The history of the Swedish automotive industry
The first Swedish car was a steam car built in 1891-1892 by the brothers Jöns and Anders Cederholm. They planned to use it for transport between their home in Ystad and their summer house outside the city. The car was destroyed in Sweden's first car accident, but the Cederholm brothers soon built a second, improved version of their steam car, reusing many parts from the first. The car is preserved in a museum in Skurup.
In 1898, Gustaf Erikson at Surahammars Bruk built a car with an internal combustion engine for Vabis (one of the forerunners of today's Scania) in Södertälje. Erikson continuously improved his car until the Vabis were satisfied and began production of cars and trucks in 1902.
The Swedish automotive industry is mainly associated with car manufacturers such as Volvo Cars and Saab Automobile, but Sweden also has two of the world's largest manufacturers of heavy vehicles; Volvo (Volvo Trucks and Volvo Buses) and Scania. Currently, Sweden has a total of 12 active vehicle manufacturers, including Koeniggsegg and NEVS, together with a couple of manufacturers of construction machinery such as Skiny.
Let us now present a couple of Swedish prides in these fine enthusiast vehicles in the form of both cars and motorcycles:
1964 Volvo P 1800 S
The Volvo P1800 S is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cars to come out of Sweden, and without a doubt Volvo's best-looking model, isn't it? This generation has the beautiful upturned molding on the door and the cow horn bumpers, and which perhaps not everyone knows, the "S" stands for it is made in Sweden. The model became most famous after it appeared in the TV series "The Saint" with Roger Moore behind the wheel and is very sought after in the market thanks to the beautiful design. This P1800 S had a fantastic spec and was in incredible condition.
Sold for 34.050 EUR. THE AUCTION
1980 Volvo 240 V8
Next up, we have a completely revised Volvo 240 that has been equipped with Volvo's V8444S connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The engine is 4.4 liters and delivers approx. 315 hp. To bring down the newfound power, a multi-plate diff has been fitted to the rear axle and BC-Coilovers have been fitted for slightly better chassis response. The car has a slightly more discreet look so as not to stand out too much. This cool 240 is very well built with great focus on finish and quality, and is also reg inspected in current form.
Sold for 14.650 EUR. THE AUCTION
1979 Saab 900 Turbo
The Saab 900 was a long-awaited replacement for the predecessor Saab 99 and even though a lot of technology was included, the model received a couple of updates in both safety and comfort. The design language is recognizable and this was one of the first Turbo models in the 3-door hatchback. This example was manufactured in Trollhättan in late 1978 for export, and was imported "home" to Sweden in 2020 from Latvia where, according to info, it was sold new in 1979 by a true SAAB enthusiast who was looking for a top example of a Swedish classic and looked after it very well since he bought it. The car does just as well in a museum as it does on the road as a really fun and classic daily driver!
Sold for 27.950 EUR. THE AUCTION
1966 Volvo Amazon kombi 220
Of course, the iconic Amazon must be on the list. This particular one is one of Sweden's absolute finest Volvo Amazons. This example has been completely renovated from body to drivetrain, with the engine being bored out to 2.2L for better torque and more power. Several parts taken from Volvo's 123 GT to give the car a sportier impression. Bidders Highway's record Amazon which was sold for a whopping EUR 35,850.
Sold for 35.850 EUR. THE AUCTION
1969 Husqvarna 250
We're not ending off the list with a car, but with another Swedish pride that originates just like the name from the Huskvarna, namely a Husqvarna 250 racing cross - the world champion of the world champions!
It hardly gets better than this.
Sold for 2.150 EUR. THE AUCTION
It's bubbling well ahead of the enthusiast season now, and we hope to continue to bring these Swedish beauties into our marketplace in the future!
/Tomas Jönsson