Expensive Jacob

Since we occasionally look back at Volvo’s history, it is definitely time to take a look at the very beginning. And there we find the ÖV4, the first Volvo production vehicle built between 1927 and 1929. ÖV stands for ‘öppen vagn’, which logically means ‘open car’, and the 4 is also clear: 4 cylinders. However, the grandfather of all Volvos is actually better known as Jacob. This is because one of the 10 prototypes was completed on Jacob’s name day. It’s important to remember this, because there were other Volvos later on with peculiar names.

The official date of birth is 14 April 1927. However, the ÖV4 wasn’t really that exciting at the time, neither technically nor visually. The body was made of metal and stood on a wooden frame, with a chassis consisting of rigid axles and simple leaf springs at the rear and front. Initially, the brakes only worked at the rear, but towards the end of production, four-wheel brakes were also offered on request and at an additional cost.

However, this price was the main reason why the Jacob did not become a big seller: 4,800 kronor was quite a hefty sum at the time. In addition, the workmanship was apparently not particularly successful; even with a roof and windows fitted, the first Volvo was not really watertight. Given the Swedish climate, this was not exactly a selling point, especially during the eleven months of winter. As a result, only 302 units were built (or perhaps only 275) – and Volvo subsequently decided to only launch more expensive vehicles on the market. Well, sometimes you need a little self-confidence.

The first Volvo was powered by a 1.9-litre inline four-cylinder engine (bore x stroke 75 x 110 mm, 1944 cm3, side valves), which produced 28 hp at 2000 rpm. In addition to the open tourer (of which 205 were certainly produced…), there was also a pick-up version with a 2.905-metre wheelbase. And we have more Volvo, including dense ones, in our archive.