This example was treated to a repaint and some mild personalization before going across the auction block. (Source: www.gaaclassiccars.com)
Toward the end of 1977, my boss at Volvo of America Corporation asked me to develop a few simple idea sketches based on the C202, a Volvo military 4×4 being produced in Hungary then. Apparently, he had become aware of this military-inspired vehicle, noted that its four-cylinder “redblock” engine could easily be replaced with a version that was already certified for U.S. sale, and figured that it might be worthwhile to investigate a potential stateside market for the truck.
Arming myself with an illustrated one-page C202 brochure and not much else, I submitted a few line drawings and marker renderings a few days later. Afterward, I heard only radio silence. Asking my American boss what had happened, he dismissed the whole thing with a wave of his hand, saying something to the effect that our Swedish colleagues didn’t understand North America’s then-evolving 4WD market segment.
Fortunately, those drawings -not one of my better efforts, I have to say, given the compressed deadline and lack of reference materials- were lost or discarded in one of many long-ago corporate moves. And I must admit I’d forgotten my brief dalliance with the C202, until coming across this example online. The 1979 version that opens this post was offered at a Greensboro, NC classic-car auction a few years ago. No details on the selling price, however.
An example of Iron Curtain “streamline moderne” design…brutality and beauty combined. The company, under new ownership, still exists today and produces automotive stampings and other structural components. (Source: Wikipedia)
A development of Volvo’s earlier L3314 military vehicle, one source states that the C202 was produced at Volvo’s Lundby, Sweden factory, and later at Hungary’s Csepel Automobile factory (Csepel Autógyár) between 1977 and 1981.
Volvo’s 82-HP 1986-cc “B20A” four-cylinder engine was mated to a four-speed M45 manual gearbox, driving through a Volvo FD51 transfer case to front and rear Salisbury axles, enabling part-time 4WD.
Under the C202’s doghouse was Volvo’s bulletproof four-cylinder “redblock” engine.
While the C202’s 83” wheelbase was within one-half inch of a contemporary Jeep CJ-5’s, its 158” overall length stretched nearly 20” longer. About 1.5” narrower than the CJ-5 (66” vs. 68.5”), the Volvo was considerably taller, at 84” (vs. the CJ-5’s 67.7” measurement). Undoubtedly, the C202’s military-grade construction contributed to its considerable weight (3527 pounds in soft-top form, 3957 pounds in full “hardtop” configuration), compared to the Jeep’s relatively svelte 2665 (or 2690, depending on the source) figure.
The C202 borrowed its triangle-split braking system from Volvo’s passenger cars (but not their four-wheel disc brakes).
An English-language brochure from 1980 suggests that both RWD and 4WD versions were offered, as well as a choice of body styles. For a while, Volvo of American Corporation used one of the “pickup” versions as a maintenance vehicle to ferry tools and supplies between the company’s several buildings in the Rockleigh, New Jersey area.
The C202 offered a total of three body styles. As with its underpinnings, functionality prevailed.
A variety of seating configurations could also be specified. No mention of three-point seatbelts or airbags, though.
The approach, departure, and breakover angles looked pretty impressive, as you might expect given its short wheelbase and overhangs. The front mid-engine configuration enabled a 47%/53% front/rear weight distribution at full GVW.
The brochure shot below shows one of the specialty conversions available ex-works for the Swedish-built C202s. I don’t recognize the backdrop as one of the entrances to Volvo’s Lundby facility. Perhaps one of our Swedish readers can identify the location?
The ambulance body suggests that a “chassis-cab” version of the C202 was also offered to facilitate these conversions.
Later C202s were updated with a slightly revised grille/headlamp design.
The standard color was sand beige, the better to blend in with desert surroundings, I suppose. Believe it or not, the C202 has been the subject of a previous CC post. For more detail on this obscure off-roader, please see Paul’s piece here from a few years ago.
(Unless otherwise stated, brochure photos were sourced from www.jan-de-jonge.com.)
Related CC reading:
Cohort Capsule: Volvo C202 “Laplander” – The Sweedish Pinzgauer
Unfortunate that your sketches were lost; it would be interesting to see what ideas you had for a USA version!
Sketches are ALWAYS worth viewing!! 🙂 Remember, Ted Youngkin and Strother Mac Min always thought so!!! (two of THE BEST ACCD instructors) DFO
The green vehicle is not a C202 but the later and larger C303 with 6 cyl B30.
Yes, indeed. The text has been updated now.
Interesting and fun looking vehicle .
-Nate
Excellent packaging.
I wonder how and why Volvo choose Hungry, a Soviet ally, to make its C202, it is basically a civilian version of its military vehicle. If we remember 1977 was st height of Cold War . Warsa Pack had its own version of 4-wheel drive small van such as UAZ -452.
Sweden was a neutral country. Not aligned militarily, against any other country. And not a member of NATO.
During the early to mid-80s, Hungarian bus manufacturer Ikarus had agreements with both Crown Coach (USA) and Ontario Bus Industries (Canada), to supply bodies for the Crown-Ikarus 286, and the Orion-Ikarus 286. Buses notable for being among the earliest articulated buses, widely used in North America. And later infamous, for their tendency to rust.
Volvo also sold a bunch of 100-series cars to North Korea. For which they are still waiting for payment.
I’m reading this writeup and thinking, are there any on this continent? Volvo reliability, in that era and 4WD? I’d better start looking. Then reading further I’m seeing 4K pounds and 83HP. With the aerodynamics of a billboard. I can accept some tradeoffs, but slower than a VW bus? And a 22 degree tip angle if I read it right, that’s not much, I think I’ve had my current 4WD past that.
OK, as interesting as it appeared at first I think I’ll pass. Never mind that it’s unobtainium. But it sure looks cool!