Bob Austin’s task of promoting the new Volvo 780, as the head of marketing for Volvo of North America, was no small job. The US market was going to be the biggest, with some 5,600 of the 8,518 cars shipped to the US. But from the dealerships to the buyers, no one new or expected
Over the six year run, the 780 was featured in numerous car magazines and press releases. Here are a few of the more memorable quotes: The Positive: “As a commercial proposition, the 780 was a glass half-empty. As a car, however, it satisfies like a full snifter of quality vintage brandy.” Collectible Automobile, April 2004,
Media and Press Quotes on the 780 Read Post »
Ever wondered what that odd blank space is on the dash next to the cigarette lighter? If you have a 1991 model, you (and originally some 399 others) in the USA, have a “Nuncio Bertone” signature plate. The plastic plates were with a green, raised letter, signature, denoting the final run of the 780. But
The 780 Computer – That Could Have Been Read Post »
If you have a 780, of any year, chances are you have run into some of the same weak spots in these cars. When we met with some of the production team from Bertone, they were curious what was causing concerns 25 years later. Given that few of the actual 780 Bertone team ever had
Common 780 Problems Read Post »
Volvo Cars will be exhibiting two 780 Bertone, a total of five Bertones at the massive vintage and classic car show in the German city of Essen in April 2015. Volvo is showcasing the Bertone Volvos in German during April. In the course of its 88-year-long history, Volvo Cars has turned to Italy on a number
The Bertone Volvos at the Volvo Techo Classica April 2015 Read Post »
The Big Debut Finally Arrives – March 5, 1985 On March 4, 1985 representatives from Volvo and Bertone gathered on a cold, snowy night in Geneva Switzerland in the Palexpo, the massive exposition center near the Geneva airport for the 55th gathering of the Geneva Motor Show. The Monday evening was one of celebration, but
Baking interior trim Down Under and a Wild Ride Across Europe (1984) In 1984 the 780 was ready for endurance testing for warm climate durability. So several of the pre-production cars were sent to Australia where the Volvo and Bertone team drove from Sydney to Perth, across a grueling baking hot terrain, some 42 hour
Proving Grounds – Testing 780 Prototype in Australia Read Post »
Welding without Grinding Another example of Volvo’s exacting standards causing a significant reworking of a process was how Bertone assembled body panels on the 780. Bertone, like most coachbuilders of the day, used basic hand tools to fabricate the sheet metal. When panels were joined they were welded and then ground smooth. This was not
Welding Together a 780 Read Post »
For many in those days, from managers to line workers at Bertone, the 780 days are some of the most positive. Three decades later, many of them still meet together to reminisce and attend the annual reunions. Interestingly, some 1,200 miles away in Gothenburg, a similar group of former Volvo 780 team members also gather
One of the greatest challenges to owning a 780 is finding replacement parts. It isn’t uncommon to come across a “totaled” 780, which only had minor bumper damage. Something as basic as a bumper replacement can cost an insurance company more than the value of the car. While the 780 is based on the 760
Looking for Parts? Read Post »
