TheJoyOfSix
08-10-2004, 08:40 AM
Here is a rough draft of a summary of 200 series bodystyles composed from various reference books etc. I am a little unfamiliar on the US models, and I believe that European and Antipodean models were similar. I have deliberatley not included engine/gearbox/spec levels as they differ so much depending on market. Your help in revising this article is appreciated.
If there is enough interest I will do one for 700/900 models. I'll try and add pics if requested
A Rough Guide to 200 Series Styles
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1974
The 242/244 was launched upon the world based on the last generation 140 series having the same rear end with flat bootlid and a 4 panel taillight as the 142/144 or 245 having the same rear as the 145, a similar interior to the 140 but with different heater vents and the handbrake between the seats, and a new front end comprising 7” round headlights, flathood and a large eggcrate grille. Large ‘commando’ bumpers were fitted taking their style from the experimental VESC car.
<o:p></o:p>
The 264 was also launched in this year and was similar to the 240, but had 6 panel taillights, a bulged hood and vertical chrome grille and large rectangular headlights (except in US where 4 square lights were used)
<o:p></o:p>
1975
265 launched
262 launched, a 2 door version of the 264. After a run of approx 3300 the model was discontinued.
<o:p></o:p>
1977
262C launched. These were built by Bertone in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region><st1:place>Italy</st1:place></st1:country-region> and had a lowered roof.
<o:p></o:p>
1979
240 range revised with new rear on 244’s with wrapover bootlid and wraparound 5 panel rear lights. Outside of the <st1:country-region><st1:place>US</st1:place></st1:country-region> a new front light arrangement was fitted consisting of large square lights for the DL and GL, and large rectangular lights for the GLE, GLT and Diesel. (all three models introduced in this year)
262’s/264’s gained the new rear but with 6 panel lights.
US models gained the new rear.
<o:p></o:p>
1980
Wheelbase on all models lengthened by 1cm
<o:p></o:p>
1981
Major revisions to all models.
In the <st1:country-region><st1:place>US</st1:place></st1:country-region>, all 240 models gained the 260 style bonnet and grille, DL’s and GL’s having 4 round lights, GLE, GLT<, Diesel and Turbo models gained the 4 square lights.
Outside of the <st1:country-region><st1:place>US</st1:place></st1:country-region> a new front end was fitted comprising flush fitting lights and indicators and new smaller plastic bumpers. 240 models continued with the flathood, 260’s retaining the raised bonnet.
A new dashboard was introduced to all models with a longer cowl over the instrument binnacle (also revised) and space for extra gauges.
262C discontinued
<o:p></o:p>
1983
Oustide the <st1:country-region><st1:place>US</st1:place></st1:country-region> 240’s now adopted the 260 bonnet but with a black plastic grille.
<o:p></o:p>
1985
260 discontinued
<o:p></o:p>
1986
All models now harmonised worldwide with the small bumpers, wraparound lights. New bonnet with wide but even bulge and new grille introduced. New bootlid with new design lock fitted to saloons.
<o:p></o:p>
1990
244 discontinued.
245 gains larger rear window.
<o:p></o:p>
1992
245 discontinued
If there is enough interest I will do one for 700/900 models. I'll try and add pics if requested
A Rough Guide to 200 Series Styles
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
1974
The 242/244 was launched upon the world based on the last generation 140 series having the same rear end with flat bootlid and a 4 panel taillight as the 142/144 or 245 having the same rear as the 145, a similar interior to the 140 but with different heater vents and the handbrake between the seats, and a new front end comprising 7” round headlights, flathood and a large eggcrate grille. Large ‘commando’ bumpers were fitted taking their style from the experimental VESC car.
<o:p></o:p>
The 264 was also launched in this year and was similar to the 240, but had 6 panel taillights, a bulged hood and vertical chrome grille and large rectangular headlights (except in US where 4 square lights were used)
<o:p></o:p>
1975
265 launched
262 launched, a 2 door version of the 264. After a run of approx 3300 the model was discontinued.
<o:p></o:p>
1977
262C launched. These were built by Bertone in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region><st1:place>Italy</st1:place></st1:country-region> and had a lowered roof.
<o:p></o:p>
1979
240 range revised with new rear on 244’s with wrapover bootlid and wraparound 5 panel rear lights. Outside of the <st1:country-region><st1:place>US</st1:place></st1:country-region> a new front light arrangement was fitted consisting of large square lights for the DL and GL, and large rectangular lights for the GLE, GLT and Diesel. (all three models introduced in this year)
262’s/264’s gained the new rear but with 6 panel lights.
US models gained the new rear.
<o:p></o:p>
1980
Wheelbase on all models lengthened by 1cm
<o:p></o:p>
1981
Major revisions to all models.
In the <st1:country-region><st1:place>US</st1:place></st1:country-region>, all 240 models gained the 260 style bonnet and grille, DL’s and GL’s having 4 round lights, GLE, GLT<, Diesel and Turbo models gained the 4 square lights.
Outside of the <st1:country-region><st1:place>US</st1:place></st1:country-region> a new front end was fitted comprising flush fitting lights and indicators and new smaller plastic bumpers. 240 models continued with the flathood, 260’s retaining the raised bonnet.
A new dashboard was introduced to all models with a longer cowl over the instrument binnacle (also revised) and space for extra gauges.
262C discontinued
<o:p></o:p>
1983
Oustide the <st1:country-region><st1:place>US</st1:place></st1:country-region> 240’s now adopted the 260 bonnet but with a black plastic grille.
<o:p></o:p>
1985
260 discontinued
<o:p></o:p>
1986
All models now harmonised worldwide with the small bumpers, wraparound lights. New bonnet with wide but even bulge and new grille introduced. New bootlid with new design lock fitted to saloons.
<o:p></o:p>
1990
244 discontinued.
245 gains larger rear window.
<o:p></o:p>
1992
245 discontinued