One of the prototypes commissioned by a carmaker, at the beginning of the 1980's was the Tundra coupé, built on the mechanics of the Volvo 343. This propensity for forming partnerships with foreign manufacturers represented a natural expansion of market frontiers and of Bertone's success with overseas companies.
In his design work for the Swedish manufacturer, Bertone created a compact car, which would respond to the design criteria for a medium-sized saloon. The wings feature long swage lines, and the generous windows reiterate Bertone's passion for light. The Tundra shows unmistakeable elements of Bertone style: light greenhousing supported by slender pillars, a short, smooth bonnet and wide doors.

Interesting stuff. I don't think I've seen any info on that exact model before, but I've got some info in a book about some other prototypes of the era that Volvo developed. You can see elements of the 480 in that, such as the grille below the bumper, the wedge shape, pop up lights. Certainly an angular car of the late seventies/early eighties, but it has it's own unique appeal about it.

I think the thing that lets that design down most from the side view if above the rear window where the roofline drops down again, probably a safety and strength issue coming before looks.

Pete

You can see where Bertone got the idea for the Citroen BX from.......

Looks like a BX crossed with an AE86 corolla. Love it! I want one

Indeed... I always find Bertone designed cars really easy to spot... Citroen BX, Skoda Favorit (a shortened BX?!), Fiat X1/9 etc...

that thing looks near as good as my retro-renault 9 ,
wish they produced it

that longer back arch looks good in many cars

There is this 2nd hand rumour that car was presented to Volvo and they did not like it but Citröen liked it and developed BX from that. However this may be just one more myth.

schakal wrote:that thing looks near as good as my retro-renault 9 ,
wish they produced it

Looks better... it's not a Renault

This exact model became indeed the BX prototype. I have more pics of this car....but where...

jtbo wrote:There is this 2nd hand rumour that car was presented to Volvo and they did not like it but Citröen liked it and developed BX from that. However this may be just one more myth.

replace myth with FACT and you're getting there

the only Volvo 343 Bertone Tundra ever made is at the Volvo museum in Götenborg.

RandomHero wrote:This exact model became indeed the BX prototype. I have more pics of this car....but where...

wouldn't that be the members-only area of the v3c forum..

No, i had it myself, i wasn't coming from the members area. But i can't find it....

Check out this site - a few interesting Volvo concepts, to bad, that it's in russian ....

http://www.carstyling.ru/car.asp?id=2381

I like the 1972 Volvo VESC

good link!!

thanks!

Sorry to bring up this old thread, but I don't suppose anyone has any other info/links on the Tundra. The Bertone website gives some useful facts, but is quite limited.

As I own both a 360 and a BX it's quite interesting for me and I'm trying to get hold of as much info as possible. Just acquired an original Bertone Press Release from 1979 concerning the mechanicals of the Tundra, which I'm pleased about!! And I've been looking out for more original material but there seems to be hardly anything