THE STORY OF VOLVO CARS   by Graham Robson

PATRICK STEPHENS, LIMITED     BAR HILL, CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND    1983

First and only printing.  Stated at copyright: First Published in 1983.  Large 7" x 9 3/4" design.  From the early prototypes to the latest saloon - the first full history of Volvo cars written with the company's complete co-operation.  Blue cloth boards, bright gilt impressed spine titles, fine.   Heavy stock coated pages, fine.  Pictorial spread endpapers of the full range of products including gas turbine aero engines, tractors, earth movers, massive trucks, and private cars; back endpaper features scene from 1970's assembly.  Bind fine; hinges intact.  Dust wrapper, fine; unclipped 9.95 Net, protected in new clear sleeve. 

Frontispiece of racing 122: "The way to drive an Amazon really fast in a rally was to get sideways - and to have Tom Trana driving it.  Here he tackles a dusty special stage in the 1965 Acropolis rally.  Carl-Magnus Skogh won the event in a similar team car."  Illustrated throughout with class photos of classic Volvos.  Includes a foreword by then president of Volvo Cars, Hakan Frisinger.  

Volvo automobiles got  started in the 1920's and has been an innovator of safety (introduction of the complete seatbelt), reliability, and longevity - and speed, many disregard the speed.  Yet the complete history had not been told.  Graham Robson relates the events, influences, and personalities of the Volvo marque and delves into the development and design of our favorites - and intriguing prototypes - proving Volvo has not always been as traditional as some maintain; designing many diverse, robust and safe models while retaining an honorable sporting history.   A history, presented here for the first time, will appeal to enthusiasts around the world.  

Chapters headings include: 'Jakob' and the SKF connection; Six cylinders in the 1930's; PV444 - a 'world' car from Sweden; The mighty Amazon; Sports cars and coupe's; Safety fast!; 140's, 240's and safety; Expansion overseas; Volvo for the 1980's; Volvo cars since 1927 - A technical summary; Company milestones; The rise, and rise, of Volvo car production; Prototypes and specials - not for sale; and, Trucks, buses, tractors, aero and marine engines - The other faces of Volvo.  Includes detailed index. Substantial volume of fine book craftsmanship.  8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" Tall.  216 pages.  Insured post.