Bertone was asked to create “something delicious” based on the Volvo 343 This was it.
The Volvo range of boxy, boring models from the 1970s and 1980s was not very exciting. However, the Tundra could have added design flair. It didn’t happen because Volvo wasn’t a fan of Marcello Gandini’s concept. It was too futuristic for Volvo’s taste and the Swedes likely thought it wouldn’t be a good fit for the lineup. Bertone’s proposal was rejected by the Swedes, who “politely declined” it. Although the design isn’t new, it was actually an evolution of the five door Reliant FW11 prototype (pictured below) that was introduced two years earlier. Volvo reached out to Bertone to discuss the concept because they were looking for a new design to debut on a hatchback that would replace the 340 from the 1980s. The Tundra was built on the 343 model’s underpinnings. It featured the same 1.4-liter Inline-four engine that delivers 70 horsepower to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. The hardware was taken from a production car so it is likely that the Tundra was a functional concept. However, we don’t know for certain. It would be amazing to see the digital dash working and look at that beautiful wooden gear knob. The cabin is cozy and has a comfortable atmosphere.
Embed from Getty Images Although the design may have seemed too extravagant for a Volvo production car it was not for a Citroen. In 1982, the Tundra was transformed into the BX. It is still an interesting car. The combined sales of the hatchback/estate reached more than 2.3million units before the car was discontinued in 1993. (The estate was still available until 1994).