We recently visited the Volvo factory museum in Gothenburg, Sweden. The museum’s well-equipped facilities showcase every facet of the brand’s development, from the most sensible cars to sports and racing cars, not forgetting… trucks and tractors! The manufacturer places great emphasis on its contribution to the well-being and safety of human beings. (Text and pictures : Dimitri Urbain)
Volvo has a rich and often little-known history. If you’re visiting southern Sweden, a visit to its museum a must! And to whet your appetite even more, here’s a guided tour in pictures…
Gustaf Larson and Assar Gabrielsson founded Volvo in 1927.
Right from the start, the brand’s cars earned a good reputation for their dependability and build quality.
To cater for all its customers’ needs, Volvo quickly developed commercial vehicles…
… as well as coaches designed to transport people, such as this LV4.
The brand expanded during the 1930s, and American car manufacturers were a big infuence on Volvo’s products. This PV36 is a perfect example as many details were inspired by the Chrysler Airflow.
The Volvo Museum’s staging really showcases the vehicles on display, with typical period settings, as here, with a rare convertible.
Volvo introduced the PV444 at the end of the Second World War. It was again heavily influenced by American styling and powered by a 1400 cm3 four-cylinder engine. There was decent performance and a high level of comfort for family travels, even over long distances.
The Volvo station wagon dynasty began with the Duett. It had a very long career, both as a light van and as a people carrier.
The Amazon helped Volvo’s international expansion and creating an enviable reputation in the USA and many other markets. It used tried and tested solutions while perfecly answering customers’ needs.
The Volvo Sport was a bit of an exception in the history of the brand… Released in 1954, only a few dozen examples were assembled. It was a PV 444 derivative.
In the early 1960s, Volvo returned to the coupé market with the P1800. It was initially partly assembled by Jensen in the UK but production was soon transferred to Sweden. It was a huge success thanks to its elegant lines and its part in « The Saint » TV series starring Roger Moore as Simon Templar.
Road safety has been one of the brand’s major concerns for a long time, as by this VESC prototype from the late 60s shows. Many features were soon adopted on the 240, like the big bumpers that could withstand light impacts.
Volvo is also about performance… as demonstrated by this 244 Turbo. Back in the 1980s, the Belgian gendarmerie used several examples. This all-red version is a unique version.
The 480 is one of many Volvos produced in the Netherlands, following DAF’s automotive activities, takeover, after the 66 and 343. It was also available as a turbo engined car, powered by…a Renault lump.
One of the most famous Volvos: the 850 BTCC estate, wreaking havoc on the racetracksback in 1994. Its 2-litre engine produced 290 bhp and was mated to a sequential gearbox. It was a joint developed by Volvo and racing cars builder Tom Walkinshaw.
Police car, ambulance, telephone van and helping humanitarian aid – Volvo has always been everywhere to help people.
Volvo truly made the estate car come of age and even gave it prestige and performance, as this 2001 PCC2 prototype shows. It’s got 300 bhp and a 6-speed gearbox under the bonnet, along with an active chassis. It was sure to appeal families fathers and antique dealers in a hurry!
In Sweden, rallycross is a very popular sport. Even unlikely contenders can have success, like this 343. A far cry from its popular image of being just an automatic car for the elderly.
Volvo was and still is active in the fields of trucks, buses, tractors, marine and aircraft engines, etc.
Finally, an XC90 made of… Lego! Something completely different and with a distinctly Scandinavian identity.
