Volvo C304, C306 and other models
Did you know ? Volvo has always been the official supplier of vehicles to the Swedish army.
Volvo doesn't just produce luxury cars, but also lots of all-terrain vehicles 4×4, 6×6, 8×8 and more.
Volvo also produces multi-wheel trucks, there would be articles to do on Volvo FMX 8×8 or Volvo FH 10×6 for example.
If you are interested I can create an author account on Sixmania for you. Get started !
1940
TVB Off-Road Vehicle 6×6 with a pendulum axle at the front (and VAT)
1942
TVC Off-Road Vehicle M / 42 6×6 dump
Years 1950-1960
- L3314 4×4
- L3315 4×4
- L3304 4×4
- L2304 4×4
- C202 4×4
Years 1967 to 1984
Volvo Cross Country C303 , (TGB 11, AKA “Off-road car 11”, translated by “Terrain Vehicle 11”), is the base model for a range of military vehicles produced by Volvo. The machine was developed at the end of the years 60 based on the successful L-3314 series and went into production in 1974. The C3 series has’ portal axles with locking differentials, which results in a very high ground clearance like the Unimog.
It was developed in competition with Land Rovers 101 and Steyr Pinzgauer. The C303 participated 2 times at Paris Dakar, in 1983 and in 1986, we can see that of 1983 the Volvo Museum in Gothenburg.
The project began in 1967, there were then two, three, and four axles, however, the 8 × 8 four-axle version was abandoned just after the construction of the basic prototype. Unfortunately the prototype was destroyed.
Versions 4×4 (C303)
- TGB 11, basic hardtop model
- TGB 1111, soft roof model, equipped with the Pvpj anti-tank gun 1110 90 mm without recoil.
- TGB 1112, rigid roof model equipped with a set of radio and telephone equipment
Versions 6×6 (C304)
- TGB 13, basic hardtop model
- TGB 1313, rigid roof model equipped with a set of radio and telephone equipment, much larger than Tgb 1112
- TGB 1314, rigid roof model designed as an ambulance
- TGB 1321, rigid roof model fitted with radios, generally used to choreograph artillery batteries
Versions 6×6 (C306)
- TGB 21, troop carrier, can accommodate up to 19 soldiers
- TGB 22, troop carrier (11 soldiers) and transport of RBS anti-aircraft missile 70
Volvo C304
- C03 6×6-1-V
- Production : 1974 – 1984
- Engine : Volvo B30, 2982cc, essence, 6 inline, 2 carburetors, 2 valves / cylinder
- bore : 88.9mm, course : 80mm, c.r. : 9.3:1
- Transmission : 4m, 4WD part-time, transfer case 2 speeds, portal axes with hub reduction gears lock, front and rear differentials
- tires : 9×16, Fuel tank : 85L
- More than one ton of payload. wheelbase 2,3 meters + 1,0 Metre
- Length 5,4 meters
- Width 1,9 meters
- Height 2,3 meters
- Unloaded weight 2900 kg
- The 6 × 6 was usable in 4 × 4 with the 2 extreme trains.
Volvo C306
- C03 6×6-5-V
- 1974 – 1984
- Engine : Volvo B30, 2982cc, essence, 6 inline, 2 carburetors, 2 valves / cylinder
- bore : 88.9mm, course : 80mm, c.r. : 9.3:1
- Transmission : 4m, 4WD part-time, transfer case 2 speeds, portal axes with hub reduction gears lock, front and rear differentials
- tires : 9×16, Fuel tank : 85L
- More than one ton of payload.
- wheelbase 2,7 meters + 1,0 Metre
- Length 6,1 meters
- Width 2,15 meters
- Height 2,8 meters
- Unloaded weight 3390 kg
- The 6 × 6 was usable in 4 × 4 with the 2 extreme trains.
For enthusiasts, I recommend the site http://www.c303.de/c303-de/index.htm
2008-2017
Volvo XC60 6×6
This is not an official version of Volvo, but still worth the detour.
Check out Bruno's article on this XC60 on Sixmania.fr
Really, thank you Volvo, beautiful gear as always.
Super. I'm a Volvo C306 fan 6 wheels. This is my dream.
Yes thanks, beautiful machine !!
Hi Marc. What a great write-up! I’m currently on my third LR Defender (200tdi 90, TD5 90 and now a slightly more spacious TDCi 110) but I’ve been hankering after a change. I’m a registered disabled musician who started life doing some very light tinkering with VW’s and MG’s before moving on to 300zx’s for many years and even got into shipping engines over from Japan for other Z car members (I had four at one stage, one of which, with friends, I shoehorned a very silly, but very fun vh45de into). Although I have no trouble getting in/out and driving at the moment (my span nerving days are sadly far behind me), time keeps on ticking away and there could be a point in the not too distant future where I have to give up driving and my wife has to take over completely (luckily she loves driving the Landies so that’s a good start!). My thoughts are that I’d like to experience something truly great while I’m still able to and maybe even kit it out and take the family on a European expedition once this Coronavirus business has (hopefully) finally died down enough to do so safely. I’d almost completely decided on going for a Forward Control Ambulance (for their extra room and easy(ish!) engine upgrade options) but after seeing these six wheeled VW’s I started to get more than a little curious! I know it might be asking a lot but would you mind if we spoke via email if you have the time and perhaps even talked over the possibilities, VW or otherwise? Absolutely no worries if you can’t though chap, I’d completely understand! Either way, great article!
Kindest Regards,
Leigh.
Hi Leigh
It will surely be easier in French, but we can try in english by mail here marc@sixmania.fr
You’re welcome.