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In August 1950, Director Sjögren collected his new Volvo cabriolet from Gustaf Nordbergs Vagnfabrik at Tegnérgatan 37 in Stockholm — a highly elegant car in American style with a hand-built body.
Today, it is one of only two roadworthy Volvo PV61s from Nordbergs still in existence — a piece of Volvo history offered at Bilweb Auctions. It has remained within the same family throughout its life and was driven by one of Sweden’s most renowned sculptors, Richard Brixel.
Lars Gerdin at Volvo’s historical archives quickly located chassis number 61-277: delivered on 8 December 1949 to Ulricehamn. The first two digits indicate that it was a delivery chassis without bodywork, intended for independent companies to build ambulances, hearses, or vans on.
Or why not cabriolets?
That was precisely the idea conceived by brothers Nils and Carl Nordberg. They had inherited the company from their father Gustaf in the 1930s and were well versed in building bodies on Volvo chassis. The business had begun in the early 1900s constructing horse-drawn carriages, later transitioning to automobiles and supplying, among other things, several Cadillacs to the Royal Court.
All indications suggest they acquired four Volvo chassis to build cabriolets, one of which was the example delivered to Ulricehamn. Director Bror Olof Sjögren, residing in the Gärdet district of Stockholm, decided to purchase one of the cars.
Whether he was able to influence details such as the interior trim and paintwork is unknown, but it seems likely. The final result was a beautiful cabriolet in black and cream-yellow two-tone paint with green leather upholstery. It was used for long-distance journeys to Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
The director’s grandson, Richard Brixel, rode in the car during the 1950s, which left a lasting impression on him. When his grandfather planned to scrap the car following Sweden’s change to right-hand traffic in 1967, Brixel asked to take it over — which he did in 1970.
At the time, the 26-year-old Brixel was studying at Konstfack and would go on to achieve international recognition. In 2018, Sveriges Television produced an hour-long program about him.
The car was driven sparingly but regularly until Brixel’s passing in 2018. Since then, it has been stored on blocks, owned by the foundation established in his name. It has now received a basic recommissioning service and is roadworthy, though it requires a more thorough technical inspection.
Three of the presumed four Nordbergs-built PV61 cabriolets are believed to survive: one owned by Volvo Cars Heritage, one currently under restoration — and this example.
Combined with its well-documented history, single-family ownership, and fine original condition, it represents a piece of Swedish cultural history.
Photos and more details can be found here:
https://bilwebauctions.se/marsauktion-1-2026/volvo-pv61-cabriolet-54662
The estimated value is between SEK 550,000 and 650,000. The auction ends on March 4.
