Car history

In the Car History column, Anders de Lange shares history and photos of cars that have gone down in history. Anders de Lange has written about cars and car history for over 30 years. Among other things, he has written the column "Klassikeren", which for several years formed the last page of the free newspaper Nytt om bil, which was distributed to all households. We can enjoy a rich archive of old brochures, photos and enjoyable advertising.

Volvo PV

Posted 02/05/2022 by Anders de Lange

The first model from Volvo appeared on the market in 1927. The model was named P4 and was equipped with a 1900 ccm engine with 4 cylinders. It was relatively weak with its 28 hp. But the quality was good and Volvo was considered a quality car.

Volume models

In 1944, the model 444 was presented, a handsome and well-built family car. It was supplemented by the Duett in 1953, a practical van/station wagon. Now Volvo had models that could be sold in volume, both at home and for export. The PV 444 was joined by the Amazon/P120 which was a slightly larger family car. in 1956. The new 140 series that arrived in 1967 became a blockbuster. Good and solid with many variants, 2 or 4 door passenger cars and a Manor wagon. Volvo followed the development and added new variants with higher performances. The 140 series was also successful in export markets such as the USA and Germany.

Volvo PV 444

Volvo showed this model publicly for the first time in 1. A great many Swedes signed up on the delivery list and ordered the car. But they had to wait until 1944 before they got a car. There were both strikes and material shortages, so the start of production was postponed again and again. Since Volvo had pre-sold over 1947 cars, the first series were torn away. The first cars were only black, and the interior yellow/green. In 11, sales started in the USA with a special model "California" with a larger engine and luxurious interior.

Volvo PV 544

Volvo introduced the Amazon in 1957, and it was assumed that PV would disappear. Instead, an upgraded model came in 1958 (PV544). The sports model PV Sport with 85 hp quickly became popular in the motorsport community. The PV model was also delivered as a station wagon and van with the designation "Duett". The Volvo PV 544 passed into history in 1965. The Volvo "Duett" was produced longer, until 1969.

Data 1947 Volvo PV 444

Length: 436 cm
Width: 155 cm
Height. 128 cm
Top speed 120 km/h
Engine: 1414 ccm, 40 hp

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Exciting car history from Anders de Lange's archives

Simca Horizon

Posted 03/04/2022 by Anders de Lange

The family car that never found its place on the market.

Had several models of success

Simca (Société Industrielle de Mécanique et Carrosserie Automobile) was a French car brand. It all started in 1934, the first cars were mostly license-produced models from Fiat. After the war, earlier models were continued. It was not until 1951 that Aronde arrived, which was the first self-developed model. Aronde was an immediate sales success. Another important step forward was the takeover of Ford's factory in France. Now Simca got larger passenger cars into the range. The models were formerly Ford Vedette which changed their name to Simca. A small stern engine car (Simca 1000) was introduced in 1962. It became very popular and was in production until 1978. The Aronde was replaced by the 1300/1500 in 1963 and the series was produced with upgrades until 1976. The new trend of transverse engine, Simca followed up with the 1100 in 1968. In 1970, Simca changed its name to Chrysler France and the cars were profiled with Chrysler's logo. The Simca 1307/1308 (a brand new model) was named car of the year in 1976.

Simca Horizon

The Horizon was a model that was initially supposed to replace the popular Simca 1100. It was sold between 1977 and 1985. In Europe it was sold under the names Simca, Chrysler and Talbot. The name confusion was due to Chrysler discontinuing its European venture in 1978 and Peugeot taking over. Chrysler/Simca was renamed and continued as Talbot. The Horizon was a comfortable car with good driving characteristics, and was awarded the award "Car of the Year" in 1979. On the most exclusive variants, the level of equipment was better than that of the competitors.

A world car with many names

Chrysler initially wanted this to be the group's "world car". It was launched in the US both as Dodge and Plymouth. In Europe, production took place in France, England, Spain and Finland. Even with persistent marketing and many awards, the model was not a success. With so many names and partly failing quality, it could not meet the competition on the market. When production ended in 1987, it was also the end for cars with the Talbot brand.

Technical data Horizon LS model 1981

– Engine: 1118 ccm, 53 hp (was also delivered with larger engines).
– Measurements/Weight: Length 396 cm, Width 168 cm
– Miscellaneous: Top speed 147 km/h.

simca horizon — This Talbot Horizon is manufactured in Valmet, Finland.

