North America
The 50s was a decade of rapid development in products and business for Penta and the company developed into a truly international operation with an extensive network of dealers all around the globe. The world’s first serial production turbo diesel was introduced in 1954 and subsequently followed by the first charged air-cooled marine diesel two years later.
The world’s first serial production turbo diesel was introduced in 1954 and subsequently followed by the first charged air-cooled marine diesel two years later.
The engine range was extended, and one of our new products was the MD1 – the world’s smallest direct injected diesel with a revolutionary reverse gear.
When Volvo Penta introduced the Aquamatic drive at the New York Boat Show in 1959, it was a revolution in the boating industry. The Aquamatic managed to combine the benefits of inboard and outboard engines. The solution is robust, relatively fuel efficient and located inside the boat, protected from wind, weather and water. In addition, the shaft, propeller and steering can be integrated. The maneuverability is excellent and the drive can be folded up to avoid grounding.
The man behind the Aquamatic, Jim Wynne, started off as a marine engineer and test driver. It was his inventiveness that resulted in the new propulsion system, a system that went on to become a true revolution for the boating industry. The first ideas were created in his garage but it wasn't until he met Volvo Penta’s Harald Wiklund that the project took off for real. In this short clip, we’re treated to Jim's demonstration of both his test driving skills as well as the power and unique properties of the Aquamatic Sterndrive – while jumping.
