PV36 (Sweden, 1935)

This model, better known as the Carioca, with a design ahead of its time, marks an important chapter of Volvo’s history. Inspired by the large airships and their shape, plus a number of early locomotives, airplanes and car prototypes, the PV36 arrived in the spring of 1935. The car was conceived exclsively by Örnberg, a headstrong and versatile engineer who came to Volvo in 1931 from the Hupp Motor Co in Detroit, makers of Hupmobile.

When it was launched many accused Volvo to have copied the Chrysler Airflow, a streamliner presented a year before. Volvo says that although it had some resemblances, such as the headlamps, the PV36 cannot be called a copycat. The differences can be found for example in the wheelbase as it is shorter than both the Hupmobile and the Chrysler. The PV36 also had a technical feature that overcame both models, as it used an independent front suspension - with the front wheels moving independently of each other during vertical moveme...