Volvo 262C
Swedish safety meets Italian flair in this distinctive chopped-roof grand tourer.
- Power
- 140 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 11.4 s
- Top speed
- 112 mph
- Est. value
- $5k–$27k
About the Volvo 262C
The Volvo 262C Bertone was a bold departure for the Swedish brand, designed to compete in the luxury personal coupe market dominated by the likes of Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz. Based on the 260-series chassis, the car was shipped to Bertone in Turin, Italy, where the roof was chopped by 100mm and the interior was swathed in gathered leather and wood trim. While the PRV V6 engine provided adequate rather than exhilarating performance, the 262C offered a unique blend of Volvo's legendary safety and Italian coachbuilt exclusivity. Its polarising 'chopped' aesthetic and high price tag ensured it remained a rare sight, cementing its status as a cult classic today.
Volvo 262C specs
The Volvo 262C produces 140 bhp (104 kW) and 204 Nm (150 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 11.4 seconds and has a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h).
| Make | Volvo |
|---|---|
| Model | 262C |
| Trim | 2.7 |
| Years | 1977–1981 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | Sweden |
| Production | About 6,622 built |
| Original price | About $17,000 when new |
| Engine | 2.7-litre PRV V6 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,664 cc (2.7 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 140 bhp (104 kW) at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 204 Nm (150 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 11.4 s |
| Top speed | 112 mph (180 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual with overdrive |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,450 kg (3,197 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 97 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Volvo 262C worth?
A typical Volvo 262C is estimated to be worth $5,300 – $27,000 (about £4,000 – £20,000).
Its original price when new was about $17,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Volvo 262C rarity in CarSpot
The Volvo 262C is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 50 out of 100. Performance cars, typically worth around £50,000 to £100,000. A Rare card is worth 40 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Volvo 262C fun facts
- The 262C's design was inspired by the Lincoln Continental Mark IV after Volvo executives observed the American luxury coupe during a visit by Henry Ford II to Sweden.
- Despite being a Volvo, the 262C was almost entirely hand-assembled by Bertone in Italy, with only the floor pan and mechanicals arriving from Sweden.
- The interior featured so much leather that it was often described as having a 'wrinkled' look, a deliberate choice to emphasise its luxury status over standard Volvo models.