Japanese market 480s?

[WillC9303]

Hi all,

I seem to recall reading somewhere that the 480 was initially supposed to be sold in Japan, but never made it there.

Either that or there were official imports to Japan, but it didn’t last long and few were sold.

I also recall seeing a Japanese newspaper ad for the 480 and was told once that the unpainted side rubbing strips were narrower than the painted ones so that they complied with Japan’s width restrictions at the time for certain classes of car.

I believe there were at least a few private imports (never seen any pics though) but what about official ones?

[Martin63]

Hi all,

I seem to recall reading somewhere that the 480 was initially supposed to be sold in Japan, but never made it there.

Either that or there were official imports to Japan, but it didn’t last long and few were sold.

I also recall seeing a Japanese newspaper ad for the 480 and was told once that the unpainted side rubbing strips were narrower than the painted ones so that they complied with Japan’s width restrictions at the time for certain classes of car.

I believe there were at least a few private imports (never seen any pics though) but what about official ones?

I have the official Japanese Volvo 480 Turbo brochure - coincidentally I only obtained it a couple of weeks ago. David, Jeff, Sylvia, Robert and Thijs already have a pdf scan. If you drop me a PM with your number and/or email I can send it to you.

The early history of the car is fascinating. I have spotted US car magazine reviews that tend to indicate that the US market launch cancellation, due to the weak conversion rate between the Dutch guilder and US $, came very late.

[cranna21]

Hey Martin, could you send me a scan ? Want me to pm my email ?

[Martin63]

Hey Martin, could you send me a scan ? Want me to pm my email ?

Done!