While looking at old STIHL advertising, I noticed the 030 was always called the “030 AV Deluxe” — “Deluxe” being a designation I hadn’t seen before.
It appears in US marketing materials from around 1970–71, which is the extent of the 030’s production. In official documents, the model was simply “030 AV.”
Here are some examples.
First, a March 1971 Popular Mechanics magazine advertisement (page 28) labels the new saw as Stihl 030 AV Deluxe.
It says:
What Do You Want in a Lightweight Chain Saw?
A mini-size saw with mini-power…
or a lightweight “professional” saw like our new Stihl 030 AV Deluxe?This saw is a happy combination of lightweight and cutting power double that of some mini-saws.
The 030 AV Deluxe is a precision made lightweight, which incorporates features costing as much as $50.00 more in other saws. These include the patented Stihl AV antivibration system, automatic chain oiling, silencer-muffler, and a dependable “big” power engine.
See it today at your local Stihl dealer.
Next, an April 1971 ad from the trade journal Weeds, Trees & Turf.
The content:
How light and small should a chain saw be?
A professional logger would select his saw in relation to its power and performance. If the saw and engine are too small, they quickly overheat and have neither the power nor durability to handle a lengthy cutting job.
The new STIHL 030 AV Deluxe is a professional-type lightweight chain saw — a real top-performance tool with more than twice the power of some saws near its lightweight class… and with many real deluxe features.
Like STIHL’s exclusive AV anti-vibration system to absorb fatiguing vibrations from chain and engine… an extra-large muffler to quiet your saw and your neighbors… automatic chain oiling with quantity control… and many others.
Try the new STIHL 030 AV Deluxe — the saw that is light enough to suit the occasional user and powerful enough to satisfy the professional.
STIHL American, Inc.
And an example from a November 1970 Forestry News newsletter.
The ad states:
STIHL 030 AV Deluxe
The newest, smallest and lightest addition to the STIHL chain saw line.
This saw is a happy combination of lightweight and cutting power double that of some mini-saws.
The 030 AV Deluxe is a precision made lightweight, which incorporates features costing as much as $50.00 more in other saws. These include the patented Stihl AV antivibration system, automatic chain oiling, silencer-muffler, and a dependable “big” power engine.
See it today at your local Stihl dealer.
The 45 cc STIHL 030 AV was made from 1970 to 1971 before being replaced by the STIHL 031 AV.
Every example of “030 AV Deluxe” comes from print ads or catalogs during 1970–1971. These ads present the 030 AV as a new lightweight “Deluxe” model with STIHL’s top-end features.
There’s no evidence that STIHL ever issued a separate “Deluxe” version – the term appears only in promotional copy. It’s just a marketing term. It’s much like the STIHL Blitz, another interesting chainsaw with an unusual name!