Volvo Tundra

The Volvo Tundra by Bertone, one of the prototypes commissioned by the carmaker, at the beginning of the 1980’s built on the mechanics of the Volvo 343. This propensity for forming partnerships with foreign manufacturers represented a natural expansion of market frontiers and of Bertone’s success with overseas companies. The Volvo Tundra was designed for the Swedish manufacturer by Bertone creating a compact car, which would respond to the design criteria for a medium-sized saloon. The wings feature long swage lines, and the generous windows reiterate Bertone’s passion for light. The Volvo Tundra, built on the mechanics of the Volvo 343 with a 70 HP 1.4 engine with rear-wheel drive and with 2-door bodywork, was not set aside, however, but became the basis for producing, in 1982, the heir to the Citroën GSA, the new BX. The origin of this model, however, has even deeper roots: we cannot in fact hide the similarity of the Swedish Tundra and the French BX with the prototype (also designed by Bertone) of the Otosan Anadol FW11 from 1977 (never produced), re-presented then as a new version of the Reliant Scimitar in 1980 (also never went into production). The Volvo Tundra shows unmistakeable elements of Bertone style: light greenhousing supported by slender pillars, a short, smooth bonnet and wide doors.