What is a Volvo Bertone?

Kmaniac in California · Post by **Kmaniac in California** » 11 Dec 2004, 14:17

I am hoping some of you more versed in Volvo history than I can shed some light here. In a nearby neighborhood, there is a Volvo sitting idle in someone's driveway. It is approximately 1989 or 1990, with one-piece halogen headlamps. This car is a dark blue two-door coupe, with destictive roofline, Bertone crowns on the C-pillers, and special alloy wheels. The car is backed into the driveway, so I cannot see any model identifiers on the trunk. It doesn't look like any other Volvo of the period. Is this car some type of special model, or more common than I think? Any input would be interesting.

LaRy · Post by **LaRy** » 12 Dec 2004, 05:39

The Bertone Volvo's was an exclusive coperation between Volvo and the Italian designer Bertone.

VOLVO262C Bertone.
The 262 was made from the chassi of the 264. It was manufactured between 1977 to 1981 and 6622 cars were made. 75% of the 262C were exported to USA. It was manufactured in Sweden and assembled in Italy.

VOLVO780 Bertone was made from the chassi of 740 / 760. It was manufactured from 1985 to 1991 and 8518 cars were made during this period. It was manfactured in Italy.

Kmaniac in California · Post by **Kmaniac in California** » 12 Dec 2004, 08:47

LaRy, thanks for the input. I have been doing a few searches on the internet regarding this subject. It appears that the car I have seen is indeed a 780 Bertone, either 1989 or 1990. Based on those production figures, these must be pretty rare.

One of my searches found and advertisement for a 262C Bertone convertible. Apparently, this was one of two built custom by a Southern California specialty shop. Very nice car to look at. I only wish Volvo had made more convertibles than just the C70.