VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA HOSTS UNPRECEDENTED COLLECTION OF “FIRST” CARS AT HILTON HEAD ISLAND CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE
- 1927 PV4, the first enclosed Volvo
- 1933 PV654, Volvo’s first luxury car
- 1955 PV444, the first Volvo imported to the U.S.
- 1956 Sport, Volvo’s first sports car
- 1967 1800S, the first Volvo to be a star, driven by Roger Moore in “The Saint”
- 2016 XC90 T8, the world’s first seven-passenger PHEV SUV
PR Newswire, ROCKLEIGH, NJ (Nov. 3, 2015)
An unprecedented collection of new and historic Volvo cars was assembled at the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina this October 31-November 1.
To help celebrate 60 years in North America and Volvo Cars’ manufacturing expansion into the U.S., five historic Volvo cars sat alongside the future of the company -- an all new XC90 T8, the world’s first seven-passenger plug-in hybrid SUV.
Gallery
Perhaps the most notable historic car in the collection was the 1933 Volvo PV654, Volvo’s first luxury sedan. On loan from the Volvo Museum in Gothenburg, Sweden, it is one of only 361 units ever built. It was the first time a PV654 graced U.S. soil.
The Volvo PV653/654 models came to the Scandinavian market in August 1933 as the successor to the PV651/652, the first six cylinder cars from the young Swedish car company founded shortly before, in 1927.
The PV654 was the luxury version, marked by a more plush interior, dual fender-mounted spare wheel and tire assemblies, dual chrome signal horns, twin rear/stop lights and a rear seat armrest.
The 654 customer also had more choices for body colors -- not only the standard Dark Blue available on the 653, but also Maroon red, Chestnut Brown and Light Sand. The 654 had a 3.2 litre straight six, side valve engine with 65 hp.
Other models in the collection included a 1929 PV4, 1955 PV444, 1957 P1900, and the 1967 1800S driven by Roger Moore in the hit sixties’ television series, “The Saint.”
“These iconic cars illustrate Volvo’s strong heritage in the U.S.,” said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO, Volvo Cars of North America. “We look forward to another 60 years delivering beautiful, safe, quality cars customers will be proud to own.”
The PV4 was the first enclosed car made by Volvo, and the first with a steel frame with wood coachwork. The fully restored example to be on display is one of just four that remain.
In 1955 the PV444 was the first Volvo model to be imported to the U.S. It was also Volvo’s first unibody car, and for the American market was equipped with a 70hp four-cylinder engine. Even then, customers could opt for European Delivery.
The Volvo Sport (known internally as the P1900) was the company’s first sports car, a fiberglass bodied convertible coupe that inspired the company to build the legendary P1800.
Of the 67 Sports built about 50 are known to exist. Just 21 were sold in the U.S. Two are owned by Volvo Cars, including the white over red one that will be at Hilton Head.
The XC90 T8 Twin Engine is the future of Volvo. It’s the world’s first seven passenger plug-in hybrid SUV and with 400 horsepower it can go 0-60 in about six seconds, yet get better mileage than most economy cars.
Occupants are treated to a Scandinavian Sanctuary that includes a nine-inch tablet like control interface, a genuine crystal shift knob made by Swedish glassmaker Orrefors, and a selection of semi-autonomous drive systems that take the stress out of daily driving.
About Volvo Cars of North America
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (www.volvocars.com/us) is a subsidiary of Volvo Car Group of Gothenburg, Sweden. VCNA provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States. For more information please refer to the VCNA media website at: http://www.media.volvocars.com/us
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Media Contact: | Russell Datz | 949.679.5618 | [email protected]