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Market Auction

1981 Volvo 262C

At a Glance

One Owner | Modest Mileage | Lovely Condition | Market Auction - Seller Created Listing

  • Mileage~54,280
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine2.7-litre
  • LocationSawbridgeworth

Market Auction

The seller has supplied the images and written the description - we have actioned seller ID, V5 and HPi checks - learn more

Market Auction

The seller has supplied the images and written the description - we have actioned seller ID, V5 and HPi checks - learn more

MARKET AUCTION

Days
HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£1,000
See Bidding

MARKET AUCTION

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

Introduction

The 262C is a relaxed and refined cruiser, with a lap of exclusivity and luxury. This particular vehicle enjoys the benefit of being a 1 owner vehicle and has covered only ~54,000 miles from new.

Danny is now handling the car, having acquired it from the family of the previous long-term owner at the end of last year. The car was sold as part of a bereavement and had been unused for six years, but has since undergone a light recommissioning, with an MOT placed on it for good measure.

Market Auction

Danny, the seller, has created this listing themselves using our free Market Auction tool. Unlike our Curated Auctions, we haven’t photographed the car or written the listing, however we have completed 3 important security checks for your peace of mind.

V5C Checked

Danny provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.

ID Checked

Danny provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.

History Checked

History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.

V5C Checked

Danny provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.

ID Checked

Danny provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.

History Checked

History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.

Exterior

Very smartly presented.

Wheels and Tyres

The multi-spoke alloys show some signs of age but are free from kerb damage. The offside front center cap will require adjustment. The Westlake tyres are 10 years old so will likely require changing despite having good tread remaining.

Bodywork

The engine bay, floor pan, boot floor, and wheel wells are solid, with minimal signs of corrosion. The body is in good condition overall, with the lower section of the offside wing showing a slight panel mark. The car demonstrates excellent panel fit and consistent shut lines. All doors open and close without issue, though the boot lid may require a minor adjustment to sit flush.

Paint

The silver paint retains a good gloss and shows no significant damage, aside from a mark on the nearside front wing. There is minimal road wear or stone chips.

Glass and Trim

The glass, lights, and lenses are all free from cracks. The chrome and rubber trim is intact and in decent condition. The bumpers and rubbers show some marks and slight deformation in places, while the aluminium sections display wear they remain straight. The door mirrors show signs of age. The roof vinyl is in tidy condition, free from rips.

Interior

Awash with leather, the interior has remained in excellent condition.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are clean and well-presented, showing typical signs of wear on the driver’s seat, but are free from significant damage. The carpets are in good condition and free from damp. The boot has been well-kept and shows very little signs of use.

Dashboard

The dashboard presentation is excellent, well above the expectations for a car of this age, and is free from marks or scuffs. The switchgear and controls are in good condition, all believed to be fully functional. The air conditioning has not been tested, but the heating works well. The binnacle, centre console, headlining and door cards are also in good shape.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever are both clean and well-presented.

Mechanics

Robust and dependable, the V6 engine runs smoothly.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine takes a couple turns of the key on initial cold start but once started it starts up without any issues and runs smoothly, with a steady idle free from squeaks, judders, or knocking. There is no unwanted smoke from the exhaust once warmed up, the car is also free from leaks. The engine is cleanly presented, with some signs of age in places. The hoses and wiring are in good condition, showing evidence of regular maintenance. The gearbox operates smoothly, selecting ratios without any issues. Some attention may be needed to the ignition or fuel system as it appears to lose power after driving a few miles.

Suspension and Brakes

The car rides comfortably, with no knocks or vibrations. It handles the road smoothly, showing no signs of looseness. The brakes are firm and responsive, with even pressure and no squeals or grinding.

