1979 Volvo 262C Bertone | 2.7L V6 Coupé

1979 Volvo 262C Bertone – 2.7L V6

The 1979 Volvo 262C Bertone is one of the most distinctive and unusual cars to emerge from Volvo during the 1970s. Combining dependable Swedish engineering with Italian coachbuilding and a luxurious grand touring interior, the 262C occupied a unique position at the top of the Volvo range.

This example has covered just 21,983 miles and was acquired by Direct Classics on 17 July 2020. Powered by Volvo’s 2,664 cc B27E V6, the 262C offers an unusual combination of understated Scandinavian engineering and unmistakable Italian design influence.

Designed in Sweden, Built by Bertone in Italy

While the Volvo 262C was designed by Volvo in Sweden, final production was entrusted to celebrated Italian coachbuilder Bertone in Turin.

Volvo supplied partially completed 260 Series bodies to Italy, where Bertone transformed them into the distinctive two-door 262C. The roofline was significantly lowered, the windscreen given a more pronounced rake and the rear of the cabin characterised by broad C-pillars, creating a profile unlike any conventional Volvo of the period.

The result was a genuinely unusual luxury coupé: recognisably Volvo in its engineering and proportions, yet possessing an Italian character that distinguished it from the rest of the range.

2.7-Litre B27E V6

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

For the 1979 UK specification, the fuel-injected V6 produced approximately 148 bhp DIN, delivering the relaxed performance expected of Volvo’s flagship grand touring coupé.

Power is sent to the rear wheels, giving the 262C the traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout associated with Volvo’s larger models of the era.

A Luxury Volvo Unlike Any Other

The 262C was conceived as a more exclusive and luxurious proposition than the conventional Volvo 200 and 260 Series models.

Its four-seat cabin featured extensive leather upholstery, wood detailing and a level of equipment intended to position the car alongside established European luxury coupés. The dramatically lowered roof and intimate cabin gave the 262C a very different atmosphere from the Volvo saloons on which it was based.

It represented an unusual collaboration between two very different automotive traditions: Volvo’s reputation for durability and engineering integrity combined with Bertone’s Italian coachbuilding expertise.

One of Only 6,622 Produced

The Volvo 262C Bertone was produced between 1977 and 1981, with only 6,622 examples manufactured during its entire production run.

Its limited production, distinctive styling and unusual Swedish-Italian origins have made the 262C one of the most recognisable and increasingly collectible classic Volvos.

This 1979 Volvo 262C Bertone

Showing just 21,983 recorded miles, this 1979 example offers an opportunity to experience one of Volvo’s most intriguing flagship models.

Direct Classics acquired the car on 17 July 2020, allowing it to form part of the collection for more than six years.

Its combination of low recorded mileage, Bertone construction, limited production and the smooth 2.7-litre V6 makes this a particularly interesting example of an already uncommon classic Volvo.

Swedish Engineering, Italian Craftsmanship

Few cars combine two automotive cultures quite like the Volvo 262C. Its foundations are unmistakably Swedish, while its distinctive coupé body was shaped and assembled in Turin by one of Italy’s most famous coachbuilders.

Today, the 1979 Volvo 262C Bertone remains an unconventional and fascinating classic — a rare luxury coupé with genuine history, distinctive styling and a story unlike almost anything else carrying a Volvo badge.

Enquire About This Volvo 262C Bertone

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