Volvo: Illustrated History Books & Guides

Volvo Cars 1927-2025

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In this clear and informative book, Volvo Owners' Club director Andrew Anderson brings together expert articles covering every Volvo model produced since the 1920s, forming a complete history of the marque. Each chapter is written by a recognised specialist, ensuring accuracy and depth.

Volvo was founded by Assar Gabrielsson and Gustav Larson, who aimed to build cars suited to Sweden's climate and roads. Their first model, the OV4, appeared in 1927. This was followed by a range of larger cars, leading to the important PV444 of 1946, Volvo's first affordable family model.
Later classics such as the Amazon strengthened the company's reputation for solid saloons and estates. During the 1970s and 1980s, Volvo became known for space, reliability, and safety. The front-wheel-drive 850 of the 1990s showed a more dynamic side, while the XC90 marked a successful entry into the modern 4x4 market.

Covering Volvo's independent years, its time under Ford ownership, and its current position within Geely Holdings, this book tells Volvo's story through the cars that defined it.

Product details

Author:	Andrew Anderson
Details:	96 pages, 9.1 x 6.5 x 0.43 in (23 x 16.5 x 1.1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	90 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Amberley Publishing (GB, 2025)
ISBN:	9781398118133

Volvo Cars 1945-1995 - A Pictorial History

This book provides a detailed overview of Volvo models from this period, featuring numerous photographs, line drawings, and period color images. It covers all variants, including saloons, sports models, limited editions, estates, and coupés.

Motorsport achievements and Volvo's appearances in TV shows and films are also highlighted. The book is a useful reference for comparing models and verifying authenticity. It includes a brief history of each model, production changes, annotated illustrations, and detailed technical specifications such as dimensions, weight, engines, and performance data.

Pages of the book "Volvo Cars 1945-1995 - A Pictorial History"

Additionally, it examines Volvo's military vehicles and advertising campaigns over the years. Interior and exterior diagrams, along with media coverage, provide a complete picture of Volvo's evolution over five decades.

Models covered:
- PV444 & PV544, Amazon, P1800, 140 & 160 series
- Early Dutch Volvos: 66 & 340 series
- 240 & 260 series, 740, 760 & 780 series
- Later Dutch Volvos: 440, 460 & 480 series
- 940 & 960 series, 850 & T-5R series
- Commercial & military vehicles.

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Author:	Trevor Alder
Details:	112 pages, 8.25 x 5.9 x 0.43 in (21 x 15 x 1.1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	15 b&w and 184 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2024)
ISBN:	9781845846138

Volvo - Model by Model

This book invitates both Volvo enthusiasts and those with a broader motoring interest, to an immersive journey through the evolution of Volvo's landmark cars.
From the early side-valve ÖV4 to the contemporary electric C40, and iconic models like the 240, XC90, and 850, the book captures the essence of each vehicle from the driver's perspective. Delving into Volvo's marketing evolution, from safety-oriented strategies to embracing sportiness, the narrative incorporates insights from contemporary road tests.

Fasten your Volvo-patented three-point safety belt for a comprehensive exploration. In the 2020s, Volvo experiences a resurgence, achieving mainstream desirability with record sales for six consecutive years. "Volvo Model by Model" not only examines the cars but also delves into the cultural impact of Volvo, showcasing its unique role in encapsulating Swedish identity.
From surviving challenges like the open-topped ÖV4 to navigating a failed marriage with Ford, the book portrays Volvo's resilience and its current expression of Scandinavian style under the ownership of Geely in China.

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Author:	Martin Tilbrook
Details:	160 pages, 11.2 x 8.9 x 0.87 in (28.5 x 22.5 x 2.2 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	many b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2023)
ISBN:	9780719842115

The Volvo Estate

This book explains the history of the Volvo estate car, one of the world's most versatile station wagons. Known as both a reliable work vehicle and a comfortable family car, it became Sweden's practical answer to the German people's car and helped set new standards for safety and durability at an early stage.

The book follows the full development of the Volvo estate, from the company's early years to the introduction and evolution of the station wagon, with every model covered. It presents the broader history of Volvo, supported by detailed production figures for all estate versions and a large collection of period photographs, including images not previously published.

Covering the years 1927 to 2007, this volume offers a clear and informative view of a car that achieved major worldwide sales success but received limited media attention.

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Author:	Ashley Hollebone
Details:	160 pages, 8.1 x 8.1 x 0.43 in (20.5 x 20.5 x 1.1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	319 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2020)
ISBN:	9781787116078

Volvo 700 / 900 Series (1982-1998) - Essential Buyer's Guide

Essential Buyer's Guide by Veloce with practical advice for buying a Volvo 700 or 900 Series.
Versions: 760 GLE, GLE Turbo Diesel, Turbo 740 GL, GLE, GLT 16V, GLE Turbo Diesel, Turbo and SE 780 Bertone Coupé.
Years: 1982-1998.

