--- title: "Volvo Pitched a Boxy Off-Roader in the ’70s That Was Like a Swedish K5" description: "A Volvo designer sketched up this SUV as a rugged, go-anywhere vehicle for Africa in the 1970s, but it was never built." date: "2024-01-16" modified: "2024-01-16" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/volvo-pitched-a-boxy-off-roader-in-the-70s-that-was-like-a-swedish-k5" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Volvo News" tags: - "suv/crossover" - "Volvo" --- # Volvo Pitched a Boxy Off-Roader in the ’70s That Was Like a Swedish K5 ![]() *Volvo* Somewhere in a wood-paneled office in 1970s Gothenburg, Sweden, a likely bespectacled man in a perfectly fitting suit, smoking a cigarette, vetoed Volvo's idea for a rugged, go-anywhere SUV and had no idea what he'd taken from us. Had the top brass at [Volvo]() in the '70s had enough courage, they could have given the world a Swedish [Mercedes G-Class]() competitor that would potentially still be on sale today, as the brand was considering this awesome looking SUV for Africa and other developing countries at the time. Volvo's heritage manager Hans Hedberg posted these concept sketches to [LinkedIn](), showing off what should have been. Today, it's as awesome to see as it is infuriating to know what the world missed out on. The rugged SUV sketch was drawn up by longtime Volvo designer Gunnar Falck and, had it ever made production, it would've ranked among the coolest looking Volvos of all time. As with many of the brand's finest designs, it's shaped as if it was formed with a mason's chisel—all wedges and right angles. It looks like it has the aerodynamics of a Dorito, and I love it. ![]() **Volvo** Fantastically boxy proportions aside, this unnamed proposal also has two really neat features. One of which is its three-door design, which [wasn't unheard of for the time](), but also likely would've resulted in just one row of seating. The other neat feature is the door glass that seemingly extended below the belt line, something that absolutely would not fly today given modern side-impact safety regulations. Hedberg didn't mention any specifics, such as its internal project name or potential engine options, which leads me to believe it didn't get very far along the concept phase. (*The Drive* reached out to Volvo for more information.) It was likely an out-of-left-field idea from Falck that never made it past this drawing. However, if it ever came to be, it's easy to believe it would've earned many more generations and still be in production today. Look at the aforementioned G-Class, [Jeep Grand Cherokee](), [Land Rover Defender](), and [Toyota Land Cruiser](): customers love rugged SUVs with comfy interiors and stylish designs. Volvo would be right there with them, adding its Scandinavian aesthetic and industry-leading safety to the mix. What a world it would have been. Although, what's stopping Volvo from making it now? *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()