Jump to content

Volvo 262C: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
more source
No edit summary
 
(41 intermediate revisions by 27 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|A car model produced by Volvo}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}

{{Infobox automobile
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Volvo 262C
| name = Volvo 262C
| image = 1978 Volvo 262C Automatic (8868476768).jpg
| image = File:1978 Volvo 262 Coupé Bertone.jpg
| caption = 1978 Volvo 262C Bertone <br>(with European H4-headlights)
| caption = 1978 Volvo 262C Bertone (with US-spec headlights)
| manufacturer = [[Volvo Cars|Volvo]]
| manufacturer = [[Volvo Cars|Volvo]] / Bertone
| aka = Volvo Coupé
| aka = Volvo Coupé
| production = 1977–1981 (6622 units)<ref name = VCC_pdf>{{cite web |language=en |url=https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/pdf/brochures/IMP-262C.pdf |title=Volvo 262c |author=Volvo Car Corporation |format=PDF |access-date=2018-01-08 |dead-url=no}}</ref>
| production = 1977–1981 (6,622 built)<ref name = VCC_pdf>{{cite web |language=en |url= https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/pdf/brochures/IMP-262C.pdf |title=Volvo 262c |publisher=Volvo Car Club |format=PDF |access-date=6 May 2024}}</ref>
| model_years = 1978–1981
| model_years = 1978–1981
| assembly = [[Turin]], [[Italy]]
| assembly = Italy: [[Turin]] ([[Gruppo Bertone]])
| class = {{ubl |[[Mid-size luxury car]] |[[Grand tourer]]}}
| class = {{ubl |[[Mid-size luxury car]] |[[Grand tourer]]}}
| body_style = 2-door [[coupe]]
| body_style = 2-door [[coupé]]
| layout = [[FR layout]]
| layout = [[FR layout]]
| platform =
| platform =
| related = [[Volvo 200 Series|Volvo 260 series]]
| related = [[Volvo 200 Series|Volvo 260 series]]
| engine = {{ubl |2664&nbsp;cc ''[[PRV engine|B27 (PRV)]]'' [[V6 engine|V6]] |2849&nbsp;cc ''[[PRV engine|B28/B280 (PRV)]]'' V6 }}
| engine = {{ubl |2664&nbsp;cc ''[[PRV engine|B27 (PRV)]]'' [[V6 engine|V6]] |2849&nbsp;cc ''[[PRV engine|B28/B280 (PRV)]]'' V6 }}
| transmission = {{ubl |3-speed automatic |4-speed manual}}
| transmission = {{ubl |3-speed automatic |4-speed manual}}
| wheelbase =
| wheelbase = {{convert|2640|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length =
| length = {{convert|4890|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| width =
| width = {{convert|1710|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| height =
| height = {{convert|1440|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| weight =
| weight = {{convert|1425|-|1440|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}
| predecessor =
| predecessor =
| successor = [[Volvo 780]]
| successor = [[Volvo 780]]
| designer = Jan Wilsgaard
| designer = [[Jan Wilsgaard]]
| sp = us
| sp = us
}}
}}

The '''Volvo 262C''' is the first luxury coupe made by [[Volvo Cars|Volvo]]. Based on the [[Volvo 200 Series]], the 262C was built by [[Gruppo Bertone|Bertone]] in [[Turin]] for the 1977-1981 model years.{{Sfn|McCourt|2006}}
The '''Volvo 262C''' is a luxury coupé made by [[Volvo Cars|Volvo]] from 1977 (as 1978 model) to 1981. Based on the [[Volvo 200 Series|264 six-cylinder]] saloon, the 262C was designed in-house by Volvo's [[Jan Wilsgaard]], and built mainly by [[Gruppo Bertone|Bertone]] in [[Turin]], [[Italy]].<ref name=McC>{{cite web |url= https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/volvo-262c-bertone-coupe |title=Volvo 262C Bertone Coupe |last=McCourt |first=Mark J. |date=23 September 2018 |work=Hemmings Motor News |access-date=6 May 2024 |ref=MJMcC}}</ref>


