Great Dashboards – Volvo G88

In this series, we look at great dashboards of the past, when character, quirks and idiosyncrasies dominated the driving department’s control centre. When gauges were physically connected to hot and cold bits and, when they worked, told you if those bits were hot or cold. When Kysor alarms bleared on summertime ascents and you could manually control shutters and fans. When switches made shit happen when it wasn’t important and didn’t when it was. Yes, the great dashes were yesterday’s infotainment – sometimes low on information but always high on entertainment. A TRUE GAMECHANGER – VOLVO G88

At about the time Kenworth, Mack, and co were redefining the US sourced truck in this part of the world, the Scandinavians were doing exactly the same in regard to trucks from Europe. At the forefront of that charge was the Volvo G88, a machine that won the hearts of many all over the country in the 70s, Southland in particular.

Compared to what was being offered by the British machines of the day in particular, it’s not hard to see why drivers appreciated the new level of creature comfort the Volvo offered.

This dash shot is from an immaculate NSTH (Northern Southland Transport Holdings) example lovingly restored by Invercargill’s Chris and Sandra Russell.