying in Sweden's Standard-B class (minimum weight of 15 kg/ps) in the spring of 1977, with some minor modifications to the engine and gearing.