==Concept and design==
==Concept and design==
The drivetrain, suspension, floor pan, and many of the body panels of the 262C were taken directly from the [[Volvo 260]] four-door sedan, with Bertone building the roof pillars, roof pan, windshield surround, cowl, and upper parts of the doors.<ref name=McC/> The roof of the 262C is about {{convert|100|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} lower than that of the 260 sedans. The [[Chopping and channeling#Chopping|chopping]] had the effect of cramping interior space, and the wide [[Pillar (car)|C-pillars]] made for small-sized rear side windows.<ref name="Puthz">{{cite web |last1=Puthz |first1=Martin |title=Cut-price cruise liners: Volvo 262 C and 780 Bertone |work=Classic & Sports Car |url= https://www.classicandsportscar.com/features/cut-price-cruise-liners-volvo-262-c-and-780-bertone |date=28 September 2020 |access-date=3 August 2022}}</ref>
A team of American executives and engineers led by [[Henry Ford II]] had visited a Volvo factory in the mid-1970s and had brought [[Lincoln Continental Mark IV]]s to drive. The car generated interest among both the Volvo staff and the people living in the area. Without the facilities to spare on a low volume project, Volvo arranged with Bertone to design and build the coupe.{{Sfn|McCourt|2006}}

The drivetrain, suspension, floor pan, and many of the body panels of the 262C were taken directly from the Volvo 260 sedan, with Bertone building the roof pillars, roof pan, windshield surround, cowl, and the upper parts of the doors.{{Sfn|McCourt|2006}} The roof of the 262C is about 10&nbsp;cm lower than that of the 260 sedan.


[[File:1978 Volvo 262 Coupé Bertone Norge.jpg|thumb|left|Rear view of a 1978 262C (pre-facelift)]]
[[File:1978 Volvo 262 Coupé Bertone Norge.jpg|thumb|left|Rear view of a 1978 262C (pre-facelift)]]
⚫
The 262C used the [[PRV engine]], a [[V6 engine]] developed jointly by [[Peugeot]], [[Renault]], and Volvo.{{Sfn|McCourt|2006}} The engine used a Lambda-sond [[oxygen sensor]] system; this was the first use of this system on a production [[V engine]].{{Sfn | Hartford | 1978 | p=42}}


⚫
The 262C used the [[PRV engine]], a [[V6 engine]] developed jointly by [[Peugeot]], [[Renault]], and Volvo.<ref name=McC/> The engine used a Lambda-sond [[oxygen sensor]] system; this was the first use of this system on a production [[V engine]].<ref name=hartford>{{cite journal |last= Hartford|first= Bill|date= February 1978|title= Imports & Motorsports |page= 42 |magazine=Popular Mechanics |ref=BH1}}</ref>
⚫
Standard equipment included [[power windows]] and mirrors, [[central locking]], full leather interior, power mirrors, [[cruise control]], [[air conditioning]], heated front seats, [[alloy wheels]] and electrically powered radio antenna. The only optional extras were a limited-slip differential, a choice of stereos, and the no-cost option of a [[BorgWarner|Borg-Warner]] three-speed automatic instead of the four-speed manual with electrically operated overdrive.{{Sfn|McCourt|2006}} By 1981, the manual option had been deleted in the US.<ref name=RT127>{{cite journal | journal = Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1981 | issue = January-February 1981 | title = 1981 Buyer's Guide | editor-first = Tony | editor-last = Hogg | page = 127 }}</ref>

⚫
Standard equipment included [[power windows]] and mirrors, [[central locking]], [[cruise control]], [[air conditioning]], heated front seats, leather interior, [[alloy wheels]], and electrically powered radio antenna. The only optional extras were a limited-slip differential, a choice of stereos, and the no-cost option of a [[BorgWarner|Borg-Warner]] three-speed automatic instead of the four-speed manual with electrically operated overdrive.<ref name=McC/> By 1981, the manual-transmission option had been discontinued for the U.S. market.<ref name=RT127>{{cite journal |journal=Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1981 |issue=January-February 1981 |title=1981 Buyer's Guide |editor-first=Tony |editor-last=Hogg |page=127 }}</ref>

