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The 3 Litre Volvo, primarily destined for the US market, was initially released in December
1969 from the factory in Westbury, using a 3 Litre straight six Volvo
engine and auto gearbox.
The 3 Litre Volvo was a match for
the performance of the 3 Litre Ford engined car, and complied with US
emissions and regulations.
Externally the car differed from
the 3 Litre Ford by its single exit exhaust pipe, the removal of the
central power bulge, and the addition of the more obtrusive angular bulge
above the carburettors.
Later changes included the 3.22
Ford Capri rear axle, this improved the cruising ability of the car over
the 3 Litre Ford with its lower axle ratio. Along with the Ford axle, the
Cosmic wheel was used to gain the correct offset for the extra width of the
axle.
In 1970 the US market failed
leaving Marcos with several US specification cars. Some of these were
converted into right hand drive form and sold in the UK. Others were
distributed throughout the world.
Production of the 3 Litre Volvo
was then aimed at the UK market. The automatic gearbox was dropped in
favour of the 4-speed manual transmission.
All 3 Litre Volvo cars featured a
gear lever tray surrounding the gearlever instead of the domed tunnel
fitted to the 3 Litre Ford. In all 172 cars were made from
1969 to 1972.
| Engine |
2978cc Volvo inline 6 cylinder
overhead valve, Twin Stromberg carbs. |
| Maximum Output |
145 bhp |
| Performance |
0 - 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, Top
speed of 120 mph. |
| Vehicle Height |
43 1/4 " |
| Optional Extras |
Sunroof, Supplementary cushion,
Radio, Laminated screen. |
| New Price |
£2574.23 ( April 1971 ) |
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