This Essential Buyer's Guide for the Volvo 740, 760, 780, 940 and 960 will help you find the right car at the right price and answer the following questions:

• Stay or walk away? Initial evaluation of a Volvo 700 or 900.
• What is the right price? Valuation with a unique scoring system.
• How to check authenticity?
• Which models are most suitable?
• What are known defects?
• What are the possibilities and impact of a restoration?
• What are the maintenance costs?

Product details

Author:	Tim A. Beavis
Details:	64 pages, 7.7 x 5.5 in (19.5 x 14 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	100 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2013)
Series:	The Essential Buyer's Guide
ISBN:	9781845844561

Volvo PV444 & PV544 (1945-1965) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Volvo PV444 and PV544 models from the years 1945-1965. Describes the Volvo PV444, K, L, California, PV544, Sport and Special the Luxe.

• The 44 period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

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Details:	136 pages, 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.35 in (27 x 20 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	300 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 2001)
Series:	Performance Portfolio
ISBN:	9781855205826

Volvo 140 & 160 Series (1966-1975) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Volvo 140 and 160 automobiles from the years 1966-1975. Describes the Volvo 142, S, E, 144, S, GL, 145, S, 164E and Ruddspeed.

• The 47 period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Author:	R. M. Clarke
Details:	172 pages, 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.43 in (27 x 20 x 1.1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	300 photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 1996)
Series:	Gold Portfolio
ISBN:	9781855203280

Le Break Volvo 240 de mon père

Some manufacturers are famous for their convertibles, city cars, or limousines. But when it comes to station wagons, Volvo is the undisputed leader.
The 240/260 series, produced from 1974 to 1993, stands out for its exceptional longevity in the modern automotive industry. The 240 wagons are practical, safe, comfortable, and family-friendly cars, but above all, they are highly cherished. For 19 years, they set the standard in safety, providing optimal protection in case of an accident.

Very popular in the United States, and also available as sedans and coupes, the 240s are robust vehicles designed to withstand time and trends. This book covers the complete history of the Volvo 240, with numerous photos, period documents, and technical specifications of the various models.

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Author:	Thomas Morales
Details:	120 pages, 8.5 x 9 in (21.5 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	201 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2009)
Series:	De mon père
ISBN:	9782726888377

Volvo - Vom Schneewittchensarg ins Elektrische Zeitalter

The Swedish company Volvo has long been established in the automotive business, producing its first passenger cars in 1927. However, it was only after World War II that Volvo achieved international success with the "Humpback Volvo" PV444.

From early models like the ÖV4 and PV4, to the sports wagon P1800ES, known in Germany as the "Snow White's Coffin, " the legendary 240 and 850 series, and the modern E-models EX30 and EX90, as well as the Polestar joint venture, Volvo enthusiast Notker Hilbrenner has comprehensively documented the history of all Volvo passenger car models.

Product details

Author:	Notker Hilbrenner
Details:	208 pages, 9.8 x 8.5 x 0.71 in (25 x 21.5 x 1.8 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	200 b&w and color photos
Language:	German
Publisher:	Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2024)
ISBN:	9783613046818

Volvo 140 & 240 - Schwedens Klassiker

The Volvo 140 and 240 series cemented the brand's reputation for building long-lasting cars. The slogan "Safety from Swedish Steel" became iconic, even though Volvo sometimes used other materials. The transition from the 140 to the angular 240 model particularly reinforced this image.

Pages of the book "Volvo 140 & 240 - Schwedens Klassiker"

In this book, Alessandro Rigatto explores the distinctive lines of these models that defined the streets. Through original photos, advertisements, and brochures, along with images from Rigatto's private archive, an experienced Volvo driver, expert, and restorer, a vivid portrait of these legendary Volvo series emerges.

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Author:	Alessandro Rigatto
Details:	144 pages, 11 x 8.25 in (28 x 21 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	200 b&w and color photos
Language:	German
Publisher:	Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2020)
ISBN:	9783613043169

Saab & Volvo - Klassiker aus Skandinavien (Schrader Motor Chronik)

Saab and Volvo, the two large Swedish car manufacturers, always built cars for individualists and lateral thinkers. This did not always make the economic situation easy for either of them.
But regardless of the economic ups and downs that lasted for decades, both created automotive legends and built idiosyncratic, magnificent and image-conscious cars that were great to advertise - as this wonderful volume in the Schrader Motor Chronicle series proves. A real gem, and not just for Scandinavia fans.

Pages of the book "Saab & Volvo - Klassiker aus Skandinavien"

Product details

Author:	Halwart Schrader
Details:	188 pages, 6.3 x 6.7 in (16 x 17 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	295 b&w and 24 color photos, 50 drawings
Language:	German
Publisher:	Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2011)
Series:	Schrader Motor Chronik
ISBN:	9783613033443