Volvo, 480 Little Known Facts

Brand: Volvo Model: 480

Overview Generations Reviews Little Known Facts Common Issues Famous People Youtube Reviews

Unique design: The Volvo 480 was designed by Jan Wilsgaard and had a distinctive rear-wheel drive layout.
Wedge-shaped body: The car's wedge-shaped body was inspired by the Swedish designer's concept of creating a more aerodynamic look.
First front-wheel-drive Volvo: Although the 480 was not marketed as such, it technically featured a front-wheel-drive layout due to its transverse engine and transmission configuration.
Only available with automatic transmission: The car was only offered with an automatic transmission, making it less appealing to enthusiasts who preferred manual transmissions.
Limited production run: The Volvo 480 had a relatively short production life, with only around 56,000 units manufactured between 1989 and 1991.
European market focus: The car was primarily designed for the European market, which is why it did not achieve significant sales in other parts of the world.
No US importation: Due to strict emissions regulations and safety standards, the Volvo 480 was never imported to North America.
Right-hand drive only: The 480 was only produced with a right-hand drive configuration, which limited its potential for global sales.
Low sales figures: Despite being a stylish and innovative design, the car's unique features made it unappealing to some customers, resulting in relatively low sales numbers.
Few modifications over production run: The Volvo 480 underwent minimal changes during its production life, which contributed to its limited appeal among enthusiasts.
Rear-engined design influenced by the Jensen FF: The car's rear-engine layout was influenced by the Jensen Interceptor F, a British sports car known for its similar configuration.
Volvo S40 and C70 connections: Although not immediately apparent, the Volvo 480 shared some design elements with the later S40 and C70 models.
Use of composite panels: The 480 employed composite panels on its bodywork to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency.
Some cars were converted to run on LPG: In certain markets, some Volvo 480 owners opted for conversions that allowed their vehicles to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Limited collector interest: Due to its relatively low production numbers and unique features, the Volvo 480 has not yet gained significant traction among collectors.
Rarity in certain countries: The car's limited availability in some markets means it is highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors in those regions.
Mechanical similarities with other Volvos: Beneath its distinctive exterior, the 480 shared many mechanical components with other Volvo models of the time.
Some cars were converted to use diesel engines: A small number of Volvo 480 owners opted for engine swaps that replaced the original petrol unit with a diesel powerplant.
A few high-performance variants existed: In select markets, higher-performance versions of the 480 were produced, featuring more aggressive suspension and aerodynamics upgrades.
The car's unusual layout resulted in some quirky issues: The unique design of the Volvo 480 led to several mechanical quirks, including issues with rear axle wear and drivetrain noise.