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Volvo: Illustrated History Books & Guides

Explore the best illustrated books on Volvo cars. Discover the history, models and evolution of Volvo cars. Perfect for enthousiasts, collectors, and anyone passionate about Volvo..

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

Product details

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
Book cover: Volvo PV444 & PV544 (1945-1965) | Performance Portfolio | Brooklands

Volvo PV444 & PV544 (1945-1965)

Language: English

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.

Product details

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
Book cover: The Volvo Estate | Veloce

The Volvo Estate

Language: English

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.

Product details

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
Book cover: Volvo - Model by Model | Crowood

Volvo - Model by Model

Language: English

Volvo Cars 1927-2025

NEW

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
Book cover: Volvo Cars 1927-2025 | Amberley

Volvo Cars 1927-2025

Language: English

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.

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.

Pages of the book Volvo Cars 1945-1995 - A Pictorial History (1)

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

Product details

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
Book cover: Volvo Cars 1945-1995 - A Pictorial History | Veloce

Volvo Cars 1945-1995 - A Pictorial History

Language: English

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 [SMC] Saab & Volvo - Klassiker aus Skandinavien (1)

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
Book cover: Saab & Volvo - Klassiker aus Skandinavien | Schrader Motor Chronik | Motorbuch

Saab & Volvo - Klassiker aus Skandinavien

Language: German

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
Book cover: Volvo - Vom Schneewittchensarg ins Elektrische Zeitalter | Motorbuch

Volvo - Vom Schneewittchensarg ins Elektrische Zeitalter

Language: German

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Book cover: Volvo P1800, 1800S, E & ES (1961-1973) | The Essential Buyer's Guide

Volvo P1800, 1800S, E & ES (1961-1973)

Neil Murray | English | paperback | 64 p. | 2018

Book cover: Volvo 120 Amazon | Ultimate Portfolio

Volvo 120 Amazon

English | paperback | 208 p. | 1999

Book cover: Volvo 1800 - The Complete Story | The Complete Story

Volvo 1800 - The Complete Story

David Styles | English | hardback | 192 p. | 2002

Book cover: Volvo 1800 (1960-1973) | Ultimate Portfolio

Volvo 1800 (1960-1973)

English | paperback | 208 p. | 2005

Book cover: Volvo Amazon - The Complete Story | The Complete Story

Volvo Amazon - The Complete Story

Richard Dredge | English | hardback | 176 p. | 2016