When it came out at the beginning of the 1980s, the Series 700 surprised the Volvo clientele. It quickly became an icon, and completely reshuffled the codes of the brand. Its Turbo version inherited a 4-cylinder 2L engine pushing 158 horsepower. The 740 was an instant success across the planet, in particular for the American and European markets. Its aesthetic was thanks to Jan Wilsgaard, the in-house designer who kept things simple so as to reduce costs. The style of this car would become the signature of the car manufacturer.