1953 Volvo Sugga

Lot details
Registration No: YYJ 114
Chassis No: 2198
Mot Expiry: None

Now owned by the Chinese vehicle manufacturer Geeley Automobile, Volvo's history dates back to 1927, when its first car rolled off the production line in Gothenburg, Sweden. In its time, the company has produced all manner of high-tech products, including: cars, trucks, buses, construction equipment, marine and aircraft engines and military vehicles, and is famous for pioneering such safety aids as: three-point seat belts, body crumple zones, energy-absorbing steering columns and bumpers, side impact air bags etc. Perhaps the best loved of its military products is the TP21 or Sugga (Swedish for female pig) - so nicknamed because of its snout-like front and rounded rear. Designed as an off-road `radio communications vehicle' for the Swedish Armed Forces, it's these days a favourite among a range of enthusiasts, from military vehicle preservationists and 4x4 off-roaders to show-car enthusiasts and general Volvo fanatics.

Equipped with a lightweight steel chassis topped with a rugged 4-door, 4/5-seater body, the Sugga was powered by a six-cylinder, side-valve engine of 3.6-litres capacity and 90 bhp output. This was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox with high and low ratios which, in turn, was coupled to a permanent four-wheel drive system. Suspension was by semi-elliptic leaf springs all round, the steering of the twin-lever Ross type and the braking by Lockheed drums at each corner. The overall length was 177 inches and the total weight, 5732 lbs. Having been primarily designed for off-road use, the Volvo's on-road pace is relatively leisurely, with a top of around 54 mph. With just 720 examples reputedly manufactured between 1953 and 1958, Suggas are now pretty rare beasts, even in their native Sweden.

The right-hand drive example being offered reportedly dates from the first year of production and is finished in Military Green with a Green interior. The vendor considers 'YYJ 114' to have "good" coachwork, paintwork, interior, engine and transmission. The Volvo is being sold without MOT and tax but comes complete with 20-litre jerry cans and rear cycle rack, as per original specification. If you are looking to join the band of military vehicle enthusiasts or simply planning on looking smug in next winter's snow, this could well be the vehicle for you.