German-language version of an advertisement that was published in several languages in several countries.

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Italian speed and driving pleasure from Alfa Romeo

Posted 10/01/2022 by Anders de Lange

Ever since the car appeared on the road, speed and handling were important attributes for car buyers. The Alfa Romeo car brand excelled in both these qualities, and became famous both among motor sports athletes and other speed-loving drivers.

Early years

Since we mentioned speed and handling, we have to go back to the beginning of Alfa Romeo. It was as far back as 1906, when several gentlemen interested in cars sat down to plan the new car factory. At the start, cars were made based on French designs, but eventually they decided to do everything on their own. As early as 1911, the first self-developed cars went into production in small series. The cars from the new factory were named ALFA The experiences from the previous license production of French cars with weak engines laid the foundation for the new products. Now cars were to be produced that could compete with other fast cars. As early as 1913, a fully enclosed, streamlined purpose-built model came that caused a stir in the automotive world. in 1915 the factory was taken over by Nicolo Romeo and it later changed its name to Alfa Romeo.

Enzo Ferrari drove for Alfa Romeo

The factory began to participate in motorsport, and already in 1920 the first victory was achieved. One of the great drivers who was part of the factory team from the start was Enzo Ferarri. Investing in car races and new sports models for the country road gave the factory a good name among car enthusiasts.

Alfa Romeo 164

Alfa Romeo also produced fast family cars in many sizes and variants. Introduced in 164, the 1987 model was a luxury 4-door family car. It came as a result of a collaboration with Fiat, Lancia and Saab. The Alfa 164 was only produced as a pure passenger car with 4 doors. The model came with a number of engine options in addition to the vigorous 2 liter engine that was in the most affordable variant. The engine was equipped with 2 spark plugs on each cylinder, and had the designation "Twin Spark" and had enough horsepower for proper sporty driving. For those who wanted more horses, the 164 could be delivered with a V6 engine. There were very few changes to the 164 during its production period which lasted until 1998. The few changes that were introduced were a few more horses and more equipment.

Alfa Romeo 164 – 2,0

Length: 455 cm.
Width: 176 cm.
Height: 139 cm.
Top speed: 205 km/h.
Engine: 1962 ccm, 148 hp

Alfa Romeo 164 – Make driving a passion

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Alfa Romeo 166 Busso – Emotions and reason

Citroën GS – a very advanced family car

Posted 09/05/2021 by Anders de Lange

It had streamlined bodywork, hydraulic suspension and an air-cooled boxer engine produced from lightweight metal with overhead camshafts.

French cars were known for elegance and forward-looking technology right from the car's infancy. One of the car brands that contributed to this was Citroën.

Early history

The story began in 1919 when André Citroën started his own car factory. With good experience from other industrial production and several study visits to other car manufacturers in the USA, everything fell into place and the first model was launched in 1919. It was very well received as it was both solid and well equipped and gave car buyers good value for money. New models were launched at the same time that Citroën, as one of the first car manufacturers, built out a large dealer network. The result was that the factory became France's largest car manufacturer already 10 years after its start, but the expansion came at a cost and new capital-strong owners had to step in to remedy the critical situation. It helped and the newly developed Traction Avant model could be put into production. The model was in production right up to 1957. In 1948, the new small model 2 CV came out which became a favorite among those who wanted an affordable and uncomplicated car. The DS19 was a car which, when it arrived in 1955, was way ahead of its time. In 1960, the small model Ami 6 came on the market. It was a small family car with a rather peculiar appearance thanks to the slanted rear window.

Created a new model range

A well-known Citroën model was the GS, which was launched in 1970. A very advanced family car that was supposed to fill the void in a model range where medium-sized family cars were missing. The new GS model was very advanced technically and with a streamlined body it was head and shoulders above its competitors. But a small air-cooled engine gave neither high speed nor a pleasant climate inside the car. The engine was very advanced and manufactured from light metal with overhead camshafts. The car was awarded the title of "car of the year" in 1971. One of the reasons for this award was an extremely streamlined body which placed the car at the very top when it came to low drag. The advanced hydraulic suspension was something completely new and ensured a comfortable ride regardless of road conditions. In addition to standard versions, there were several lavish variants. Eventually, larger engines were also added to the program. 1979 was the year when major changes took place with this model. The most important ones were probably that it got a door at the back and became a proper 5-door with a combi solution. In 1986, the Citröen GS was replaced by the Citröen BX.

