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Photo of a Volvo C70

Volvo C70

The 1996 coupe that bent Volvo's straight lines, developed with TWR in just 30 months.1

Researched November 9, 2026 from 31 sources

At a glance

0150300
134–250 hpPower
0510
7.3–8 s0–60 mph
0125250
241.4–249.4 km/hTop speed
0200400
220–400 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,499–1,745 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.178101112

Engine
P80: 2.0-2.4L gasoline I5; P1: 2.4/2.5L gasoline I5, 2.0/2.4L diesel I4/I51
Layout
Both generations: front engine, front-wheel drive1
Gearbox
P80: 5-speed manual, 4/5 auto; P1: 5/6 manual or auto, T5 Geartronic19
Built at
Uddevallaverken, Uddevalla, Sweden1
Units built
P80: 76,809; P1: 89,0801

The story

Created to change Volvo's boxy image, the C70 used 850 foundations and TWR know-how in a 30-month program. It began as a coupe and soft-top, then united both roles with a three-piece retractable hardtop.123

1996: P80 coupe debuts at Paris19961997: Soft-top adds pop-up rollover hoops19972003: Soft-top power rises to 197 and 242 hp20032005: P1 hardtop debuts at Frankfurt20052006: Airbag curtains rise from the doors20062007: T5 manual clocks 7.3 seconds to 60 mph20072010: New nose and LED taillights20102013: Final C70 leaves Uddevalla2013 Volvo P1900 (P1900): 1956–1957Volvo P1800 coupe (P1800): 1961–1972P1800Volvo 1800ES (1800ES): 1972–1973Volvo 262C (262C): 1977–1981262CVolvo 780 (780): 1985–1990780Volvo C70 first generation (P80): 1996–2005P80Volvo C70 second generation (P1): 2006–2013P1 1960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones11220212223
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1956–1957Volvo P1900 (P1900)
1961–1972Volvo P1800 coupe (P1800)
1972–1973Volvo 1800ES (1800ES)
1977–1981Volvo 262C (262C)
1985–1990Volvo 780 (780)
1996–2005Volvo C70 first generation (P80)
2006–2013Volvo C70 second generation (P1)
1996P80 coupe debuts at Paris
1997Soft-top adds pop-up rollover hoops
2003Soft-top power rises to 197 and 242 hp
2005P1 hardtop debuts at Frankfurt
2006Airbag curtains rise from the doors
2007T5 manual clocks 7.3 seconds to 60 mph
2010New nose and LED taillights
2013Final C70 leaves Uddevalla
  1. 1996

    P80 coupe debuts at Paris

    The first-generation coupe breaks Volvo's boxy styling tradition; its production run lasts until 2002.1

  2. 1997

    Soft-top adds pop-up rollover hoops

    The first-generation convertible pairs ROPS hoops with boron-steel A-pillars. It remains in production until April 2005.14

  3. 2003

    Soft-top power rises to 197 and 242 hp

    For 2003, the convertible's low-pressure turbo reaches 197 hp and the high-pressure turbo 242 hp, alongside an eggcrate grille and jeweled lights.5

  4. 2005

    P1 hardtop debuts at Frankfurt

    Pininfarina builds the 2006 replacement: its three-piece roof folds in about 30 seconds, with luggage space quoted at 400 liters roof up or 200 down.136

  5. 2006

    Airbag curtains rise from the doors

    The second-generation convertible gains door-mounted inflatable curtains and stronger pop-up rollover bars, plus raised sills for protection against taller vehicles.17

  6. 2007

    T5 manual clocks 7.3 seconds to 60 mph

    The 218-hp T5 also stops from 112.7 km/h in 52.4 m and returns 21 mpg in testing. Its hardtop lowers in 27 seconds.8

  7. 2010

    New nose and LED taillights

    The facelift brings a new front end and LED taillights. It goes on sale in early 2010, reaching North America as a 2011 model.3

  8. 2013

    Final C70 leaves Uddevalla

    The last C70 leaves the Uddevalla plant in Sweden on June 25, ending the family's 1996-2013 production run.1

Every generation

  • Volvo P1900
    P19001956–1957
  • Volvo P1800 coupe
    P18001961–1972
  • Volvo 1800ES
    1800ES1972–1973
  • Volvo 262C
    262C1977–1981
  • Volvo 780
    7801985–1990
  • Volvo 850
    Volvo 850
  • Volvo C70 first generation
    P801996–2005
  • Volvo C70 second generation
    P12006–2013

Power over the years

From 190 hp to 250 hp in 15 years.

