Volvo introduced its first forward control truck L420 Snabbe ("Fast") at the end of 1956.

A V8 engine in the lightweight vehicle meant impressive performance for a truck.

The downside was the gruesome fuel consumption and from 1964 onwards the Snabbe was offered with a diesel engine as an alternative.

The engine was moved forward in the chassis to provide better space inside the cab.

[4] The main exterior change was a new radiator grille in black plastic.