Volvo 262C Bertone Coupe
The Volvo 262C stands as one of the most unusual collaborations in automotive history: a partnership between Sweden's safest carmaker and Italy's most creative coachbuilder. Introduced in 1977, the 262C was based on the Volvo 260 series platform but sent to Bertone's workshop in Turin, where the roofline was dramatically lowered by approximately 60mm, creating a distinctive pillarless hardtop profile that was unlike anything else in Volvo's lineup.
The concept behind the 262C was straightforward yet ambitious. Volvo wanted a flagship personal luxury coupe to compete with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz SLC and BMW 6 Series in the North American market. Rather than designing an entirely new body, Volvo chose to modify its existing 260 platform, sending partially assembled bodies to Italy where Bertone's craftsmen would section the roof, add a vinyl covering to hide the welding seams, and install unique interior appointments.
Under the hood, the 262C was powered by the PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) V6 engine displacing 2.7 liters. This joint-venture engine produced 140 horsepower in its fuel-injected form, paired exclusively with a Borg-Warner three-speed automatic transmission. Performance was not the car's forte; rather, it excelled in providing a smooth, refined driving experience befitting its luxury aspirations.
The interior was trimmed to a higher standard than any other Volvo of its era. Leather upholstery, power windows, air conditioning, and a premium stereo system were standard equipment. The lowered roofline did reduce rear headroom somewhat, but front passengers enjoyed a surprisingly airy cabin thanks to the large glass area.
Production figures tell the story of an exclusive automobile. Over its five-year production run, only 6,622 units were built, making it one of the rarest Volvos ever produced. The car found its greatest success in the United States, where buyers appreciated its combination of Swedish safety engineering and Italian design flair. Notable owners included David Bowie, who famously drove a silver 262C around New York City.
The 262C was succeeded by the even more striking 780, also bodied by Bertone, which continued the tradition of Italian-designed Volvo coupes into the late 1980s. Today, the 262C has developed a devoted following among collectors who appreciate its quirky blend of Scandinavian practicality and Latin elegance. Well-preserved examples, particularly those with documented Bertone provenance, command increasingly strong prices at auction.
Check for rust in the roof seam area where Bertone welded the lowered roof section. Vinyl roof often hides corrosion underneath. PRV V6 engine requires careful maintenance of the fuel injection system. B27E and B27F engine variants have different specifications. Automatic transmission fluid should be changed regularly. Look for complete Bertone documentation and build plates.
Bodies were shipped partially assembled from Gothenburg to Bertone in Turin, where the roof section was cut and lowered. The vinyl roof covering was functional, hiding the welding seams from the roof modification. Early 1977 models had a different grille design than later versions.