1990 Volvo 780 Bertone

Basic Information and History

Swedish-Sold Volvo 780 2.8 V6 – A Timeless Classic with a Unique Story

This Volvo 780 2.8 V6 is a Swedish-sold example with a fascinating background and top-class documentation. The car has had a total of nine registered owners but only three users. All original documents remain intact, including a complete service book, manual, sales brochure, inspection records, and receipts, all compiled in a classic Volvo binder. The collection also includes a wiring diagram, a period road map, and advertisements for fuel stations in Sweden and Norway – a complete time capsule of the car’s history.

Ownership History

1. First Owner: A sales manager at what was then Bilia in Vänersborg, who reportedly owned the car until 2005. It is unclear, however, if he had owned the car since 1989 or if it had another owner until 1998.
2. Second Owner: A self-employed Volvo car dealer from Mellerud who owned the vehicle from 2005 to 2016.
3. Current Owner: Acquired the car in 2016 but has driven only about 3,000 km since. The purchase was driven by nostalgia – the owner worked at Volvo Data when the 780 was Volvo’s flagship model and described owning such a car at the time as feeling like living on “another planet.”

Volvo 780 – An Exclusive Grand Tourer

1. The Model:
2. The Volvo 780 was introduced as a luxury coupe designed by the legendary Marcello Gandini (via Bertone). Production spanned from 1985 to 1990, with only 8,518 units built, making it one of Volvo’s most exclusive models. This 1990 example is among the last built, featuring several improvements over earlier model years.
3. Engine and Performance:
4. Powered by a PRV-developed 2.8-liter V6 engine delivering around 150 hp, it offers smooth and comfortable driving, ideal for cruising rather than sporty performance. The engine was a technical milestone of its time, resulting from a collaboration between Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo.
5. Design:
6. The car’s unique proportions and Gandini’s signature lines exude timeless elegance. Unlike Volvo’s more utilitarian models, the 780 is distinctly stylish and luxurious, with details that still impress today.
7. Interior:
8. Comfort and exclusivity define the cabin. The materials are top-notch, featuring leather upholstery and wood trim, with Volvo’s trademark ergonomic design. Notable features include electrically adjustable seats, air conditioning, and a high-quality sound system, making the car a true premium product of its time.
9. Driving Experience:
10. With rear-wheel drive, the 780 delivers a traditional, balanced road feel. While its weight makes it somewhat slow in acceleration and cornering, it provides a comfortable and stable ride suited to its grand tourer identity.

Collectibility and Rarity

The Volvo 780 is highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors due to its unique Bertone design, limited production volume, and status as one of Volvo’s most luxurious models. This well-preserved example, complete with full documentation, is a true gem for anyone who appreciates classic Scandinavian luxury combined with Italian design.

Condition

1. Bodywork: Described as near mint condition, with no major dents or scratches. According to the seller, the car has no rust. The paint is in excellent condition, with only minor marks and a slight discoloration on a small section of the roof. The glass is scratch-free, and the windshield was replaced in 2016 due to damage. A small mark is visible on one of the chrome trims around the wheel arch. The VOLVO badge on the trunk lid has been removed (heated off), leaving only “780.”
2. Wheels and Tires: The wheels have minimal and barely noticeable marks, as shown in the photos. The tires have a sufficient tread depth of about 5 mm.
3. Interior: The interior is in very good condition, with only light wear on the driver’s seat entry area (see photos). Otherwise, the interior is flawless, and all electronics are in perfect working order.
4. Engine and Mechanics: The engine runs smoothly without any issues. The transmission and drivetrain are in similarly excellent condition. The brakes work well, and the brake pads were recently replaced (2024).

Service History

The car has been serviced according to all recommendations with great care. Oil and oil filters have been changed annually, even at low mileage, to minimize the risk of moisture in the oil. Spark plugs have been replaced as needed, despite some workshops erroneously documenting this in the service book (even when not required).

Multiple receipts have been preserved, and all service has been performed by authorized workshops. The latest approved inspection was conducted on 2023-08-21. The car has been well maintained to preserve its performance and condition.

Summary

A Stunning and Rare Classic – Volvo 780 Bertone

With its elegant design by the Italian design house Bertone, the 780 combines timeless Scandinavian engineering with exclusive European style. This model, produced in limited numbers between 1985 and 1990, stands out with its luxurious interior, distinctive roofline, and impressive build quality.

The Volvo 780 is more than just a car – it’s an icon that tells a story of cross-border collaboration and Volvo’s ambition to create something unique. For collectors and enthusiasts, this coupe represents a brilliant example of how functionality and elegance can merge. A perfect choice for those who appreciate cars with soul and character!

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