Volvo F88 and G88

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The Volvo F88 was a heavy vehicle introduced in 1968. It was a particularly advanced vehicle for its time, with an all steel constructed cab at a time when some British manufacturers were still producing wood-framed with alloy panelling vehicles. Also, unusually for the late 1960s, it was available with a sleeper cab with additional space behind the driver where a bunk was fitted. Power outputs ranged from 240hp to 290hp with an 8 or 16 speed gearbox. This was another major selling point, as a typical UK 32 ton articulated truck of the time made do with a 180hp Gardner and a 6 speed gearbox. The extra power made the F88 a particularly fast truck and it gained instant popularity, thanks also to its unheard of levels of driver comfort, with fully adjustable seating, heater and radio.

A derivative of the F88 was the G88, which was basically the same vehicle but with the front axle fitted further forward to allow greater axle spread, necessary to remain within the axle loading limits when towing shorter trailers at maximum weight. The F89 was a version not generally sold in the UK, and featured a more powerful 320hp turbocharged engine.

The F88 today is regarded fondly by many as the first of the modern generation of "driver friendly" trucks, and in Europe is recognised as "THE" classic truck, with examples in good condition worth a great deal of money.