History of Volvo V trucks (1950-1957)

In the early 1950s, the L340 series was introduced, a light truck that was produced from 1950 to 1956. It replaced the L201/202 and had the same components. As a novelty, it incorporated a more modern redesign of the front, which imitated the nose of the PV831/832 brand taxi.

In 1951 Volvo introduced its first heavy truck, the L395 Titan. It had a load capacity of 10 tons and a large six-cylinder diesel engine with 150 horsepower. In 1954 the Titán became the brand's first truck with a turbodiesel engine, with 185 CV of power, and in 1956 it was updated with air brakes.

The Titan presented improvements in the cabin in order to offer high comfort and a more rested driving position, and mechanical innovations such as diesel injection.

The turbo diesel engine elevated the horsepower, torque and performance of the original diesel engine in this series. The concept of the turbo was nothing new at the time, having already been used in ship, train and aircraft engines. But until after 1950, small turbocharger units that could fit under the hood of a truck were not available. In the Titán, the addition of the turbo gave it an extra 35 CV with a penalty of only 25 kg of tare weight.

Rumor has it that the first L395 Titans that were turbocharged were delivered without informing their owners of this development, as a test. The incorporation of the turbo was a revolution in the sector and, together with the improvements in road connections in Europe in the 1950s, was decisive for this heavy truck, the first of the brand, to be considered the king of European transport by road during the 50s and 60s. It was produced until 1973, although in its last period it was improved and called N88.

In 1965 the Titan was improved, renamed N88. The power of its version with a 150 CV diesel engine was increased to 200 CV. In its version with a turbodiesel engine, it went from the 185 CV of the Titan to 260 CV. In addition, a fully synchronized eight-speed gearbox, power steering, a cabin designed with the safety of its occupants in mind, and an improved chassis and suspension were added.

In 1953 Volvo updated its range of medium/heavy trucks with the Volvo L385 Viking, with a payload of up to 8 tons, in its heaviest version with a trailing axle. Until 1954 it had a 100 HP diesel engine, which was improved to 125 HP in 1955.

Four years later, in 1959, the L485 was launched, a version that lived alongside the L385, until production of both models ceased in 1965. The L485 was an improved version of the L385 with a chassis more resistant. In 1961 it incorporated the turbo to its engine, improving its power up to 150 CV.

Like the Titan, it also had its improved version in 1965, renamed N86. The N86 went on to have 150 CV in its diesel version and 210 CV in its turbodiesel version. It also included the N88's eight-speed synchronized gearbox and a general update to most of its components.

Keep learning about Volvo's history in the following article: History of Volvo VI trucks (1957-1967)