Data Citroën GS 1015

Length: 412 cm
Width: 160 cm
Height: 135 cm
Top speed: 147 km/h
Engine: 1015 ccm, 55 hp

Citroen ad — The Citroën GS competed with, among others, the Audi 80, Austin Maxi, Ford Taunus, Peugeot 304, Renault 12, Saab 96 and Volkswagen 1303 S.

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Small and sporty Italian!

Posted 22/03/2021 by Anders de Lange

The Fiat 128 with 3 doors became a dream car for young people.

Fiat has its roots as far back as 1899. In that year, the car factory of Giovanni Battista Ceirano was taken over with production, patents and prototypes and Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (Fiat) was established. Among the employees who came with Fiat was Vincezo Lancia, who was a well-known motorsport athlete. Fiat won a number of car races and the brand became famous. In 1907, the production of smaller and affordable cars started. In 1932 came the Fiat 508 Balila, a very modern small car. The appearance was reminiscent of American cars of the time, only much smaller. Technically, it was better equipped than its competitors. The little 500 that came in 1936 and continued until 1955 with changes and improvements was also a trendsetter. The models 500, 600, 850 and 1100 became very popular family cars in the 50s and 60s. In 1969 came the 128, which was Fiat's transition to front-wheel drive. The subsequent models consolidated the factory's position as a producer of fast and smooth-driving family cars.

Fiat 128 for sale

The new 128 model was an exciting newcomer in the group of smaller family cars. Here there was both front-wheel drive and a transverse engine. The model came in several versions with both 2, 3 or 4 doors. It became very popular and Fiat had a new bestseller. But Italians also wanted cars with a sporty appearance and corresponding driving characteristics. The wishes were fulfilled when the 128 came as a 2-door coupé in 1971. Here it was a lot of sports car for the money.

Fiat 128 3P

Its popularity increased further in 1975 when it came as a combi version with a large rear door. The interior and equipment were like in a large sports car. The new 3-door version became a desirable car for young people. Here there was plenty of space for both people and luggage. With the back seat folded down, there was actually a load length of 130 cm with a completely flat floor. Not bad for a relatively small and sporty car. After several years of good sales, the model disappeared in 1978.

Facts Fiat 128 3P

Length: 382 cm
Width: 156 cm
and height: 131 cm
Top speed: 165 km/h
Engine: 1116 ccm with 65 hp (alternatively 1290 ccm/73 hp).

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anders the long ones — Fiat 124 for sale

terjes cars — Completely Italian at Fornebu

Fiat 1100 for sale

Posted 14/02/2021 by Anders de Lange

A popular car model - also in Norway.

Fiat 1100 for sale

This was the model that confirmed that Fiat was a car for people who enjoyed sporty driving. The 1100 therefore became one of Fiat's most popular models of all time.

Here, expectant car buyers could choose from many models. Passenger car in several designs and a spacious station wagon right from the start of production in 1953. A more sporty version (TV) with greater power went on sale the following year. Here there was an extra lantern mounted in the middle of the grill. Up until 1962 minor changes were made to the 1100. mostly cosmetic changes. A big news was a bigger engine that could be delivered to those who wanted more speed.

The new version that came in 1962 had the designation 1100D. Details were improved and the standard was much higher on equipment and interior. In 1966 came the last version – the 1100R. Fiat now had the new and larger 124 on the way so the aging 1100 model was reviewed and upgraded to be marketable. The body became more elegant and got a completely new rear section. Disc brakes and a sporty floor gear also became standard equipment.

The 1100 was replaced by the 128 in 1969, by which time over 1 cars had been produced.

Data Fiat 1100 Special 1959

Length: 391 cm
Width: 149 cm
Height 149 cm
Top speed 120 km/h
Engine: 1089 ccm, 55 hp

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A small Renault

Posted 18/01/2021 by Anders de Lange

renault 4cv — Renault USA line brochure – 1958

An example of how much car can be squeezed into a small shell.

