1981 Volvo 262C Coupe

Volvo's six-cylinder range of luxury cars, the 262 and 264, were powered by the PRV Douvrin light-alloy V6 of 2.7-litres capacity, developing 148 bhp in fuel injected form. In addition to the four-door sedan and estates, Volvo wanted a flagship coupe to showcase the new motor, particularly in the US market, and so the 262C came into being. With styling done in-house by Jans Wilsgaard, the bodywork was made by Italian studio Bertone due to a lack of capacity in Sweden. Essentially the same basic shape below the waistline, the 262C featured a chopped roofline, front air dam and distinctive 14-inch alloy wheels. The long list of standard equipment made for impressive reading back in the late Seventies - air conditioning, power steering, electric windows, AM/FM four speaker sound system, electrically heated seats, tinted windows, headlight washer/wipers and that old Volvo favourite of headlights that worked automatically, day or night. The interior was swathed in high quality leather and with Volvo's trademark build quality, has stood the test of time remarkably well. Very few colours were listed, with silver the most common but metallic blue, gold or metallic brown were also available. A luxurious personal coupe with a distinctive appearance, the Volvo 262C sold in relatively small numbers (just 6,622 were made between 1977 and 1981) and is a rare sight today.