1979 Volvo 262C Bertone 2.7L V6 Coupé

The 1979 Volvo 262C Bertone is one of the most distinctive models from Volvo’s 260 Series, combining Swedish engineering with specialist Italian coachbuilding. This example is powered by the 2,664 cc B27E V6, paired with a three-speed automatic transmission, and shows just 21,983 recorded miles.

Direct Classics acquired this Volvo 262C on 17 July 2020. Its low recorded mileage, Bertone-built body and unusual position at the top of Volvo’s late-1970s range make it a particularly interesting surviving example of this limited-production coupé.

Our 1979 Volvo 262C Bertone

This car represents the earlier 2.7-litre version of the Volvo 262C and uses Volvo’s B27E V6 petrol engine. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission.

Showing just 21,983 recorded miles, this example has formed part of the Direct Classics collection since July 2020. Its mileage history and further details are documented on this page alongside photographs of the actual car.

Designed in Sweden, Built by Bertone in Italy

The Volvo 262C was designed by Volvo in Sweden, while specialist production was entrusted to Bertone in Turin, Italy.

Partially completed Volvo 260 Series bodies were sent to Italy, where Bertone carried out extensive modifications to create the distinctive 262C. The roofline was substantially lowered, the windscreen given a more pronounced rake and the rear cabin shaped around the model’s broad C-pillars.

The finished car remained unmistakably Volvo in its engineering and proportions, but its lower roof and two-door body gave the 262C an appearance unlike the conventional Volvo models of the period.

2.7-Litre B27E V6

At the heart of this 1979 Volvo 262C Bertone is a naturally aspirated 2,664 cc B27E V6 petrol engine.

The B27 formed part of the PRV V6 engine family developed jointly by Peugeot, Renault and Volvo. For this specification, output is listed at approximately 148 bhp DIN.

Combined with the three-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel-drive layout, the V6 gives the 262C the relaxed grand-touring character for which Volvo’s flagship coupé was intended.

A Luxury Volvo Unlike the Rest of the Range

The 262C was positioned as a more exclusive model than the conventional Volvo 200 and 260 Series cars.

Its lowered roof created a noticeably different cabin, while leather upholstery, wood detailing and a high level of equipment reflected the car’s position at the premium end of the Volvo range.

The combination of dependable Volvo engineering and specialist Italian coachbuilding remains one of the defining characteristics of the 262C.

Only 6,622 Volvo 262Cs Were Built

The Volvo 262C was produced between 1977 and 1981, with just 6,622 examples manufactured during the model’s entire production run.

Its relatively small production volume, Bertone construction and distinctive design make the 262C considerably less common than the mainstream Volvo 200 Series models with which it shared much of its underlying engineering.

One of Just 16 Volvo 262 C Automatics Recorded as Licensed in the UK

The Volvo 262C is now an exceptionally uncommon sight on British roads. Data published by How Many Left, using UK vehicle licensing statistics, records just 16 Volvo 262 C Auto models as licensed.

Because historic vehicles can sometimes be recorded under different model descriptions on their V5 registration documents, licensing figures should be treated as an indication of rarity rather than an exact count of every surviving Volvo 262C.

For this 1979 Volvo 262C Bertone automatic, the figures help illustrate just how rarely the model is now encountered on UK roads.

History of This 1979 Volvo 262C Bertone

This particular Volvo 262C shows just 21,983 recorded miles and was acquired by Direct Classics on 17 July 2020.

The mileage history shown on this page provides a chronological record of the car, while the gallery documents the actual vehicle and its individual details.

As part of the Direct Classics collection, it represents an uncommon surviving example of the earlier B27E-powered Volvo 262C and of the collaboration between Volvo and Bertone during this period.

Why the Volvo 262C Bertone Is Significant

Few production Volvos combine two automotive traditions in quite the same way as the 262C. Its engineering was rooted in Volvo’s established 260 Series, while its specialist body production took place at Bertone in Turin.

The result was a four-seat, two-door grand touring coupé with styling, proportions and interior treatment quite different from the Volvo models alongside which it was sold.

More than four decades later, the limited production run, unusual Swedish-Italian history and small number remaining on UK roads make the Volvo 262C Bertone a particularly distinctive classic Volvo.

Enquire About This Volvo 262C Bertone

For further information about this 1979 Volvo 262C Bertone, including its history, provenance, photographs or viewing arrangements, please contact Direct Classics.