VOLVO / GOTHENBURG / SWEDEN

VOLVO / GOTHENBURG / SWEDEN  ( 1927  - today )

VOLVO started late in the automobile production. The emblem of the first VOLVO in 1927 not only showed the word VOLVO, but also the word GOTHENBURG and the word  SWEDEN. Obviously, it was thought that this was necessary for a new make:

 

Size	5.1 cm x 12.5 cm
Year	1927 - 1928
Estimate

1927 / 28 VOLVO radiator seen in VOLVO World Gothenburg in 2024

The next emblem is the oldest VOLVO radiator emblem of my private collection. It is from the type PV4.  You can see that the  colors are not separated by a dam as usual to prevent an intermixture between the white and blue. So the production of this emblem is quite difficult. You find the same technique on every original BUGATTI emblem !

Size	5.1 cm x 12.5 cm
Year	1928 - 1930
Estimate

To avoid tensions when cooling the emblem after the firing process the backside  is enameled too, but no maker´s mark:

 

 

 

Special version of the early VOLVO emblem. The letters were given a shiny gold  frame

Detail of the shiny gold frame. I don´t know when and were this special emblem was used. Do you ?

Inside the VOLVO factory ( in 1927 )

Initially, the circular VOLVO symbol was applied separately to the radiator before it became an integral part of every emblem:

 Here you see the next VOLVO radiator emblem. There is a manufacturers mark on the reverse: SPORRONG & CO  STOCKHOLM. Without this mark it is a repro !  So please have also at the backside. For more information about manufacturers of radiator emblems click here.

 

VOLVO radiator emblem ( flat version )

Size	6.8 cm x 4.5 cm
Year	1929 - 1932
Estimate

1929 advertisement showing the radiator with the flat emblem of the photo above

            contemporary photo showing the  1929  VOLVO 651 with  flat radiator and flat emblem

In 1933 the new VOLVO type PV 568 / 569 was fitted with a v - shaped radiator. So the emblem also had to became v - shaped:

 

Size	6.8 cm x 4.5 cm
Year	1933 - 1935
Estimate

                                  backside with makers mark from WESTINS STOCKHOLM

There is another pre- war VOLVO emblem. You find it one on the left side and one on the right side of the hood of the VOLVO PV 51 - PV 52 from 1936 to 1938.  Only 2,800 cars of this type were built.

                   

Size	6.8 cm x 3.5 cm
Year	1936- 1938
Estimate	( each )

    VOLVO CARIOCA , radiator with mascot, emblem and the typical VOLVO sign, a circle with  arrow head

After WWII VOLVO offered the PV 60 in 1946 with a vertical emblem:

VOLVO PV 60 seen in Sweden in 2024. There is also an emblem on the front bumper !

PV 60 bumper emblem:

1946 sales brochure for the VOLVO special taxi edition:

In 1947 the new VOLVO PV 444 appeared. Did you know that the first series had two different hood ornaments ?

 

Here is the first one with bakelite wings in an aluminium body: 

Size	27.0 cm x 5.0 cm
Year	1948
Estimate

VOLVO PV444 with aluminium mascot on the road; seen in Sweden in 2024:

 

Here is the second ( and last ) VOLVO PV444 hood mascot, chromed and with transparent red wings:

Size	19.0 cm x 6.5 cm
Year	1950
Estimate

VOLVO PV444 with chromed hood ornament, seen in Sweden in 2024:

In 1954 you find this big chrome badge on VOLVO buses and trucks:

Size	14.2 cm x 15.2 cm
Year	1954
Estimate

1954 VOLVO bus seen in Gothenburg  in 2024:

 

Another interesting VOLVO emblem made of aluminium, seen on 1957 tractor, type 425.  In my opinion, the emblem is particularly attractive because the two discs are arranged asymmetrically on top of each other.

Size	13.1 cm x 12.0 cm
Year	1957
Estimate

In 1960 a new VOLVO Sports Coupé appeared, the type P 1800. The first two years it was built in Birmingham / England.

 

On the on these early models you find an emblem behind the door on the roof column proudly presenting the swedish flag:

Size	14.7 cm x 10.3 cm
Year	1960- 1962
Estimate

As the vehicles were manufactured in England, they were logically given an emblem made in England by J. FRAY Ltd BIRMINGHAM  ( attention: there are repros without this makers mark !)

In 1971 the type P 1800 became the type P 1800 ES with a shooting brake design.

On the hood of the VOLVO P 1800 ES you find different emblems.  The blue one is very rare:

Size	5.2 cm x 5.2 cm
Year	1963 -
Estimate

This is the most common hood emblem:

Size	7.5  cm x 7.3 cm
Year	1968 - 1971
Estimate

                                  The next VOLVO 1800 ES hood emblem,  alas  made of plastic

Size	c. 7.5 cm x 9.5 cm
Year	1972
Estimate

                              VOLVO 1800 ES with plastic hood emblem, seen in Padova Italy in 2022

In 1977 VOLVO celebrated its 50th anniversary. So there was an emblem referring in color and shape to the first VOLVO emblem from 1927/1928 (see top of the page). Only 3,000 units of the jubilee VOLVO were made.

Size	10.0 cm x 5.3 cm
Year	1977 (only)
Estimate

In 1977 there was also a jubilee emblem  on the steering wheel:

There was also a special plaque for the 60th jubilee:

 

For more  emblems from see older posts or top right  (list of car makers).

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( each )