0100200300 199619982000200220042006200820102012 hp 1997 · 190 hp · 2.4T 2.4 L1997 · 237 hp · T5 2.31999 · 161 hp · 2.0T2003 · 242 hp · 2003 high-pressure turbo convertible2005 · 168 hp · 2.4i2006 · 178 hp · D52006 · 218 hp · US T5 (2006.5)2007 · 134 hp · 2.0D2008 · 227 hp · T5 (2008 model year)2009 · 148 hp · D32009 · 175 hp · D42012 · 250 hp · Inscription T5, North America 250 hp Inscription T5, North America 190 hp 2.4T 2.4 L
15713
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
19971902.4T 2.4 L
1997237T5 2.3
19991612.0T
20032422003 high-pressure turbo convertible
20051682.4i
2006178D5
2006218US T5 (2006.5)
20071342.0D
2008227T5 (2008 model year)
2009148D3
2009175D4
2012250Inscription T5, North America

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    S (UK)

    2010

    134 hp

  • Standard

    SE / SE Premium (UK)

    2010

  • Standard

    SE Lux / SE Lux Premium (UK)

    2010

  • T5 / Premier Plus / Platinum

    Standard

    T5 / Premier Plus / Platinum

    2013

    227 hp
  • T5 2.3 coupe (first generation)

    Performance

    T5 2.3 coupe (first generation)

    1997–2002

    237 hp

  • Special

    GT Pack coupe

  • Special

    Sport Edition coupe

    2001

  • Collection convertible

    Limited

    Collection convertible

    2004

  • Special

    Solstice

    2011

  • Limited

    Special Edition (Canada)

    2013

How to spot one

Look for

  • First generation: rounded two-door styling with a long hood and short rear deck.1212
  • First generation: an upright grille and a pronounced V-shaped hood.112
  • First generation: horizontal taillights wrap around the rear corners.112
  • Second generation: two crosswise roof seams reveal the three-piece folding hardtop.111
  • Second generation: the shoulder line rises toward the tail above a wave-shaped sill.6

Year by year

  1. 2002

    Coupes adopt Sport Edition grille and 17-inch wheels; convertibles switch to 16-inch, 17-spoke Zeus alloys.16

  2. 2003

    Soft-tops gain a black eggcrate grille, jeweled head- and taillights, and 17-inch Cratos wheels replacing Canisto.5

  3. 2003

    Convertible colors: Black Sapphire metallic replaces solid black; Ruby Red replaces red; Maya Gold metallic joins the palette.5

  4. 2006 (North America)

    The second generation arrives with a three-piece retractable hardtop.3

  5. 2010 UK / 2011 North America

    Redesigned nose and LED taillights; UK deliveries start in January 2010, while North America calls it a 2011 model.314

  6. 2013

    Headlight washers join standard equipment; Inscription wheels receive gloss-black accents.13

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Volvo C70
    C70
    Photo of a Volvo S40
    Volvo S40

    Volvo S40

    The S40 is a sedan; the second-generation C70 has two doors and a three-piece folding hardtop.113

  • Photo of a Volvo C70
    C70
    Photo of a Saab 9-3 convertible
    Saab 9-3 convertible

    Saab 9-3 convertible

    Check the roof: the Saab has fabric, while the second-generation C70 folds a metal hardtop.13

  • Photo of a Volvo C70
    C70
    Photo of a Volkswagen Eos
    Volkswagen Eos

    Volkswagen Eos

    The Eos has a sunroof built into its folding hardtop; the second-generation C70 uses three steel roof panels.18

Against its rivals

  • Mercedes-Benz CLK320 (1999)

    C70 vs Mercedes-Benz CLK320 (1999)

    Quarter-mile lower is better

    C7016.1 s
    Mercedes-Benz CLK320 (1999)15.7 s
    10

  • C70 vs Volkswagen Eos 3.2 (2007)