The Drive

Retaining the characteristic qualities of Volvos from the era, the 262C adds a layer of refinement, thanks to its smooth V6 engine. While not a performance car, it drives with enthusiasm and is surprisingly enjoyable. The engine pulls well and feels stable at urban speeds, with noise well suppressed and no unwanted sounds heard. The gauges remain stable with no warning lights or high temperature readings. The steering is precise and quiet, with minimal play, while the braking is firm and even, with no pulling to the wheel. The car handles without drama, cornering smoothly and without significant creaks.

Electrics and Other

The electrical system appears to be functioning without issue, though the rear number plate light will require investigation.

History and Paperwork

It has only had one owner since new and only covered 54,000 miles.

Originally registered by main Volvo dealer Franklins of Bishop Stortford, this car has resided at the same property throughout its life, with just one owner. Online MOT records indicate it has seen gentle use since 2006, covering only around 8,000 miles during that time.

The car comes with over £8,000 worth of expenditure since 2007, including a top-end engine rebuild in 2013 at a cost of £3,000. Other invoices detail three services, new tyres, rear brake pads, a new battery, and a starter motor rebuild, all within the last 10 years. Early invoices include work for an exhaust, steering rack gaiter, gearbox sump gasket, air conditioning repairs, a new fuel pump, and a new master cylinder. It has been in storage since 2018 but has recently been partially recommissioned and comes with an MOT valid until November 2025.

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From Trade Classics:

This is a Market Auction listing, meaning we have not visited and photographed the car - instead the seller has supplied the images and written the description. However we’ve done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID that matches the V5, and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPi that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check. The check shows the car is a Cat N Insurance Write Off.

This is an auction on behalf of a trade seller and normal auction rules apply, i.e. there is no warranty, no return policy and bids are binding with more info in our terms and conditions.

Viewings are welcomed, so please get in touch with us via the 'contact us' page - we just need to speak to you first on the phone, have you register on the site, and also send in valid photo ID before confirming a suitable time to visit.

Like all our auctions, if there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - the Buyer's Premium is not refundable in any instance, just like a traditional auction house.

Key Details
  • Model 262C
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Reg. Date 12.02.1981
  • CC 2664
  • Mileage 54,280
  • Colour Silver
  • Chassis # 0006645
  • Engine # 00000072675
  • MOT Yes Expires 10.11.2025
  • HPi Clear No Cat N
  • Former Keepers 1
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Sale Type Business/Trader
  • Owned 43
  • Vehicle Registration uev 907w
  • Driver’s Side RHD
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type Coupe
  • Auction ID 1870


    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £1,000
    £
    Countdown Timer
    0 Days
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    Auction Ends Thu 23rd Jan at 7.20pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  0
    720
    Ask Owner
    Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
    1 Comment
    AnthonyHall
    AnthonyHall
    10 hours ago

    Hi, Photo 50, is that just the underseal cracking or is there a split/crack in the metal of the inner wheelarch? Thanks.

    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Volvo like this is £TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Winter 2025.

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Sawbridgeworth

    Key Bidding Facts

    What is your reserve policy?

    A reserve is the minimum price that the seller will let the car go for. We work with sellers to set realistic reserves in line with market pricing – we don’t take on vehicles with unrealistic pricing. Reserve met / not met labeling may or may not be announced during the auction – this is just like a traditional auction house, i.e. bidders may only know when they’ve been successful at the end of the auction.

    If the reserve hasn’t been met at the end of the auction then we work with the highest bidder to try to work out a deal with the seller.

    Why shouldn’t I leave bidding to the last minute?

    Auto-Extending Bidding – we’ve developed auto-extending auctions that mimic traditional auction house bidding; it’s a key feature to make sure classic vehicles achieve their true worth. Bids placed in the last one minute automatically extend the auction by two further minutes. So there is no need to leave bidding to the last second.

    Security – we operate higher levels of security, so you may need to enter further authorisations against your stored card after you select ‘Place Bid’. All this takes time and may mean you miss the end of the auction by the time the authorisation passes. To guarantee your bid, we recommend at least five minutes are active on the auction when you place your bid.