F82S and F83S

Within their limitations (for instance, the fact that the cab was rigidly mounted, not tilting) the F82 and F83, the successors to the L42 and L43 from 1956/57, were successful trucks. They served distribution transport customers well in Scandinavia and some other countries like the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland.

Reinforcing the cab structure
But the fact was, that the L42/L43 and F82/F83 were aging in the late 1960s. In contrast to most of the other trucks included in the radical new 'System 8' generation, they had not been modernized since the 1950s (apart from the introduction of diesel engines with modest output in place of the fuel-thirsty V8 petrol engine).

In contrast to all other (heavier) trucks in the Volvo truck programme, these models had not been tested according to the tough Swedish safety cab test. In order to make sure that the safety level of these light to medium-duty trucks was increased, the cab structure (which had always been made out of steel) was reinforced.

Further extensive updating 
At the same time the exterior was redesigned slightly to make the overall appearance more modern, such as by adding a black grille instead of the previous traditional front with horizontal bars which did not go well with the rest of the modern range of Volvo trucks of the era.

Moving the engine forwards was, however, the most important change; it improved the weight distribution and, together with the forward move of the gearbox, improved driver ergonomics in respect of gear changes (previously the driver had to lean backwards to the right when changing gears).

The new F82 and F83 with the "S"
With the updating of these light to medium-class vehicles, they became more acceptable for the customers of the 1970s, even if it was obvious that there was a quite urgent need for a modern medium-duty Volvo truck with better ergonomic and safety properties, as well as a tilt cab. It was for this reason that the cooperation within the 'Club of Four' was begun almost exactly at the same time as the introduction of the F82S/F83S. This cooperation would result in a completely new range of medium-duty trucks about three years later.

The F82S/F83S were the last light to medium-duty trucks built in Sweden. The next generation of medium-duty trucks would be built in a completely new facility in Oostakker, Belgium.