Description
The Volvo 480 is a unique 4 seat 3-door sports coupe, built in the Netherlands between 1986 and 1995 with suspension designed by Lotus and a Renault engine tuned by Porsche. It was the first front wheel drive car made by Volvo. The body design echoes the lines of the legendary Volvo 1800 ES which ceased production in 1973.
The 480 Celebration is one of a limited edition of only 480 vehicles – mine is number 245 of 480 – powered by a transverse Renault 1, 998 cc engine, with a 5-speed manual gearbox and disk brakes all round. It has a high spec: four all-leather seats (Rear separate, not bench. Front heated); air conditioning; pop-up headlights; electric wing mirrors and windows; hight-adjustable steering wheel and a central Information Centre which displays, on demand: present fuel consumption; average fuel consumption; average speed; available range; engine oil temp; engine coolant temp and ambient air temp.
My Volvo 480 Celebration is in exceptional condition inside and out. It has a clean MoT certificate until 30/ 08/ 2026. I have owned my Celeb since 2007 when I bought it from one of only two previous owners. In the past couple of years I’ve undertaken work to offset the effects of time: had new rear arches (from Skandix in Germany) professionally welded in and all lower panels resprayed; refurbished the dash and replaced all bulbs and the odometer/ trip meter cog and fitted a supplementary instrument cluster (Volt meter and oil pressure) usually only available on early ES models.
A few minor jobs remain. Known work remaining to be completed: 1) Driver’s side seatbelt extension roller arm needs replacing (spare arm included in sale); 2) The sender for the new oil pressure meter remains to be installed (the rare banjo union and a sender are included in the sale; wiring already exists in the loom) 3) Rear screen washer not working; 3) Driver’s door check strap requires attention.
Two other rare supplementary features fitted in my Celeb are: a) the cabin pollen filter holder and b) a roller cover for the luggage space.
NB Fully comprehensive classic car insurance for the value of £5, 000 – agreed with the insurer – is costing me £157. 00 p/ a. This Celebration is my second Volvo 480. Since purchasing my first – soon after the model came out – I’ve never been without a 480 in my life.
I loved the 480 at first sight. I’d previously owned a Volvo 245 estate which was built like a tank; great for business and for taking out a young family safely but no fun to drive. So I knew Volvo meant safety. Suddenly with the 480 safety came with style, sportiness – fun – and still retained practicality. The dimensions of load the 480 can carry, for visits to the recycling centre for example, with the rear seats down is astonishing.
I still love getting behind the wheel with the smell of the leather upholstery and the confidence the instrument and control layout inspires that everything a driver needs is to hand, exactly where it should be. Perfect ergonomics.
I also love the way the 480 is a head turner. The style gets them first and then the badge: “Oh… It’s a Volvo!”
To be clear I am only selling my beloved car because advancing age and a recent health scare are limiting my physical ability – and possibly time – to complete my planned refurbishments. So I’m looking for a new owner who will complete the few remaining outstanding repairs/ upgrades and keep my beautiful Celeb in the condition this unique vehicle deserves.
