480

The 480 was Volvo's radical departure from the boxy norm. Designed in the Netherlands, it was a front-wheel-drive sports coupe with pop-up headlights, a glass hatchback, and a turbocharged Renault-derived engine. It was everything people didn't expect from Volvo, which was exactly the point. The car was meant to attract younger buyers and prove the brand could do more than build sensible boxes.

The 480 was never officially sold in Australia, which makes the handful that were privately imported genuinely rare. It's a car that's often overlooked in the Volvo lineup, but it has a dedicated following among enthusiasts who appreciate its quirky character and surprisingly good handling. The turbo models are the most fun, delivering peppy performance from the compact 1.7-litre engine. Parts can be challenging to source, but the European Volvo community is helpful.