The Volvo People
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It was only in 1958 that Volvo cars were first officially imported into the UK. Up until that time , despite the fact that for a long time Sweden drove on the same side of the road as we in the UK currently do, Volvo only made left hand drive cars. America was the place where cars had to succeed so Volvo only built cars suitable for use in the USA. Obviously other countries that drove on the right were able to have them but because we drove on the 'wrong' side of the road they were no good to us.

Someone then decided in 1958 or just before, that the cars would sell well here in the UK and Volvo started to produce a right hand drive model of the 120. Lex Brooklands, an established UK company, set up Volvo Concessionaires to import Volvo 120's into the UK via the docks at Harwich and distributed them to a dealership set up to sell them across the country.

The club was quite simply called "The Volvo Owners Club", and membership in those days cost just £1.1.0 - one pound and one shilling, also known as one guinea. It would appear that those few members enjoyed quite a full calendar of events. A little different maybe from some of those we currently enjoy but clubs were a little different then. Black tie dinners being the sort of thing that was popular in those days. However, it was not long before those well known letter BKV crept into the club's vocabulary. The Best Kept Volvo competition from early on became a major event in the club's calendar.

The earliest document the club has archived is the February 1967 edition of Driver which was (unless someone knows better) the first bound edition of the club's magazine. In it is recorded that club Chairman Dennis Hope was stepping down, so it is reasonable to assume that with the club being just three years old that he was the first person in the chair.

One member reported having a blown bulb and on stopping at a non Volvo garage to purchase a replacement bulb the reception clerk called to a mechanic to get a bulb for a Vauxhall Volvo. There is another report of a car park attendant remarking brightly, "Fine cars these Vauxhalls, sir".

As more Volvo cars arrived in the country more people joined the club and slowly but steadily the club grew. In the early days much was made of competitive driving and the club was represented at many such events around the country. Thought was given to whether the fitting wood rimmed steering wheels was a good idea and there were reports of better steering wheel feel and control, but concerns about woodworm!

In August 1972 the club became a company limited by guarantee and was able to place the letters 'Ltd' after the club name. It then had to start to keep proper records of proceedings, and what had been committee meetings, now named board meetings. Since the inauguration of the club as a company we now have records of all proceedings up to the present day.

The Club currently has over 5000 members, and membership is open to owners of any model Volvo, old or new. Each model has its own official, a Register Keeper, who deals with all enquiries for that model, and organises rallies for that model. Club membership gives owners the chance to get even more enjoyment out of owning their Volvo no matter which model they currently choose to drive. Four colour magazines are sent to every member each year.

The Club Officials are all volunteers and dedicate their time to the running of the Club because of their interest and enthusiasm in the Volvo motor car. Most have full time jobs. John Smith, the Membership Secretary, is a retired police officer and is paid by the Club for his services. He also undertakes the position because of his enthusiasm for the cars and the Club.

We are fortunate to have a supply of Volvo special tools as shown in the workshop manuals, to help make repairs easier and safer. These have been contributed over the years, and some have been bought. These are available to members only.

The country is split into Regional Sections, each having a Secretary who organises social events for that Section. Attendance is open to any Member, or persons considering joining the Club.

Members are able to get technical help with problems. The club has an official who looks after this side of things, and has a good selection of the correct Volvo manuals to refer to, as well as lots of experience. Three technical magazines are issued to every member each year.

Members of the Volvo Owners Club enjoy a discount on Volvo Parts on production of their membership cards at most Volvo dealerships in the UK. Some dealerships also allow discount on labour charges for repairs done at their workshop. We also have a special arrangement with a UK Volvo parts specialist who will supply members with new Volvo parts at special discounted prices, and arrange delivery.

A range of regalia and other items is always available from the Club Shop, and new items are regularly added to the list.

This web site has a lot of information for non members, including a very active forum, Volvo Community, which has a wealth of help and information. For photographs there is the Volvo Gallery that anyone can upload photographs to. For current members, we have pages that contain lots of useful information, including Volvo workshop manuals, service bulletins, owners manuals, technical and general specifications of most models. With over 3800 locally indexed web pages and a site total of around 200,000 pages indexed with Google, and growing with regular updates, there is something for everyone.