==Convertible==
[[File:Volvo 262 C Solaire Classic-Gala 2022 1X7A0261.jpg|thumb|left|Volvo 262 C Solaire]]
On the occasion of Volvo's 25th anniversary in the United States, Volvo North America contracted Newport Conversions of [[Santa Ana, California]], to convert the 262C into a convertible to give as a gift to the company CEO. This version was called the 262C Solaire. Volvo's Swedish headquarters, however, vetoed the project due to safety concerns. A total of five 262 convertibles were made.<ref>{{cite web |title=Volvo 262C Solaire – med himlen som tak! |trans-title=Volvo 262C Solaire - with the skies for a roof! |language=sv |last=Nyblad |first=Fredrik |url= https://www.klassiker.nu/video/volvo-262c-solaire-med-himlen-som-tak |website=klassiker.nu |date=15 July 2019}}</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
Aimed mainly at the [[United States]] market, the 262C was Volvo's first entry in the luxury car market. About half of the annual production was earmarked for the United States.<ref name=RT127/> It competed against the [[Cadillac Eldorado]] and the [[Mercedes-Benz W123|Mercedes-Benz 280CE]]. 6622 cars were produced from 1978 to 1980.{{Sfn|McCourt|2006}}
Aimed mainly at the [[United States]] market, the 262C was Volvo's first entry into the luxury car segment. About half of the annual production was earmarked for the United States.<ref name=RT127/> It competed against the [[Cadillac Eldorado]] and the [[Mercedes-Benz W123|Mercedes-Benz 280 CE and 300 CD]]. A total of 6,622 cars were produced from 1978 until 1980.<ref name=McC/> The model was available in only one color combination: silver paint with black vinyl-covered roof. One automobile journalist described the 262C as "the strangely proportioned two-door looks like a chopped diesel locomotive" that "evades the classic ideals of beauty, regardless of the stylistic authorship."<ref name="Puthz"/>


==Development==
==Annual changes==
[[File:Volvo 262C Bertone.JPG|thumb|Last model year 1981 Volvo 262C (Europe), without the vinyl roof]]
[[File:Volvo 262C Bertone.JPG|thumb|1980 model year Volvo 262C (Europe), without the vinyl roof]]
In 1979 the 262C was given a deeper trunk lid, wrap around taillights, and thermostatic heater controls. Manual transmission cars got the shift linkage from the 242GT.{{Sfn|McCourt|2006}}
For the 1979 model year, the rear-end design was modified with a deeper trunk lid and wrap-around taillights. Upgrades included thermostatic heater controls, and cars with manual transmission included the shift linkage from the 242GT.<ref name=McC/>


In 1980 the engine bore was increased from {{convert|3.468|in|mm|abbr=on|disp=flip}} to {{convert|3.58|in|mm|abbr=on|disp=flip}}, resulting in a displacement increase from {{convert|2664|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} to {{convert|2849|cc|cuin|abbr=on}}. The engine was also reconfigured, with seven main bearing instead of four and an increase in compression ratio from 8.2:1 to 8.8:1. Also in 1980 the front air dam from the 242GT was added to the 262C.{{Sfn|McCourt|2006}} For North America, the 2.8-litre engine produces {{convert|130|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name=RT127/>
The 1980 model year featured an engine displacement increase from {{convert|2664|to|2849|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} as a result of the bore going from {{convert|88|to|91|mm|in|2|abbr=on}}. The engine was also reconfigured, with seven main bearings instead of four and an increase in compression ratio from 8.2:1 to 8.8:1. Also, in 1980, the front air dam from the 242GT was added to the 262C.<ref name=McC/> For North America, the 2.8-litre engine was rated at {{convert|130|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name=RT127/>


The vinyl roof cover was deleted for the final 1981 model year of production.<ref name=McC/>
In 1981, the last year of production, the vinyl roof was deleted.{{Sfn|McCourt|2006}}


==Notes==
==References==
{{commonscat|Volvo 262 C}}
{{commonscat|Volvo 262 C}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==References==
*{{cite journal |last= Hartford|first= Bill|date= February 1978|title= Imports & Motorsports|page= 42|url= {{Google books|vc8DAAAAMBAJ|Popular Mechanics Feb 1978|page=42|plainurl=yes}}|journal= Popular Mechanics|location= |publisher= |accessdate= 2014-09-14|ref=harv}}
*{{cite web |url= http://www.hemmings.com/hsx/stories/2006/01/01/hmn_feature10.html|title= Volvo 262C Bertone Coupe|last= McCourt|first= Mark J.|date= January 2006|website= [[Hemmings Motor News|Hemmings]]|publisher= [[American City Business Journals]]|accessdate=2014-09-14|ref=harv}}


{{clear}}
{{clear}}
Line 61: Line 64:


[[Category:Volvo vehicles|262C]]
[[Category:Volvo vehicles|262C]]
[[Category:Bertone vehicles]]
[[Category:Coupés]]
[[Category:Coupés]]
[[Category:Executive cars]]
[[Category:Executive cars]]
Line 66: Line 70:
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1977]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1977]]
[[Category:1970s automobiles]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1981]]
[[Category:1980s automobiles]]
[[Category:1980s cars]]

