If the Volvo 262C Solaire never stopped production, it could have been very popular
Volvo today is a name synonymous with safety. After all, this brand did invent the 3 point seat belt and just allowed all other automakers to use it instead of patenting it for itself. Well, in 1981, the brand was also cooking up something that was not typically associated with it, a coupe dubbed the Volvo 262C Solaire. Here is everything you need to know about it.
The 1981 Volvo 262C Solaire remains one of the most unique and rare models in Volvo’s history, with a brief but tragic story. The plan behind this car was ambitious, Volvo, in collaboration with the independent company Solaire in California, intended to build a series of fifty 262C convertibles for the North American market with the aim of building a luxurious drop top.
Moreover, the project was initiated at a time when Volvo was exploring ways to expand its model offerings beyond the traditional sedan and station wagon lineup. To achieve this, Volvo turned to Solaire, a California-based company specializing in bespoke convertible conversions and transforming the car into a luxurious drop top.
However, the production of the 262C Solaire was short-lived with only 5 cars actually being produced before the project was halted. There were a variety of factors behind this, but one of the most critical reasons for the discontinuation was concerns about the car’s safety, particularly in the event of a crash.
See, converting a hardtop into a convertible would compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle, leading to potential safety risks. Volvo, a company that had made a name for itself on its reputation for safety, ultimately decided it was not worth the risk of a crash occurring and the occupants being badly injured.
On top of that, aside from safety concerns, the conversion process also turned out to be more challenging and costly than Volvo had anticipated. The bespoke work required to properly convert the 262C coupe into a convertible was labor-intensive, and the car’s final price point made it less appealing in the competitive luxury car market of the early 1980s.
Despite its brief production run, the Volvo 262C Solaire remains a highly sought-after collector’s item, for obvious reasons. With only 5 units out there in the world, the rarity and unique combination of Scandinavian design and California craftsmanship make the Volvo 262C Solaire a remarkable piece of automotive history.
