Classic Cars
From Sweden
VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
It should probably be noted here that in many countries, Volvo is better known for its trucks and buses than its cars. In 1999, the Volvo Car Corporation was acquired by the Ford Motor Company and is now a part of that international conglomerate. Sweden continues to be the base for its manufacturing although cars particularly, continue to be manufactured or assembled in a huge number of countries around the globe and sold through over 2,500 dealerships in 100 markets with 60% of their production going to Europe.
The Amazon, later renamed 122 was produced between 1956 and 1970
with 667,323 models being produced in only 3 variations. It was one of the 120 series of cars.
(*1)
The largest production Volvo car to date, the 122 set Volvo
on the path of international acceptance.
Many Volvo enthusiasts revere the P1900, the earlier brother to
this P1800.
The P1900 however, was a commercial disaster after Volvo experimented with a Swedish version of the
Chevrolet Corvette. Only 68 of the P1900s were built and mostly for the local market.
The 1800 series was launched in 1961 and continued through several variants to 1973,
with total sales of a surprisingly low 47,492. (*2) Not wishing to start an international incident, I believe that each of the 1800 series were
masterpieces in design, mechanics, reliability and marketing.
The ES, Convertible, the Coupe, the
(E Type look-alike) GT Racer. Magnificent.
Above - the 1800S of the same year that has been featured as clocking a total of
over 2.7 million mile (in 2007).
(*3)
The 200 series was produced between 1974 and 1993 during which over 2.8 million
were sold worldwide, the best selling model being the 240 in its several
variations.
(*4)
My choice of the best is the 240 GLE (left)
In the racing scene, the 240 was successful in
Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Macau.
Join my Forum and have your say.
Nominate your preference; Take a poll.
See my Blog.
References
*1 -
Wikipedia
*2 -
Wikipedia
*3 -
The Volvo Owners Club
*4 -
Wikipedia