1986 VOLVO 760 GLE
ENGINE 2849cc/V6/OHC POWER 168bhp@5400rpm TORQUE 177lb ft@4500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 121mph 0-60MPH 9sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 22-26mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed automatic MoT August 2018 ODOMETER 69,950 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The engine starts on the button and is in absolute rude health, commensurate with the car’s mileage. The big V6 whisks you along with little noise and great ease. It feels surprisingly potent and the mechanicals seem to be in top health. There are no obvious problems with the engine or transmission, the latter changing gear with no jerking or hesitation and a functioning kickdown. There’s no evidence of any suspension wear and the ride is as cossetting it should be. The steering operates exactly how Volvo intended it to and the brakes are excellent.
BODYWORK CHECK
There’s no significant corrosion anywhere. The original metallic paint still gleams and the few stonechips on the bonnet have been carefully touched in and in no way detract from the car’s overall appearance. The radiator grille has survived well and there are no cracks or blemishes in the bumpers or front valance. The wheeltrims and wheel rims are all good, but could be renovated to A1 condition. All the brightwork is in excellent order, from door handles to the strips around the wheelarches. The Runway tyres all appear to be in very good condition. The vendor fitted a towbar in 1999 but says the car has only towed a caravan three times.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
Overall, the interior is in little short of as-new condition. The famously sumptuous leather-clad seats are in superb condition with no creases, discolouring or sagging and the original carpets and headlining are excellent. The doortrims – including the oh-so Eighties carpet inserts – are very good. There are no cracks or holes in the vast, slab-like dashboard and all the switchgear has survived intact. Even the huge steering wheel shows no signs of wear and there are no chips or cracks in the glass.
UNDER THE BONNET
All looks well in the engine compartment and everything is in honest, if not exactly show-winning condition. There’s no sign of leakage or water/oil contamination and all the hoses and wiring, together with the alternator and other ancillaries, look to be in good order.
THE CCW VIEW
These Volvos are virtually indestructible even in the worst of hands, but here is an example that has been garaged, cosseted and never used throughout winter for the past 18 years. It has also been serviced annually by a local garage. There’s a pile of MoT certificates but no receipts for major work, because the car has never needed any. Even by today’s standards this is a luxurious cruiser that feels like it could transport five people in comfort over huge distances one week and go down a storm at a local classic show the next. Price looks fair.