Favourite Automobile Adverts: 1970 Volvo | The Each day Drive | Client Information® The Each day Drive

Fat Cars Die Young

We’re speaking about 350 kilos right here. That’s the distinction in weight between a brand new 1966 Volvo and a same-year Dodge Coronet—the latter depicted right here as having “died younger.” The textual content on this advert is fascinating, and makes a great case that American automobiles of the period had been merely bigger and heavier than shoppers actually wanted them to be.

Extra Favourite Automobile Adverts

By the point this advert ran (1970-1971) the burden distinction between American midsize automobiles and the essential Volvo had grown. A base 1970 Volvo tipped the scales—actually—at roughly 2600 kilos, whereas a same-year Coronet sedan got here in 1 / 4 ton heavier, at round 3100 kilos.

So, do lighter automobiles actually last more? Possibly not—at the very least not by merely being lighter—however the 140 Sequence Volvo depicted right here, which was constructed globally between 1966 and 1974, had earned an iron-clad repute for reliability and longevity. And, as documented right here, they had been fairly gentle, all issues thought-about.

Forgotten Idea: Volvo VESC

1970-1971 Volvo print advert

After all, Volvos of the period had been usually not geared up with air con, computerized transmissions, or heavy 6-cylinder or V8 engines. All issues that might have added to the automotive’s mass.

Having spent a while behind the wheel of a girlfriend’s Volvo from this time interval, I can attest to the automotive’s exemplary stoutness and construct high quality. I can even report that her automotive was sluggish and noisy, however the entrance seats had been incredible. Additionally, 140 Sequence Volvos dealt with so significantly better than up to date American midsize fare {that a} comparability is nearly foolish. The dealing with was, at the very least partially, a operate of the Volvo’s lean posture.

As for the claims on this advert, they’re principally not legitimate. Volvo’s largest present crossover, the wonderful XC90, now clocks in at round 4800 kilos. That’s concerning the base curb weight of the biggest Dodge crossover, the Durango. Which car is destined to die youthful? Who’s to say, however each may benefit from a food regimen.

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