    Quarter-mile lower is better

    C7015.7 s
    Volkswagen Eos 3.2 (2007)15.1 s
    8

Prices

Value today $2.1K–$29.5K213

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $2,100–$29,500 1999 · $44,528 · US convertible, base1999 · $47,246 · US convertible, as tested2006 · $39,405 · US convertible, base2007 · $39,785 · US T5, base2007 · $40,400 · US T5, as tested2013 · $41,200 · US T5, base2013 · $42,400 · US T5 Premier Plus, base2013 · $45,000 · US T5 Platinum, base 1999 · $44,528 · US convertible base, 1999 model year 2024 · $16,750 · 2013 T5 with Polestar tuning, 47k miles, BaT2024 · $7,800 · 2001 convertible, 56k miles, BaT2024 · $13,250 · 2011 T5, 38k miles, BaT2024 · $9,700 · 2004 LPT convertible, 50k miles, BaT2025 · $10,000 · 2008 T5 6-speed manual, 49k miles, BaT2026 · $12,300 · 2013 T5, 63k miles, BaT2026 · $12,500 · 2002 HPT coupe, 27k miles, BaT $16.8K BaT, 2024
7891025262728293031
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1999Launch price$44,528US convertible base, 1999 model year
1999Price when new$44,528US convertible, base
1999Price when new$47,246US convertible, as tested
2006Price when new$39,405US convertible, base
2007Price when new$39,785US T5, base
2007Price when new$40,400US T5, as tested
2013Price when new$41,200US T5, base
2013Price when new$42,400US T5 Premier Plus, base
2013Price when new$45,000US T5 Platinum, base
2024Auction sale$16,7502013 T5 with Polestar tuning, 47k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$7,8002001 convertible, 56k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$13,2502011 T5, 38k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$9,7002004 LPT convertible, 50k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$10,0002008 T5 6-speed manual, 49k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$12,3002013 T5, 63k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$12,5002002 HPT coupe, 27k miles, BaT
2026Value today$2,100–$29,500

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 11 stories from its legend
    • “Callum and Horbury outside, de la Vega inside”
    • “Abrahamsson's team brought families to rival tests”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 8 generations

  • Market

    • 1 thing to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 31 sources
  1. Volvo C70 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. 1998-04 Volvo C70 | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  3. Volvo Canada announces special edition C70 - Volvo Car Canada news.cision.com
  4. Volvo C70 turns 20 volvoclub.org.uk
  5. C70 whats new volvoclub.org.uk
  6. Volvo 2006 MY C70 volvoclub.org.uk
  7. 2006 Volvo C70 - First Drive & Review - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  8. Tested: 2008 $40K Four-Seat Convertibles Square Off caranddriver.com
  9. Model Overview: 2013 Volvo C70 - Volvo Car USA news.cision.com
  10. Showstoppers: Four 1999 Euro Convertibles Compared caranddriver.com
  11. Volvo C70 | evo evo.co.uk
  12. 1998 Volvo C70 Coupe and Convertible | Remember Road rememberroad.com
  13. 2006-13 Volvo C70 | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  14. Volvo UK Announces New Prices For The C30 And C70 volvoclub.org.uk
  15. Volvo C70 Coupre volvoclub.org.uk
  16. Volvo 2002 - Photos and Press Information volvoclub.org.uk
  17. Volvo C70 Convertible volvoclub.org.uk
  18. Volvo C70 | Deals | | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  19. Volvo Car Corporation presents C70 Inscription - unique look for convertible connoisseurs - Volvo Car USA news.cision.com
  20. Volvo P1800 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. THE VOLVO C70 – THE FORGOTTEN SAINT CAR | Lancaster Insurance lancasterinsurance.co.uk
  22. Volvo 262C - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. Volvo History. Volvo 780 volvoclub.org.uk
  24. Volvo 700 Series - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  25. No Reserve: Original-Owner 2013 Volvo C70 T5 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,300 on May 29, 2026 (Lot #245,153) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  26. No Reserve: 27k-Mile 2002 Volvo C70 Coupe HPT for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,500 on January 27, 2026 (Lot #227,957) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. No Reserve: Original-Owner 2008 Volvo C70 T5 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,000 on October 9, 2025 (Lot #214,070) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. No Reserve: 47k-Mile 2013 Volvo C70 T5 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,750 on November 1, 2024 (Lot #169,044) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. No Reserve: 23-Years-Family-Owned 2001 Volvo C70 Convertible for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,800 on September 27, 2024 (Lot #164,493) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 38k-Mile 2011 Volvo C70 T5 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,250 on August 29, 2024 (Lot #160,635) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 50k-Mile 2004 Volvo C70 Convertible LPT for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,700 on February 3, 2024 (Lot #135,296) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • consumerguide.com
  • news.cision.com
  • volvoclub.org.uk
  • motortrend.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • rememberroad.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • lancasterinsurance.co.uk
  • bringatrailer.com

Photo credits

Other car files