When you think of Volvo, unless you are thinking of the latest models, you probably have an Amazon, the Coupé P 1800 or the humpback Volvo in mind. But the Volvo vehicle spectrum goes back further, as the brand's history begins in 1927, when "Jakob", Volvo's first car, which was actually called the ÖV 4, rolled off the production line. To fill in the gaps in our knowledge, the book "Volvo - Individuality from Sweden: All models since 1927"
Safety written in capital letters
The book devotes many pages to the subject of safety, as the Swedish manufacturer's vehicles were considered to be particularly robust and accident-resistant.
The list of safety innovations is impressive and includes the safety cage (1944), laminated glass for the windshield (1944), the safety steering column (1956), the three-point seat belt (1959, front), the padded dashboard (1964), the brake booster (1965) and side impact protection (1973). And this list is only about a fifth of the entire list.
Popular models explained
Schmidt and Thiele devote an entire chapter to the most popular and best-known models. The PV444/544 is documented with many historical pictures, while the Amazon and the P 1800 are given plenty of space.
The models 142-265 are also described in detail.
Up to modern times
This book is not a classic car book, but a history of the brand that goes right up to modern times. Newer models such as the 850/V70 are described, as are modern SUVs such as the XC90. Even the future is covered and for nautical enthusiasts there is even a chapter on the Volvo Ocean Race.
The double page with the Volvo alphabet is amusing, as it lists typical Volvo facts for each letter that some people may not have known.
For Volvo and picture fans
This book is certainly worth considering for fans of the brand. But picture lovers will also get their money's worth, as the book contains an interesting selection of earlier or mostly color factory pictures that you don't see everywhere else. These photos have their own charm and are a delight.
Fans of comprehensive data collections will find less to their liking. There are neither production statistics nor technical data on the entire range. This task is probably delegated to other works.
However, "Volvo - All models since 1927" is very suitable as a book for reading and occasional browsing, and those who are not familiar with the brand can certainly learn a lot by browsing through the 176-page work.
Bibliographical details
- Title: "Volvo" - Individuality from Sweden, All models since 1927
- Authors: Boris Schmidt and Stefan Thiele
- Language: German
- Size: 176 pages, 150 color photos
- Format: 25 x 30.5 cm, hardcover with dust jacket
- Publisher: Delius Klasing Verlag, Bielefeld
- Edition: Second updated edition 2013 (July 8, 2013)
- Price: Euro 39.90 (D), Euro 41.10 (A), CHF 53.90 (CH)
- ISBN: 978-3-7688-3691-3
- Available from: Bookstores, Amazon
