In Volvo "lore" of days long past, the first digit is the model series, second is number of cylinders in the engine, and third is the number of doors. Of course, there are waaaaay too many exceptions to the rule.

So a 244 is a 2- series, with four cylinders, and four doors. A Wagon is a 245, and a coupe is a 242. The 6-cylinders were 262, 264, and 265. Everything is still coded as this behind the scenes.... Volvo just stopped putting it on the car in like 1980. In the way back, there were 142,144,145,and 164, all badged on the car.

Your Dad has a sedan I guess. :-)

Interestingly, our 740 wagon is coded as a "745" on the Volvo data sheet when I got the stereo code from the dealer... even though Volvo never ever had a 744/745 badge. Most Volvo enthusiasts just use 744/745, and 854/855 as shorthand.

-Ryan

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Athens, Ohio
1987 245 DL 314k, Dog-mobile
1990 245 DL 134k M47, E-codes, GT Sway Bars
1991 745 GL 300k, Regina, 23/21mm Turbo Sway Bars