| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1975 |
| Production Years: | 1975 - 1979 discontinued in 1979 |
The Volvo 260 Coupe (P262), produced from 1975 to 1979, represents a distinct chapter in Volvo’s automotive history as a stylish two-door coupe variant of the well-known 200 series. Designed primarily with European sensibilities and American market interests in mind, this generation combined Volvo’s hallmark durability with unique coupe styling. The 260 Coupe featured a longer wheelbase and a more elongated profile compared to its sedan counterparts, offering a sleek and elegant silhouette that characterized the luxury coupe market of the late 1970s. With its production period spanning from 1975 to 1979, the Volvo 260 Coupe balanced classic design and practical engineering, achieving a niche appeal among Volvo enthusiasts and collectors today. While detailed dimensions vary slightly by model year, the car typically offered a length in the range of approximately 4800 mm (189 inches) and a width close to 1750 mm (69 inches), making it moderately sized among coupes of its era. The coupe’s height and weight contributed to a sturdy road presence, commonly weighing around 1400 to 1500 kg (3086 to 3307 lbs) depending on equipment and trim. The Volvo 260 Coupe was powered by robust inline six-cylinder engines typical of the 260 series, providing reliable performance with smooth power delivery ideal for touring and comfortable cruising. Inside, the 260 Coupe shared many components with the sedan but featured a sportier two-door design with a focus on driver engagement and exclusivity. This model is historically significant within Volvo’s lineup, blending the company’s core values of safety and durability with an expressive coupe form factor. For those interested in classic European coupes, the Volvo 260 Coupe (P262) offers an intriguing size profile and a meaningful representation of 1970s automotive design philosophy.
Discover the standout features that make the 1975 Volvo 260 Coupe a leader in its class
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The Volvo 260 Coupe (P262), produced from 1975 to 1979, has the following exterior dimensions: a length of approximately 4,725 mm (186.0 inches), a width around 1,740 mm (68.5 inches), and a height close to 1,380 mm (54.3 inches). These dimensions give the coupe a balanced and slightly compact profile typical for luxury coupes of the late 1970s, making it moderately sized compared to contemporary vehicles.
The Volvo 260 Coupe (P262) features a wheelbase of 2,610 mm (102.8 inches). A wheelbase of this length contributes to stable handling and a smooth ride, providing a good balance between agility and comfort. This measurement helps in enhancing ride comfort by improving suspension geometry and reducing ride harshness on uneven roads, which is significant for a coupe designed to offer a refined driving experience.
The width of the Volvo 260 Coupe is approximately 1,740 mm (68.5 inches). This relatively moderate width supports a comfortable two-door coupe interior, allowing for adequate shoulder room for front and rear passengers while maintaining a sleek sporty stance. The width also contributes to the car's stability on the road and makes it manageable in urban parking situations.
Yes, the Volvo 260 Coupe (P262) comfortably fits into a standard residential garage. With a length of around 4,725 mm (186 inches), width of approximately 1,740 mm (68.5 inches), and height near 1,380 mm (54.3 inches), the car is well within average garage dimensions which typically accommodate vehicles up to about 5,000 mm (197 inches) in length and 2,500 mm (98 inches) in width. Owners can expect no difficulties parking this coupe safely indoors.
The curb weight of the Volvo 260 Coupe (P262) is approximately 1,370 kg (3,020 lbs). This weight class is relatively substantial for a coupe of its time but contributes to the car’s solid build quality and safety standards, emblematic of Volvo's engineering priorities. The weight influences handling, acceleration, and fuel efficiency, providing a stable and secure driving feel though it may result in modest acceleration compared to lighter sports coupes.
Standing at around 1,380 mm (54.3 inches) tall, the Volvo 260 Coupe (P262) has a relatively low profile for a coupe, which benefits aerodynamic efficiency and contributes to a sportier appearance. This height offers adequate headroom for front occupants, though rear headroom is typical for a coupe with a sloping roofline and more limited. The lowered height improves stability at higher speeds by reducing air drag and lowering the center of gravity.
Compared to the Volvo 1800 series, the 260 Coupe (P262) measures slightly longer and wider, offering a more spacious and modern design. The 1800 models were roughly 4,230 mm (166.5 inches) long and about 1,670 mm (65.7 inches) wide, so the 260 Coupe’s increased dimensions by several centimeters enhance passenger comfort and interior volume, while retaining a similarly sporty coupe style. This evolution reflects Volvo’s shift toward combining luxury and performance.
When compared to contemporaries like the BMW E24 6 Series or Mercedes-Benz C107 SL-Class coupes, the Volvo 260 Coupe (P262) is moderately sized. For example, the BMW E24 is longer, at about 4,800 mm (189 inches), and wider at roughly 1,770 mm (70 inches), while the Mercedes-Benz C107 is similar in length but slightly wider. The Volvo’s dimensions place it comfortably within the mid-size luxury coupe category of the late 1970s, balancing size, driving dynamics, and practicality.
The Volvo 260 Coupe (P262) is designed primarily as a 2+2 coupe, meaning it accommodates two front passengers and two smaller rear passengers. The cabin offers generous space for front occupants with comfortable seating and good legroom. Rear seating is more suitable for children or short trips due to slightly limited leg and headroom caused by the coupe’s sloping roofline. Overall, the interior cabin strikes a balance between sporty style and practicality for a luxury coupe of its time.
The 1975-1979 Volvo 260 Coupe (P262) was notable for combining Volvo’s reputation for safety and durability with a sleek coupe design. It featured a robust inline six-cylinder engine, advanced safety features such as reinforced passenger compartments, and comfortable luxury interior appointments. The coupe emphasized refinement and reliability, distinguishing itself in an era when performance coupes were often less focused on occupant protection. The 260 Coupe’s engineering was a testament to Volvo’s commitment to safety without sacrificing style.
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