Lot 049: 1996 VOLVO 960 LIMOUSINE

Never pandering to short lived market 'whims', Volvo designs major on the strengths of safety and durability demanded in the arduous Swedish market. Designed for a long production run with continuous refinement throughout, Volvos are instantly recognisable. The 700-Series was launched as the 760 GLE in late 1982 and intended to replace the long-running 200-Series, although 240 production did not cease until 1993, kept alive by continuing strong demand from the UK market! With an abruptly angled rear window and boxy front end, the design was heavily influenced by the important US market and very different to the contemporary aerodynamic European & Japanese competition. Developed into a full range with the four-cylinder 740 arriving in late 1984 and the all important Estate so beloved of antique dealers one year later, the 700-Series was a strong seller in the UK throughout the 1980s. In October 1990 the 700-Series was replaced (gradually again!) by the 900-Series. Featuring new smoothed out front and rear styling, the 900-Series had the fully independent rear suspension set up which had been introduced on the later 760 models, together with a feisty new 2922cc 24v engine in the top line 960 24v. Developing 204 bhp this was something of a sheep in wolf's clothing quite at odds with its restrained styling and by 1992 the 900-Series had become the UK's best selling executive saloon. A factory sanctioned 6-door Limousine version was made in strictly limited numbers by coachbuilders Nilsson and officially marketed in the UK in right hand drive form and it is one of these rare cars that we offer for sale today. Finished in silver with grey leather interior, this 1996 automatic transmission example has covered an unwarranted 88, 106 miles from new. Having a valid MOT until April 2008 this car features front and rear air conditioning and will seat 8 people including the driver, all with their own seatbelts. We are told that this car has been recently decommissioned from a life in funeral service and commensurate with this is described as being in 'very good' condition with regard to engine, electrics, paintwork, bodywork, transmission, interior trim, chassis and wheels/tyres.