(first posted 3/22/2014) It only stands to reason that Sweden would have its own military 4×4 vehicle, and that Volvo would be the one to build it. S. Forrest found this in Ontario, and posted two pictures at the Cohort. It’s a vehicle I’ve never seen in the metal, and one rather easily forgotten. Here’s its story:
In the early fifties, the Swedish Army gave Volvo a contract to develop a new military transporter, and by 1959 or so, the L3314 first started seeing action with the troops. Early versions were powered by the Volvo 1.6 L B16 engines; later ones with the 1.8 L B18. There were of course several versions with different body work for various assignments.
The L3314 was replaced by the larger and more powerful six cylinder C303. And like the somewhat similar Austrian Steyr Pinzgauer, there was also a three axle version, the C304. Both the C303 and C304 were made available to civilian users.
Since the C303 and C304 were very pricy, Volvo developed a lower-cost version of the L3314, strictly for civilian use. Put into production in 1977, the C202 used the 2.0L B20 engine. Apparently it had somewhat less robust axles than the military L3314, and no differential locker. Somewhat oddly, it was manufactured in Hungary, probably also part of the strategy to keep costs down.
A great find and addition to our archives.
Don’t recall ever knowing about this vehicle. Would love to try it out.
Looks like a VW Bus on roids prepared for the zombie apocalypse.
Volvo build plenty of trucks so a itty bitty one couldnt have been too hard, never seen one though Pinzgauers yep the NZ army has a fleet of 3 axle LAVs
I know exactly where that Volvo is parked. I biked past it yesterday on the way to work. I see it on occasion, and I’ve always been curious about it. Thanks for satisfying my curiosity – it’s always cool to see a vehicle that would normally never get over here.
Nice work, Paul! Ive known about these for a while…I think I became aware of them while geeking out on Wikipedia or something, but one of these will be on my Powerball bucket list if I ever have more money than brains. Well…I have $40 cash in my pocket now and I already have more money than brains, so theres that….
I have a minor obsession with forward control vehicles. These have about the same footprint as a Wrangler Unlimited 2 door, yet an insane amount of room since they don’t waste space on a long hood. Visibility and maneuverability are off the charts with such a rig, and they look cool too. Swap in a VW TDI or a Cummins 4bt powerplant and it would be a ludicrous amount of grunt. Between full steel top, full soft top, half cab, crew cab and full open versions you can get a mind boggling number of bodystyle variants too. Yup, this is a dream rig for sure!
99-04 VW TDI would be your best bet for swapping into one of these. Similar to a V6 in terms of weight with a uptick of the boost and fuel you can put out some nice HP & Torque figures.
The 4bt is a heavy, noisy paintshaker of a motor that’s a bit overrated.
This is my old girl. Lol. Still love her. Bad arse ride with b18 in her if i recall. Frront window tilts up and the rims and roof are blacked out to make it more bad arse if you will. Cool seeing a p8c of her on here
Cheers
Jamie
That is cool. Would make a great trade for an xB.
The C303 didn’t have a V6 but a straight six, the B30 from the Volvo 164.
And don’t forget it’s most distinctive feature, the portal axles. It was the staple of the Swedish army for decades, and you could hear them miles away with those axles.
This was my grandfathers last project. He never did get to finish the thing but it was running and driving when he past and left it too me.
Another vehicle that I had never heard of, before reading about it here. I will keep my eyes peeled for them if I return to Sweden this summer!
I also walked past this truck yesterday- it used to be painted a flat red, IIRC. The body is in remarkably good condition; a B20 will keep this thing mobile- slowly- forever. This truck is for sale for CDN$9K locally. If I did not already own a Series Land Rover…
The Laplander was built in Hungary too, in a very small number; around 1000 units have been assembled. It was a joint venture between Volvo and the Csepel Auto Factory, but the deal was cancelled in 1980 because of the lackluster sales in foreign markets.
Does anyone know where I can find a Volvo C202 Laplander for sale? I am looking for 1977 – 1981 models for sale and I am having no luck. I am in Pennsylvania USA, but willing to travel. Let me know if you can help me find one for sale please!!!
I have this c202 lapplander overland camper for sale.
2,5 Diesel turbo/ intercooler m47 5 gears overdrive.
Car is in Sweden reg no: HJX835
eile@vmomail.se
It will be expensive and looks like this today. more info on youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/nikitalord
How much, mile as ge?
Hello Eile,
I have chatted with you before, in regards to my C202. Still trying to find the proper gears for the differentials. Presently have 6;17 gears, but am looking for lower ratio gears for more speed. Do you have any idea what make of gears would be a direct fit.
Any help would be extremely appreciated. Thanks Jim
Yup. I do
416-418-1851
In ontario canada
This is a long-shot, but any chance someone still has a C202 for sale? If so I might be interested! Please reply back here and I’ll share my contact info.
Hey, I’ve never seen one of these but there is one for sale about a half hour from me.
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/cambridge/1981-volvo-c202-laplander/1490789026
Not a vehicle I need, but pretty cool stuff.
Everytime I read about the Laplander I become infatuated. This awesome utilitarian adventure vehicle with it’s cab forward design, go any place portal-axles is the perfect size for a couple people. The only thing keeping me from owning one is the maintenance. In Minnesota it would likely be impossible to find a mechanic familiar with such a rare beauty. Here is one with a full body cage and ladder. Kind of looks like a mini-me Russian Kamaz TA Dakar truck.
The coolest of them all was the Volvo Radioterrangbil 915, “Terrängsuggan” or just “Suggan”, or in english “Radioterraincar” Terrain Sow or just The Sow. 6 cylinder 3,67 Liter flathead petrol engine.
A friend of mine had one in the 1980.s witha Cadillac 500 Cu inch V-8. Nice ride!!!
here’s one i spied in norway in 2011. didn’t know exactly what it was until now
Hello,
I have a 1981 C202 Laplander. It presently has 6.17 gears (differentials). Top speed is about 65-70kms an hour. I would like to change them to the original pumpkins or differentials.
Does anyone know the company who manufactured the original gearing for theC202 Laplander Pumpkins or differentials .
Any information would be great full.
Thanks Jim
Yes, I have the volvo c202. 1977 available for sale in Kenya, Africa.
Hello Eile,
I have chatted with you before, in regards to my C202. Still trying to find the proper gears for the differentials. Presently have 6;17 gears, but am looking for lower ratio gears for more speed. Do you have any idea what make of gears would be a direct fit.
Any help would be extremely appreciated. Thanks Jim