Volvo, 480 Overview

The Volvo 480 is a compact car produced by Swedish automaker Volvo from 1991 to 1995. It was designed as a front-wheel-drive (FWD) coupe and was based on the platform of the third-generation Ford Sierra.

Design and Features

The Volvo 480 had a sporty design, with a sloping rear roofline and a bold front grille. It featured a unique pop-up hood, which gave it a distinctive look. The car was available in two main body styles: a fixed roof coupe and a convertible (also known as an "open-top" variant). Standard features on the 480 included power steering, ABS brakes, and a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic.

Engine and Performance

The Volvo 480 was powered by a range of engines, including a 1.7-liter inline-four cylinder unit producing 92 horsepower (68 kW), as well as a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine delivering 123 horsepower (91 kW). The car's performance was respectable for its class, with the turbocharged version capable of reaching speeds up to 125 mph (201 km/h).

Safety and Reliability

As is typical of Volvo vehicles, safety features were a top priority on the 480. It boasted a robust body structure, anti-lock brakes, and a driver's airbag as standard equipment. Additionally, the car's FWD layout improved traction and reduced the risk of wheelspin during acceleration.

Mechanicals and Chassis

The Volvo 480 utilized the same platform as the Ford Sierra, which provided it with a solid and robust chassis. The front suspension consisted of MacPherson struts with coil springs, while the rear was equipped with semi-trailing arms linked to live axle-mounted shock absorbers. A rack-and-pinion steering setup further enhanced handling.

Dimensions and Capacity

The Volvo 480 had an overall length of 1,654 mm (65 in), a width of 1,692 mm (67 in), and a height of 1,345 mm (53 in). Its wheelbase was 2,520 mm (99.6 in). The car's interior space included room for two adults, as well as modest boot capacity of approximately 240 liters.

Production and Sales

The Volvo 480 was built at the Torslanda plant in Sweden from 1991 to 1995, with a total production run of approximately 63,000 units. Despite its unique design, the car's sales were somewhat limited by higher prices compared to other coupes on the market.

Variants and Trim Levels

During its production run, Volvo offered several variants of the 480, including an SE (Special Equipment) model that featured upgraded trim, such as a spoiler, alloy wheels, and a more comprehensive audio system. Additionally, there was a Turbo version that boasted higher performance capabilities than the standard model.

Influence and Legacy

The Volvo 480 played a role in rebranding Volvo's image from a stodgy company to one with a more vibrant design profile. However, its sales were impacted by factors like price, marketing, and market competition. Nevertheless, it contributed to establishing Volvo as an innovator within the automotive industry.

Collectibility

Today, the Volvo 480 is considered a rare collector's item due to limited production numbers and rising demand for classic cars. For those interested in acquiring this unique vehicle, the fixed roof version might be slightly more desirable than its convertible counterpart.