Nothing says Volvo quite like a station wagon, despite the automaker having branched out into convertibles, SUVs, and hatchbacks in modern new Volvo models. No matter which you prefer, all of us here at Dyer & Dyer Volvo approve, as they're all incredible in their own right. But the wagon will always hold a special place in our hearts. Let's take a look back at where it all began.
It was 60 years ago, the year being 1953, and the model in question was the 445 Duett. But the first Volvo wagon didn't come around because people necessarily wanted it; rather, it was pulled into creation because there was too much supply, rather than demand.
Supply of the chassis, to be exact. The unibody chassis it was built on was good. Really good. Too good, in fact, because people driving cars built on it weren't replacing their vehicles fast enough. So with a stockpile of these, the automaker decided to build a wagon on it, by order of Volvo president Assar Gabrielsson. Thus, the Duett was born, named as such because of its dual private/commercial uses.
The very first model was presented to Gabrielsson on the Fourth of July in 1953, just over 60 years ago today. He liked it, of course, and it stayed in production for 16 years, until 1969. Despite changes and improvement along the span of its life, it never changed its look, always keeping a distinctly 1940s style. Over 100,000 units were produced and the very last one ever made is on display right now at the Volvo Museum in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The style of wagon has changed drastically since then, and for the better. If you'd like to check one out, or any of our other gorgeous vehicles, give us a visit here at our Chamblee, GA dealership today.