Based on the mechanical platform of the Volvo 760, the 780 shared virtually none of its bodywork with the saloon. The result was a genuinely individual grand touring coupé: unmistakably Volvo, yet with an elegant Italian character and a luxurious interior entirely its own.

Production ran from 1985 to 1990, with approximately 8,500 examples built, the majority destined for export to North America. Today, the 780 is an increasingly rare sight, particularly in Europe and especially in this specification.

This particular example combines the desirable 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with a manual gearbox and electric overdrive, together with an extensive restoration carried out in 2018.

This Volvo 780 Coupé was manufactured by Bertone in Turin in 1987 and was first registered in the Netherlands on 12 January 1988.

It is powered by the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing approximately 160 PS, coupled to a four-speed manual gearbox with electrically operated overdrive.

The car subsequently returned to northern Italy in 1995, where it was acquired by a dealer in the Como area. It is understood to have spent a significant period off the road before returning to active ownership.

In 2016, the car came into the possession of its subsequent owner, and in 2018 it underwent a comprehensive programme of restoration and mechanical refurbishment. It was subsequently re-registered in Slovenia, where it has remained since.

The car has now covered approximately 70,000 km.

The photographs supplied with the vehicle show 56,624 km.

The car is currently located in Grancia, Switzerland.

Finished in gloss black, the 780's long, elegant lines suit its executive grand-tourer character perfectly. The car has benefited from a recent repaint, and the bodywork presents in very good overall condition.

The window surrounds are correctly finished in matt black, complemented by chrome detailing around the handles, bumpers and side mouldings. The chrome appears well preserved, with little evidence of pitting.

The original 15-inch, 15-spoke alloy wheels are retained, complete with their chromed centre caps. They present well, with only minimal scuffing around the rims.

All four wheels are fitted with matching Michelin MXV tyres, fitted in 2018, with good remaining tread.

There is one small missing plastic trim piece covering the towing eye beneath the front bumper. Otherwise, the exterior presents very well.

Inside, the 780 delivers exactly the kind of luxurious environment expected of Volvo's flagship coupé of the period.

The generously padded seats are upholstered in beige, hand-stitched Italian leather. They remain in very good condition, with only the expected creasing and patina visible, particularly on the driver's seat bolster.

The rear cabin is especially well considered. Rather than the flat bench found in many cars of the period, the 780 features two sculpted rear seats separated by a folding central armrest, giving rear passengers a considerably more comfortable environment.

The dashboard and door cards are finished in matching vinyl with wood veneer detailing. The carpets and headlining are clean and intact.

Equipment includes:

• Electrically adjustable front seats

• Heated front seats

• Electric sunroof

• Electric windows

• Electric mirrors

• Cruise control

• Automatic climate control

• Manual four-speed gearbox

• Electrically operated overdrive

The electrical equipment tested is reported to be functioning correctly.

There is currently no stereo or communication equipment fitted, although the original aerials remain in place.

The compact engine bay is densely packed with the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and its ancillaries. The engine compartment presents in good condition, with no obvious signs of rust or damage.

As part of the 2018 restoration, the mechanical work included:

• Engine refurbishment

• Brake overhaul

• New water pump

• New belts

• Renewal of hoses and other perishable components

• New tyres

The car is equipped with the desirable manual gearbox and electrically operated overdrive, making it particularly suited to relaxed long-distance touring.

The boot is clean and well presented, with beige carpeting and lining in good condition.

Beneath the boot floor is a full-size spare wheel.

The 780 occupies an interesting position in Volvo's history. It combines the engineering and reputation for durability associated with Volvo with the styling and craftsmanship of one of Italy's most celebrated coachbuilders.

Its low production numbers, hand-built construction, distinctive Bertone design and luxurious specification make it considerably more exclusive than the more familiar 700-series saloons.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is particularly interesting in the European market, while the combination of manual transmission and electric overdrive gives the car a more engaging character than the automatic-equipped examples.

With its approximately 70,000 km, extensive 2018 restoration, attractive black-over-beige colour combination and strong documentation, this 780 would make an excellent addition to a collection of significant Bertone-designed automobiles.

It is equally appealing as a usable classic for relaxed weekend touring: comfortable, unusual and instantly recognizable to enthusiasts, while offering something genuinely different from the more conventional European coupés of the era.

This Volvo 780 Coupé represents a fascinating chapter in Volvo's history: a rare collaboration between Swedish engineering and Italian design, built in limited numbers by Bertone in Turin.

Today, surviving examples are increasingly difficult to find, particularly cars retaining their original specification and benefiting from documented restoration work.

This example offers an appealing combination of Bertone styling, 2.0-litre turbo power, manual transmission with overdrive, low mileage and extensive restoration, making it an interesting proposition for both the Volvo enthusiast and the collector of significant Italian-designed automobiles.