Volvo Philip, 179 and The Rocket
The cars in the pictures, Philip and 179, were
built by hand under conditions of extreme secrecy at the beginning of the
1950's. They were test-driven and investigated down to the smallest detail. But
things never went any further. Philip and 179 finished up among the prototypes
which did not come up to standard in the severe test programme. And, for this
reason, these models never rolled off the Volvo production line.
Philip was designed with a thought to the
future, and included many new features such as automatic transmission, power
assisted steering and servo-brakes. This six-seater car was powered by a 120
h.p. V8-engine which gave it a very good performance.
The problem with Philip and 179 was that they were
too modern. The Swedish market, which then dominated Volvo sales, was not ripe
for large and comfortable cars during the 1950's. The average car buyer was not
interested in an automatic transmission or a powerful V8-engine. In spite of
the fact that both prototypes were laid to one side, they have by no means
existed in vain. To start with, a prototype is an excellent way of testing new
designs. Furthermore, experience gained in connection with certain features is
very useful when carrying out minor modifications on the car models already in
production.
It is reported that The Philip was constructed
from early fifties Henry J and Kaiser Manhattan parts, right down to the Henry
J "V" in the hood and trunk, to the tail lights, the "widow's peak" in the
windshield and backlight, the bumpers, doors (The dip in the rear door is a
dead giveaway), Even the color is classic Kaiser.
The streamlined 179 had plenty of room for both
passengers and luggage. The engine was a dependable unit - the same as in the
PV 444.
The 1800 Rocket. This is one of two ES
prototypes and was nicknamed the 'Rocket' because of its shape. It was built
from a coupé taken from the production line and sent to Frua for this
prototype to be built. The original was white then repainted gold by Frua. It
is now metallic blue and seen here in the Volvo Museum.