Many popular family cars

In 1923, a small car appeared to take on the competition with Citroën. The theme of small cars was followed up in 1946 with the model 4 CV. It was one of the smallest 4-door passenger cars that has been serially produced. It was followed by the Dauphine in 1956. One of the most famous models, the R4 came in 1962 with front-wheel drive. In the future, a number of new family cars arrived. Some with rear-wheel drive (R8) and others with front-wheel drive (R5/R6/R12/R16). There have been many popular family cars from Renault and that is still the trend.

Renault 4CV

The Renault factory was nationalized in 1945. During the war, France and the factory were occupied, and there was a ban on developing new passenger cars. But in the development department, the engineers worked in secret on a small new passenger car. Already in 1943, a prototype was ready. It was very round in shape and not so much reminiscent of the Volkswagen bubble. The finished car went into limited production and was presented to the public in 1946 and went on sale in 1947.

Monte Carlo Rally

The factory actively participated in motorsport before the war, and wanted to continue doing so. Therefore, the volume of the engine was reduced to 747 ccm, and the Renault 4cv went straight into the class for cars under 750 ccm. It resulted in several victories in, among others, the Rallye Monte-Carlo. Alpine, which became a famous sports car, was based on the 4cv. As a people's car, the Renault 4cv became very popular in many countries. In 1956 the Renault Dauphine was launched and sales of the 4cv declined.

Renault 4CV facts

Top speed: 92 km/h
Engine: 760 ccm – 19 hp
Measurements: Length 361 cm, width 143 cm
Produced 1947-1961

renault 750 — Was marketed as the Renault 750 in the UK (click for larger image)

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Datsun 120Y

Posted 25/10/2020 by Anders de Lange

A very popular family car also here in Norway.

The car brand we know today as Nissan

In Norway, Japanese cars and car brands were largely unknown until the 1960s. But in Japan there has been car production since the early 1900th century. The background for the car brand was a manufacturer by the name of Kaishinsha Motorcar Works who made some cars with the name DAT. Relatively few cars were produced in Japan before the war (1940). In 1932, the name of the cars was changed to Datsun, a brand that was used until around 1980. Then the factory began to use "Nissan" as a brand on all its products worldwide.

Datsun Bluebird 410

In 1963, the factory launched a model that became very popular in this country. It was an upgraded Bluebird with the type designation 410. This model initially only came with 4 doors, but other variants were put into production to meet the needs of different markets. Here in Norway, it was sold as a passenger car, van and station wagon. There were many details on this model that appealed to new car buyers. Good rust protection with galvanized plates in the undercarriage, ducts and support beams were arguments that car buyers appreciated. An elaborate interior with padded instrument panel and thick carpets gave the car a touch of luxury. A short gear lever located between the front seats was sporty at the time.

This model was in production until 1968.

Datsun 120Y

Another popular model from Datsun was the 120Y. The model had several designations in different markets. A model name that was widely used was "Sunny". The model series started life in 1965 and continued until 2004 after countless model changes and upgrades. The model here was produced in the period 1973 to 1977. The options were wide since the 120Y came in a number of body variants with a number of engine options. A big advantage was that the Datsun 120Y was very kind when it came to fuel consumption, and that was a very good selling point during the petrol crisis. Operational reliability was also top notch and contributed to its popularity.

Key data Datsun 120Y

Length: 395 cm
Width: 154 cm
Height: 137 cm
Engine: 1171 ccm, 69 hp SAE
Top speed: 150 km/h

Advertisement from A/S Inor – importer of Datsun/Nissan from 1965 to 1984.

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Renault

Posted 26/07/2020 by Anders de Lange

You have to go all the way back to 1898 to find the start for Renault. It happened in Paris, and the man was Louis Renault. The first car was built in a small shed in his parents' garden outside Paris. As for other start-up car factories, it was important to participate in car races, and Renault won its first victories before 1900. The next models followed the development of the market, bigger cars with stronger engines. In 1923, a small car appeared to take on the competition with Citroën. The theme of small cars was followed up in 1946 with the model 4 CV. It was one of the smallest 4-door passenger cars that has been serially produced. It was followed by the Dauphine in 1956. One of the most famous models, the R4 came in 1962 with front-wheel drive. In the future, a number of new family cars arrived. Some with rear-wheel drive (R8) and others with front-wheel drive (R5/R6/R12/R16). There have been many popular family cars from Renault and that is still the trend.