Volvo Philip


The Volvo Philip was a concept car built by Volvo in 1952. It was designed for the American market so it was fitted with a prototype V8 engine called the B8B producing at 4000 rpm and was fitted with whitewall tires and a hint of tailfins. The design was inspired by US cars and was similar to the 1951 Kaiser. The designer was Jan Wilsgaard who also designed the Volvo Amazon. However it was cancelled by the board and never reached production and only one car was made. That car was used for several years by the board at Bolinder-Munktell in Eskilstuna, and is now preserved at the Volvo Museum in Gothenburg. This vehicle was handbuilt under extreme secrecy and was subjected to thorough testing. However, the V8 engine entered production in 1956 and was used for the Volvo Snabbe truck as well as for boats. It was known for being strong and reliable, but also for a high fuel consumption. Production of the engine ended in 1973.