Volvo 264 TE by Bertone

The Volvo 200 Series is a fantastic car.

I've driven a number of them, from the lowest low mileage cherries and a blue 240 sedan with well over 700,000 kms on the clock. Each one carried a distinct, unifying feel that is unlike any other. For years, it was the beloved choice for people sensible enough to consider an alternative to offerings from anyone who thought twice about the car they drove. 

What about socialists?

For considered East German dignitaries and businessmen, procuring sensible daily transportation was a problem. After the East German-made Sachsenring P240 lost out to the Tatra T603, Germans who were lucky enough to be given access to a luxury car were faced with no option from their homeland.

Importing a West German-made Mercedes-Benz or BMW was impossible, as were all other vehicles in the West…except one.