Volvo Pv650-652 1929–1933
| Volvo PV650-PV652 | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1929–1933 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
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| Transmission |
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Volvo had started planning for a larger successor for its first car, the ÖV4 in 1926, even before the little four-cylinder car was introduced. The Swedish car market was dominated by American manufacturers and Volvo needed a large six-cylinder car to be competitive.
Volvo PV651 was introduced in April 1929. The new car had a stronger chassis to cope with the more powerful engine. The bodywork was manufactured in the traditional way, with a wooden frame covered with steel plates. The 3010 cc DB engine was very robust and its crankshaft was supported by seven main bearings. The gearbox was a non-syncromesh 3-speed box.
In the spring of 1930 the car was succeeded by the PV652, with modified interior and dashboard. The engine had a new carburettor but the main improvement was the introduction of hydraulic brakes. In 1931 the car got a 4-speed non-syncromesh gearbox. In January 1932 the PV652 was updated with the larger capacity 3366 cc EB engine and a new 3-speed gearbox with synchronized 2nd and 3rd gear.
Volvo also built commercial chassis versions of the car. Most of them got light truck-, ambulance or hearse bodies, but a small number of the PV650 Series chassises were clothed in more flamboyant two-door open or closed bodies.
Versions
- PV650: 1929-34, 206 cars built, commercial chassis
- PV651: 1929-30, mechanical brakes
- PV652: 1930-33, hydraulic brakes
Total production of PV651/652: 2,176 cars