Bucket loads of attitude

The concept of creating a 'bucket' roadster is hardly new, but when the street rod in question is Volvo-based, there's bound to be finger-pointing and rubbernecking.

The low-slung hot rod you see here is the handiwork of Swedish designer/rodder Leif Tufvesson, who was commissioned by Volvo to create a contemporary interpretation of the marque's first car -- the 1927 ÖV4 (nicknamed "Jakob"). 

Fittingly, the new-age roadster is known as the Hot Rod Jakob, and it's scheduled to feature in a tour of Scandinavia and the US later this year following its recent unveiling at the Volvo Museum in Götheborg, Sweden.

Although its design inspiration comes from an 80-year-old trundler, the Hot Rod Jakob is a showcase of new-age tech as it's built around a custom carbon-fibre chassis and powered by a Flexifuel turbo engine.

Parked side by side, the similarities between old and new are discernible, including the curvature of the bonnet, which has exactly the same radius. The characteristic windscreen attachment pillar that runs down the body side follows the original in detail, as do its dimensions, materials and the number of screws used.

The body is made up of raw aluminium panels that were bashed into shape using a hammer and English wheel -- exactly as it was done in the prototype workshop back in the 1920s.

Most of the components have been tucked out of sight, including the springs, dampers, electrical components and exhaust system, lending the car its minimalist look.

The 12-spoke alloy rims (19-inchers up front and 22s at the rear) mirror the ÖV4's wood-spoked wheels. An interesting element is the specially cut, Volvo logo-treaded Pirelli Scorpion tyres.

To maintain the spirit of authenticity, Tufvesson used original Volvo components wherever possible, including a P1800 steering wheel and column, a five-speed manual gearbox from a Volvo 960 -- the carmaker's last rear-driver -- and brake pedal and brake master cylinder from a 140. (Volvo spare parts are clearly plentiful in Sweden)

The five-cylinder turbo engine is also Volvo-sourced, and it's configured to run on both petrol and ethanol. No performance figures have been released, but outputs of 185kW and 370Nm suggest the lightweight street rod wouldn't be a slouch.

Inside, conventional gauges are replaced by a single display to the right of the steering wheel. The dial face changes colour and function when pressed. Press once and the ignition comes on and the button glows red.

Press the clutch and the button turns purple. Press once more and the engine fires up smoothly and the button's hue turns Volvo Blue.

All in all, an interesting mélange of old and new. We approve…

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