Volvo Was Designing SUVs as early because the Nineteen Seventies

Volvo lastly entered the SUV market within the early 2000s with the launch of the unique XC90, however the automaker was designing SUVs at the very least way back to the Nineteen Seventies.

Shortly after Land Rover launched its first Vary Rover and earlier than Mercedes-Benz launched its first civilian G-Class, Volvo designed a boxy two-door SUV.

Official design sketches of the SUV have been lately posted to the Fb web page of the Volvo Heritage division together with some details about their unique objective.

In response to Hans Hedberg, the supervisor of Volvo Heritage, the design sketches have been penned by Volvo’s design supervisor on the time, Gunnar Falck, and symbolize the early idea styling stage of improvement. He began sketching concepts for an SUV on the suggestion of Volvo’s CEO on the time, Pehr Gyllenhammar, for a car that could possibly be bought in creating areas, particularly African international locations.

The design blends the boxy look of Volvo’s sedans with brief overhangs and sq. wheel arches typical of SUVs. Any manufacturing model might have resembled the XJ-generation Jeep Cherokee of the Eighties.

Volvo finally deserted the thought for an SUV for the subsequent couple many years however would revive it with the Journey Idea Automotive that debuted in 2001 and previewed the primary XC90 that may arrive a pair years later.

Volvo followers can stay up for extra content material from Volvo’s archives, like these design sketches, because the Volvo Heritage division mentioned it plans to launch extra of its hidden gems.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: Volvo SUV designs from the Nineteen Seventies

This text was initially printed by Motor Authority, an editorial associate of ClassicCars.com