Latest revision as of 21:59, 23 August 2024

Volvo 262C
1978 Volvo 262C Bertone (with US-spec headlights)
Overview
ManufacturerVolvo / Bertone
Also calledVolvo Coupé
Production1977–1981 (6,622 built)[1]
Model years1978–1981
AssemblyItaly: Turin (Gruppo Bertone)
DesignerJan Wilsgaard
Body and chassis
Class
Body style2-door coupé
LayoutFR layout
RelatedVolvo 260 series
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
  • 3-speed automatic
  • 4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,640 mm (103.9 in)
Length4,890 mm (192.5 in)
Width1,710 mm (67.3 in)
Height1,440 mm (56.7 in)
Curb weight1,425–1,440 kg (3,141.6–3,174.7 lb)
Chronology
SuccessorVolvo 780

The Volvo 262C is a luxury coupé made by Volvo from 1977 (as 1978 model) to 1981. Based on the 264 six-cylinder saloon, the 262C was designed in-house by Volvo's Jan Wilsgaard, and built mainly by Bertone in Turin, Italy.[2]

Concept and design

[edit]

The drivetrain, suspension, floor pan, and many of the body panels of the 262C were taken directly from the Volvo 260 four-door sedan, with Bertone building the roof pillars, roof pan, windshield surround, cowl, and upper parts of the doors.[2] The roof of the 262C is about 100 mm (3.9 in) lower than that of the 260 sedans. The chopping had the effect of cramping interior space, and the wide C-pillars made for small-sized rear side windows.[3]

Rear view of a 1978 262C (pre-facelift)

The 262C used the PRV engine, a V6 engine developed jointly by Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo.[2] The engine used a Lambda-sond oxygen sensor system; this was the first use of this system on a production V engine.[4]

Standard equipment included power windows and mirrors, central locking, cruise control, air conditioning, heated front seats, leather interior, alloy wheels, and electrically powered radio antenna. The only optional extras were a limited-slip differential, a choice of stereos, and the no-cost option of a Borg-Warner three-speed automatic instead of the four-speed manual with electrically operated overdrive.[2] By 1981, the manual-transmission option had been discontinued for the U.S. market.[5]

Convertible

[edit]
Volvo 262 C Solaire

On the occasion of Volvo's 25th anniversary in the United States, Volvo North America contracted Newport Conversions of Santa Ana, California, to convert the 262C into a convertible to give as a gift to the company CEO. This version was called the 262C Solaire. Volvo's Swedish headquarters, however, vetoed the project due to safety concerns. A total of five 262 convertibles were made.[6]

Reception

[edit]

Aimed mainly at the United States market, the 262C was Volvo's first entry into the luxury car segment. About half of the annual production was earmarked for the United States.[5] It competed against the Cadillac Eldorado and the Mercedes-Benz 280 CE and 300 CD. A total of 6,622 cars were produced from 1978 until 1980.[2] The model was available in only one color combination: silver paint with black vinyl-covered roof. One automobile journalist described the 262C as "the strangely proportioned two-door looks like a chopped diesel locomotive" that "evades the classic ideals of beauty, regardless of the stylistic authorship."[3]

Annual changes

[edit]
1980 model year Volvo 262C (Europe), without the vinyl roof

For the 1979 model year, the rear-end design was modified with a deeper trunk lid and wrap-around taillights. Upgrades included thermostatic heater controls, and cars with manual transmission included the shift linkage from the 242GT.[2]

The 1980 model year featured an engine displacement increase from 2,664 to 2,849 cc (162.6 to 173.9 cu in) as a result of the bore going from 88 to 91 mm (3.46 to 3.58 in). The engine was also reconfigured, with seven main bearings instead of four and an increase in compression ratio from 8.2:1 to 8.8:1. Also, in 1980, the front air dam from the 242GT was added to the 262C.[2] For North America, the 2.8-litre engine was rated at 130 hp (97 kW).[5]

The vinyl roof cover was deleted for the final 1981 model year of production.[2]

References

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Volvo 262 C.
  1. ^ "Volvo 262c" (PDF). Volvo Car Club. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h McCourt, Mark J. (23 September 2018). "Volvo 262C Bertone Coupe". Hemmings Motor News. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  3. ^ a b Puthz, Martin (28 September 2020). "Cut-price cruise liners: Volvo 262 C and 780 Bertone". Classic & Sports Car. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
  4. ^ Hartford, Bill (February 1978). "Imports & Motorsports". Popular Mechanics: 42.
  5. ^ a b c Hogg, Tony (ed.). "1981 Buyer's Guide". Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1981 (January-February 1981): 127.
  6. ^ Nyblad, Fredrik (15 July 2019). "Volvo 262C Solaire – med himlen som tak!" [Volvo 262C Solaire - with the skies for a roof!]. klassiker.nu (in Swedish).
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Volvo_262C&oldid=1241917816"