Anyone remember the Broughamed-out 1978-1981 Volvo 262C/Bertone Coupe? From what I’ve read, this car came about due to some Volvo executives visiting Ford Motor Company back in the ’70s. They spied a then-current Mark coupe and were smitten.
Because, you see, those sensible Swedes typically drove practical, comfortable but not precisely luxurious automobiles at home. Here was something different! The plush leather seats, the wide C-pillar, the long and low lines! Here was something quite different-and strangely compelling…
Like so many cars for sale I see, this one was shared on Finding Future Classic Cars on Facebook. 1981 was the last year for the Bertone coupe. In 1982, you could still get a 240 two-door, but not one of these Broughamtastic “Ovlovs.”
Per the ad: “1981 Volvo Bertone Limited Edition. This car is so beautiful its like an orchid. A Black Orchid.
Black on Black. Black exterior with Black interior.”
“59,000 original documented miles. Garaged all it’s life.”
“Manufactured by Volvo in Sweden and assembled by Bertone Coachworks in Turin Italy from 1977 thru 1981. The Crown Jewel of the Volvo Line. This ’81 is 1 of the last remaining specimens of an expression of automotive art from a bygone era. The question is, who will be the lucky owner of this rare find.”
“We’re just dusting off this incredible barn find. Please enjoy these pictures while we uncover more facts about this fine, collectible European Motorcar. Swedish technology…made in Italy. For Kings, Counts and heads of state.”
“Renowned (ED: hmm, really? OK, I’ll shut up now. -TK) V6, PRV engine purrs like a sexy kitten. You’ve never heard anything like it. A true collectible work of art.”
“With Italian flair and Swedish practicality very few of these cars made it to American shores, and this shining example represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Volvo history.”
“An exotic and expensive car in its time, the low slung roof line became the trademark of this hot rod Volvo. Real Elm wood veneers, a fully carpeted trunk, sumptuous custom leather interior and heated front seats were all part of this car’s design at a time when such things were unheard of.”
“A low production car, there were only 912 Bertones manufactured in 1981 in the entire world. There were probably only a few hundred imported to America. So, if any one is interested in this sleeper sports car, give me a call
at Rainbow Auto Service in Bellingham and ask for Larry, text if you like, to 360 319 1294.”
“P.S. Oh yeah. I’ve got a 262C Bertone parts car I’ve had wrapped up for a number of years. It’s a silver with black vinyl top. Lots of usable parts. So, there are possibilities for the right party. I can send pics of that if anyone’s interested.”
And while scouting the web for more Bertones, I saw this one for sale in Europe. Very swank.
I don’t remember the silver-blue metallic paint on these, just the gold and the silver and the black. But it looks very good!
And here’s those fantastic, luxy leather seats! I was disappointed that despite 14 pictures, the black one for sale had exactly zero pictures of these magnificent thrones.
So, ifin anyone is interested in the Broughamiest Volvo that ever Broughamed, seek out the seller. And tell ’em Klockau sentcha! Whether you want the black coupe on the NW coast or the silver-blue mint one in Europe, haha!