By Classic Yorkshire correspondent Tony Lofthouse
In the late eighties Swedish car giants, Volvo, cast off their image for producing vast numbers of ‘boxy’ looking cars with the launch of a quite stunning ‘head-turner’!
The 480ES was six years in the making – a rare three-door hatchback coupe and the only Volvo to feature pop-up headlights.
The company’s first front-wheel drive model was designed by a Dutch team and assembled in a DAF factory in the southern corner of the Netherlands.
The 480 was launched in 1986 sporting wedge-like styling and a look that was aimed firmly at attracting younger buyers.
It was indeed radical with a design that tipped its hat to the earlier Volvo 1800 ES with its all glass tailgate.
Inside, the 480 came with some notable electronic features for its time, such as daytime running lights and digital instruments.
Under the bonnet, the car was fitted with a 1721cc Renault-based engine. In 1988 a turbocharged version came along and in 1993 a larger 2-litre engine was added.
The car also came with impressive Lotus-designed suspension which attracted praise for its ride quality.
The 480 may have been a bold departure for Volvo but it sold in big numbers with over 76,000 made in nine years, of which 22,000 went to UK buyers.
Looking back at this rather quirky classic, for me its styling does seem to get better with the passing of time.
If you’re in the market for a Volvo 480 prices are impressively low – for around £3,000 you can pick up a good condition example – but beware of the car’s defects. Rust, water ingress and condensation affecting the instrument panel are all common. Oh and check the pop-up headlights are still popping up!
All in all, arguably Volvo’s most daring car is worth a serious look.