some once related to me that the 164's were produced to compete with rolls-royce, of which i was skeptical. seems more likely to compete with the mercedes' of the era, perhaps the 250 model? or vice-versa? for example, compare the 164 lines / front end with this MB 250c currently on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2400348077&category=6329

there happened to be a 250c (year unknown) parked next to my 1975 164e in my work parking lot today and i caught sight of both front ends and thought "golly, something looks familar."

also, what is the 164TE? i know the 164, and 164E. was the TE Turbo EFI or something? Taxi model?

-daniel
--
== 1975 164e ==

Hello DL!!!
In terms of reliability, ANY 164 puts ANY Roller/Bentley EVER
built to absolute SHAME!!!
Speaking of the 164TE; when East-Germany was going through its
death-throes, I remember seeing news film of the Red-Party Kommissars
scrambling to the supposed safety of Party H.Q. They all pulled up
to the front door riding in chauffeur-driven 164TE's!!!

Gary in Arizona--with two 164's.

Indeed, there are some similarities to the Mercedes... I reckon they also borrowed some facial expression from teh series 1 XJ6 Jag... including the fake grilles where fog lights could go...

http://restored-classics.com/jag/jag23.html

In either event, I'd say it was sort of a budjet competitor for the MB/Jag/BMW Bavaria. Dressed up front end and interior, different motor, but all 144 sheetmetal behind the front fenders to keep teh costs down...

I think it would be a really proud 164 owner that would put it in the league of any Rolls/Bently available at teh time...

-Matt

The person you spoke to may have been referencing an old ad line, "The 164 is the Rolls Royce of Volvos." Or, "Don't call it a poor man's Rolls Royce, it's actually a rich man's Volvo."

Yes, the styling is similar to Mercedes of the same era, however, Jan Wilksgaard had been putting that style of front end on several concept vehicles since the late 50's, like the P358(?), a very 164-like executive car.

The 164 TE is a stretched version of the 164 for limo use (diplomats, etc...) More room for the rear passengers, possibly jumpseats behind the front seats for 7-passenger capability in a pinch. If you've ever seen the 264 TE, it's the same concept. There were also Transfer models of the 145 built along the same lines, used as taxis, ambulances and airport transporters.

The 164 was never turbocharged from the factory, but you can buy a kit for it today!
--
Speed Racer, '83 240 R, '74 164 E, '93 940 OL1 (Manchester, CT)

a turbo kit for the 164e? innaresting... even tho i think my ride to be sweet, i feel kinda cheated to have the b30f motor (originally) rated at 130 hp, while the 1972 b30e was rated at 175hp. an appreciable difference, even tho mine can still squish me back in the seat a bit when i give it all "off the line."

what's an easy way to boost power (aside from, of course, Z Max etc)? new cam? what else? low-end and mid-range power; it already does very nicely on the highway...

-daniel
--
== 1975 164e ==

A different cam might gain you some power, and switching to carbs is also a common choice. There's not much else that's really easy to do.

The B30E had the mucho power increase due to higher compression - you could rebuild the motor to those specs. You don't want to push the motor too far - 200HP is probably a safe limit - because the long crank can't handle a lot of extra power before it snaps.
--
Speed Racer, '83 240 R, '74 164 E, '93 940 OL1 (Manchester, CT)

Those nutty Svedes at www.KgTrimning.com have a lot of nifty B30 performance parts. Although some of the appeal of their prices has faded a bit in recent months as the dollar has fallen fairly sharply (nearly 20%!) against the kronor.

But they have a wide selection of cams from mild to wild, modified heads, 93MM B30 headgaskets (use B21 pistons for a big bore 3.3 liter), headers, and triple Weber DCOE manifolds and the DCOE's to go with. They don't specifically list stroker B30 cranks (for an additional ~300cc), but would probably whip one up if someone asked with cash in hand.

164TE=Top Executive
Basically it is a top shelf version of the 164. Rear headrests
reading lamps, butt warmers, kitchen sink, etc

I think the 164 was suppose to be an alternative to the mercedes
types of cars -- there are ads from back then saying things like
"sure the mercedes has 4 wheel independent suspension but for
everything else the 164 is better" and stuff like that. The 164
is no rolls alternative. Bentley maybe but not a rolls. I
actually think of my 164 as what BMW would have made if they
did things correctly...
chris