Production then rose, excepting slight dips in 1977 and 1980 to reach a maximum of 116,000 in 1986. In 1983, the year's production in Born, at 106,000, at last broke the 99,000 record set by DAF ten years earlier. In March 1988 the millionth 300 was made, but by then production was already on the wane, and the 300 was discontinued after the 1,136,689th on 13 March 1991. Perversely, it became fashionable in motoring magazines to sneer at the 340. Given that the 340 comes at or near the top of its class in reliability and safety surveys, these journalists' priorities are open to question.
Owners are wiser.
This impression is strengthened by the ease of getting into the high-mounted seat, from which one enjoys a commanding view and feels like the king of the road. One is also king of the car park, as the eye-popping 9.2m turning circle allows one to manoeuvre into the most awkward space. To me, these are positive and valuable reminders that one is in charge of a car on the public road and not in a cocooned dream watching the scenery pass. On the road, the steady and predictable handling encourages craftsmanlike driving, thinking ahead, planning one's actions in advance, surely a good habit for road safety. A journey in a 340 is an event and a pleasure in itself.