Description
Bought this beautiful Volvo 480 from a hobbyist dealer due to its beautiful condition and one family ownership. He described it as ‘The finest 480 in the UK’ and I bought it remotely. It’s a beautiful 480 and It's probably one of the very few left totally rust free with such low mileage. The other main draw was the incredible MOT history. Unfortunately with a business and toddler at home I never drive her and it deserves to be driven and enjoyed.
I always loved the 480 and owned a few since I was 21, it's a truly unique car full of equipment and quirks with an amazing owners club. Many have succumbed to rust and electrical nightmares however this 480 works perfectly and importantly rust free with the underside and engine bay being perfect.
This appears to be an unusual changeover car from 1990-1991 with rare unpainted bumpers but with all the extras including the electric moonroof, rear speakers and let's not forget the cassette tape holder! The illuminated door locks, seat belts and ignition all work as they should inc the electric ariel.
The car drives as new (or as I can imagine a new car would drive) it tracks straight, pulls strong, the handling and brakes are brilliant. The car is 34 years old but throughly modern with all round discs, electric everything, zero ugly rain gutters, the 480 really was ahead of its time compared to say a Ford Escort of the same era. All the little 480 things are present my favourite being the illuminated door locks, electric moonroof and the headlamp washer system.
A brief run down of the car
Interior
The interior is beautiful with factory fresh carpets, all switches are perfect and everything including the computer works perfectly. The boot area is unmarked, spare as new unused. All parts of interior are beautiful inc tonneau cover.
Bodywork
Bodywork is straight without dents or scratches and completely free of rust. All glass is original and wears the factory labels inside. All seals and rubber trim is completely as new. Only some stone chips to nose cone not touched in. I have added none in my ownership. The only blemish is a white line on edge of drivers door where one of those awful plastic door protectors was fitted in the 1990’s. I don’t want to paint it so have left it.
Engine
Covered 22k from new the engine is lovely. The engine bay is super clean and the original cross member still appears cream in colour with the factory sticker. It's as close to new you will find in a 34 year old car.
Issues known with the 480
Rear lenses fade -
They go opaque and impossible to find - The lenses on this car as new, clear and glossy without defects or cracks.
Computer Fails -
The crowning feature was the computer with multi function display from oil, air, ambient temp, range, fuel etc however they are known to be fragile. - The computer works perfectly and is bright and clear.
Speedo failure - Many have incorrect mileages and the odometer fails with needle drop. All mileage recorded via MOT history and service print out and speedo/ tachometer works perfectly.
Water leaks - Known to leak and have wet carpets but this car they are perfectly dry. UPDATE I have kept car outside last 6 months in terrible rain and a little water can run into the boot. I think the foam seals on rear lenses allow water to pass through, a design flaw but I just leave a micro fibre cloth inside wheel well if it’s going to rain hard. Carpets always bone dry.
Pop up lamps failing or winking. Both lamps work perfect and raise/ retract quickly.
Headlining perfect
Heater controls perfect
I was unfortunate to miss this car from the original seller and sadly had no choice but to buy from the dealer that quickly bought it and added £2k to the price. He had the tyres replaced, a new cam belt fitted and a full service.
The original owner sadly passed away and then his wife so the car was sold by a family friend. Although there is a manual the service book was lost but the seller managed to get the service records from the supplying dealer which is present including all the tax discs until the law changed. I managed to get the car for £6300 and do not wish to be greedy. I am happy to accept something close to this and i do think this car will appreciate over the next few years due to the increasing rarity of these cars.
Negatives
The fuel flap needs a few tugs down on the release to open, think it needs lubricating but do not wish to remove any trim in case I break it!
Some stone chips on the front nose cone
Driver seat fabric a little stretched on the base due to age.
Paint worn off drivers edge due to years with a protector being in place.
I have only managed a few drives but the 480 still turn heads! Feel free to email me using the button below or send me a message and I'll get back as soon as I can. Please no time wasters or silly offers... There are other less perfect cars out there to suit a lower budget.
Many thanks :-)I’ve owned 9 480’s since the age of 20. There’s always been one in my collection. They are cool, pop up lamps tons of equipment and they are built like a tank. Each door weighs about 45 kilos! There’s just too much to talk about from the heavy composite bonnet that opens up to 90 degrees to the completely isolated engine under the sealed bonnet. The way the dash surrounds you to the rake of the screen reminds you it’s a little special. The pop up lamps still remain cool and at night love to see the way even the seat belt release lights up. The big ‘moonroof’ is another lovely feature and love the mirrored glass there’s just so much e. g. if you bought any regular car back the it had ugly rain gutters and in the rain water could come through an open window but with the 480 water drains are hidden under flush bodywork, it was so clever. The Renault engine was tuned by Porsche with composites made by Renault build by the Dutch. it’s just a wonderful car that drive as good as many new cars. It’s been overlooked for too long but it’s actually a unique car just look at the rear design, it’s stunning especially at night when all illuminated.
This car was bought new and cherished by the owner and serviced at the same dealer for years. The carpets are unmarked, unmarked! Spare wheel was never used and the mot history was perfect. It seems someone else loved the 480 as much as me.
I really want to keep it but I’ve given up two lock ups and do not want her sitting out all winter. I feel I am not treating the car with the love it deserves due to being busy. More photos added! Thanks :-)
