Volvo 262C Bertone

Ah, the Volvo 262C—Volvo's ambitious foray into luxury coupes, a car that boldly defied the Swedish brand's practical, boxy stereotype. Born from a curious collaboration with Italian coachbuilder Bertone, the 262C emerged in 1977, turning heads with its distinctive chopped roofline and vinyl-covered top. Personally, I've always admired Volvo's audacity here; it was as if your sensible uncle suddenly donned a flashy Italian suit—unexpected, slightly awkward, yet undeniably charming.

Underneath that polarizing exterior lay Volvo's robust 260-series mechanicals, including the trusty PRV V6 engine—a joint venture between Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo. While the engine wasn't exactly a powerhouse, producing around 140 horsepower, it delivered smooth, refined cruising suited to the car's luxurious aspirations. Handling? Let's just say it was more comfortable boulevard cruiser than spirited corner-carver; but then again, nobody bought a 262C to chase apexes.

Despite mixed reactions to its styling, the 262C gained notable fans, including David Bowie, who famously owned one—fitting for a car that seemed perpetually caught between practicality and flamboyance. Production ended in 1981 after just over 6,600 units, making it a rare sight today and a quirky collector's item. Love it or loathe it, the Volvo 262C stands as a fascinating chapter in automotive history, a bold experiment in luxury and style from a brand better known for safety and sensibility.