Volvo |
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Founded by Assar
Gabrielsson and Gustav Larson with the intention
of building vehicles better able to handle the
harsh Scandinavian climate. Both came from SKF
bearings, this company funding the first production
of 1000 cars in 1927. The P120 Amazon established
its enviable global reputation for quality and
safety. |
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1947 - 1965
While the PV444 was easy for anyone to drive, the skilled motorist got, in addition to high performance, great satisfaction for the way in which that prowess was achieved. No doubt a model for the Volvo enthusiasts only, don't be too quick to dismiss the car should you chance across it at a motor show. In their day, they offered almost unrivaled quality and much better than average performance.
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1956 - 1970
Perhaps the most famous and recognisable Volvo is the
120, with its classic American styling (imitating the
bull nosed look of Chryslers from the 50's). The car
quickly gained a reputation for reliability and durability
with its resistance to rust - due mainly to the high
quality steel used in the construction. More>> |
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1960 - 1973
More respectable than 'sporting', the high-waisted
P1800 has today become a very collectable car. A
top speed on 160 km/h can be achieved, thanks primarily
to the overdrive gearbox rather than the 4 cylinder
motor. The status of the car was undoubtedely enhanced
by its appearance in the weekly television series "The
Saint",
then driven by the shows star Roger Moore, who also
owned one in real life. More>> |
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1960 - 1973
Volvo was to release the venerable 200 series in 1974,
and such was the popularity of the car that it would
enjoy an amazing production run of nearly 20 years. The
replacement was supposed to be the 700 series, released
in 1982, however such was the popularity of the “boxy
but safe” 200 series that Volvo were reluctant
to cease production. A good thing too, with both the
200 and 700 series being sold side-by-side for the next
10 years. The 700 series was replaced by the 900 series
in 1992, however the 200 hung in for another year, finally
disappearing from the showroom in 1993. More>> |
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1976 - 1985
Today we all understand the difference between
active and passive safety, but in the late
1970’s there were in actuality only
a few car manufacturers putting it into practice.
Volvo were one such company, aiming to build
cars that the driver could control in most
emergency situations, rather than the car
controlling the driver. More>> |
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1976 - 1985
By the time the Volvo 245 GL arrived on Australian
shores, the marque had built a stellar reputation
for building robust, reliable, safe but boxy cars.
It seemed every year the same formula was applied,
with just the occasional cosmetic update to set
it apart from last year's model. Although a large
number were purchased by well off middleclass retirees,
in reality the Swedish vehicles had plenty to offer
the motorist with a more modest budget. More>> |
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1976 - 1985
Although the 264 GLE retained all the traditional
Volvo safety features, and incorporated some
new ones, its unmistakable all-round class
enabled it to avoid the tag of being a dull “security
cell” – leastwise it was boxy,
safe and good looking. Problems of overpricing
did not apply as much to the GLE as other
models down the range, its excellent finish
and lavish standard equipment making it, by
anybody's standard, a luxury car. More>> |
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1976 - 1985
Volvo’s had long been popular for their reliability
and safety, yet they had also been seen as stolid and
uninspired. By the time the Volvo 265 GLE arrived in
Australia, it became evident to all who cared to take
a slightly closer look at the Volvo that the cars coming
from Gothenberg were better handling and more attractive
for those who wanted something a little more exciting
to drive. More>> |
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1977 - 1981
Flagship of the Volvo range during the early 1980’s
was the 262C Bertone-designed and assembled coupe, based
on the mechanicals of the 264 GLE. The priced at over
$30000, the 262C was almost twice as expensive as the
sedan from which it is derived, and for the extra coin
you got the most distinctive of the Volvo range, Bertone
badges, and a luxurious 2 + 2 interior. Few would have
known then however that the 262C Bertone would become
an instant classic and is today highly prized and very
collectable. More>> |
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1977 - 1981
Flagship of the Volvo range during the early 1980’s
was the 262C Bertone-designed and assembled coupe,
based on the mechanicals of the 264 GLE. The priced
at over $30000, the 262C was almost twice as expensive
as the sedan from which it is derived, and for the
extra coin you got the most distinctive of the Volvo
range, Bertone badges, and a luxurious 2 + 2 interior.
Few would have known then however that the 262C
Bertone would become an instant classic and is today
highly prized and very collectable. More>> |
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1982 - 1990
At release both the V6 and Turbo models were identically priced (at $34,500), the latter manual only iteration aimed squarely at the driving enthusiast. The new model boasted a modern profile with a low waistline and large glass areas. The car was extremely spacious and offered an exceptionally high standard of safety. More>> |
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1982 - 1991
Powered by a 2.0 litre fuel injected 85 kW engine, a raspy note from the exhaust would always remind you of the sporting aspirations of the car, although there was enough sound-proofing to ensure it never became irritating. The handling was precise, and although there was some slight understeer, it remained extremely predictable, ensuring the driver remained confident at all times. More>> |
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