The car was developed in the late 60s based on the successful L3314 series and went into production in 1974.

The C3 series feature portal axles with locking differentials resulting in very high ground-clearance (similar to the Unimog) and outstanding performance offroad.

They were also sold to civilian customers for rescue services, electricity companies etc.

In the 1983 Paris-Dakar rally a Volvo C303 won the class for trucks under 10 tonnes.

The Volvo C303 and C304 could possibly be an inspiration for the Autobello Stambecco, a fictional vehicle in the soft-body physics game BeamNG.drive.