Volvo 480 ES | 1988

Volvo 480 ES | 1988

Highlights:

– 1.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, manual transmission

– 36000 km indicated

– Distinctive wedge-shaped sports coupe with pop-up headlights and glass tailgate

– Volvo’s first front-wheel-drive production model

– Netherlands-delivered example with valid inspection

The seller offers for sale this 1988 Volvo 480 ES, powered by a 1.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a manual transmission. Finished in red, this 480 ES presents as a well-kept example of Volvo’s most daring design of the 1980s. The car shows 36000 km on the odometer and comes with a valid inspection, making it an appealing proposition for anyone looking for a characterful and increasingly collectible youngtimer coupe. The interior features the model’s typical sporty seats and driver-focused dashboard, and the car is in good condition throughout.

The Volvo 480 ES marked a radical departure for the Swedish brand when it was introduced in 1986. It was Volvo’s first front-wheel-drive production car and its first true sports coupe since the P1800 ES, whose famous glass tailgate the 480 deliberately echoed. Designed at Volvo’s Dutch studio and built in the Netherlands, the 480 combined a striking wedge profile with pop-up headlights, a first and only for Volvo, and a practical shooting-brake rear end. The 1.7-litre four-cylinder engine, developed with Renault, offered lively performance in a light and compact body, while the chassis was tuned with input from Lotus, giving the 480 an agile and engaging driving character.

Production of the 480 ended in 1995 after roughly 76,000 cars had been built, a modest number that has helped the model grow into a sought-after modern classic. Early examples in original specification, such as this 1988 car, are becoming harder to find, and the combination of distinctive styling, everyday usability and Volvo build quality makes the 480 ES a smart entry point into the world of collectible 1980s coupes.

Condition of the bodywork & paint

4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.

Condition of the interior

4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.

Technical condition

4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.

Overall condition

4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.

This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.

We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.

All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.

Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.

This car is currently located in: Gelderland province, the Netherlands.

This car drives, brakes and shifts.

The car has a Dutch registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.

The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.

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