Volvo’s 260 nameplate was part of the 200-series family introduced in the mid-1970s as the more upscale six-cylinder counterpart to the better-known four-cylinder cars. It arrived with the 264 sedan in the autumn of 1974 for the 1975 model year, using the new PRV V6 developed with Peugeot and Renault. The 260 line expanded quickly to cover several body styles, including the 265 estate and the rare 262 coupe, which was aimed at North America and later gave way to the Bertone-built 262C. In period, the 260 cars were positioned as the more exclusive, better-equipped members of Volvo’s mainstream range, blending the 200-series safety-first engineering with additional refinement and prestige.
Although the 264 was replaced by the 760 in 1982, the 260 name continued in some markets, and Volvo later applied the 260 badge to the six-cylinder estate derivative as well. The family therefore straddled the transition from the original 240/260 launch to the later 1980s facelifted cars. Production of the 260 models ended in 1985, closing the chapter on Volvo’s first modern six-cylinder mainstream series. Among enthusiasts, the 260 is remembered for its distinctive 200-series shape, its role in establishing Volvo’s six-cylinder estate tradition, and the unusual 262/262C variants that gave the line a more characterful, premium image.