Volvo, which means "I roll" in Latin, was founded in 1927 by Assar Gabrielsson and Gustav Larson to produce passenger cars, lorries and buses. Launched with the support of the bearing company SKF, Volvo became independent in 1935.

From the very beginning, Volvo's founders based the brand's identity on safety. This goes hand in hand with the robustness of the bodywork and the ability to drive safely in the worst weather conditions. In this regard, several innovations have marked Volvo's history, including: • the three-point seat belt in 1959, • the first rear-facing child seat in 1967, • the first integrated booster cushion in the rear seat in 1990, • the SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) in 1991.

In 1999, Volvo Cars separated from the rest of the company (which manufactured heavy goods vehicles, marine engines and construction equipment) and came under the control of Ford. Ford sold Volvo to the Chinese group Geely in 2010.

Although renowned for their reliability in the vast majority of cases, older Volvo models do have two enemies: corrosion and poor maintenance, as is often the case with brands known for their robustness. It is therefore advisable to check certain points before making a purchase.

• Vehicle history: check that the service log has been duly completed and that all work has been carried out by competent workshops or within the manufacturer's network. Ideally, you should have a documented history dating back to when the vehicle left the factory.
• General condition and specific inspections: a thorough inspection by a specialist may be necessary. For models prior to 1980, the first point of concern is possible corrosion of the bodywork and certain structural elements.
• Maintenance and repair costs: in most cases, routine maintenance is not expensive for these cars. However, a complete mechanical overhaul can be costly, but this is rare given the mechanical robustness of most models. Be careful, however, with more recent, technically more complex models (such as the 850 R), which may incur very high repair costs if they have been neglected by previous owners.
• Reliability and risk factors: there are no particular warning signs for most older Volvos, with the exception of models with original Volkswagen diesel engines, which are fragile in some respects and require special attention. Also check that the cooling system is in good condition, particularly on the 260, 760 and 780 models with PRV V6 engines.

By taking all these precautions, you will protect yourself against any disappointments that may arise from a hasty purchase decision.

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Most Volvos are relatively affordable on the collectors' market. According to the LVA rating, a 1800 ES estate car can be bought for around €25,000. The baroque 262 C coupé costs no more than €9,500 in excellent condition, while €10,000 is enough to purchase an 850 R estate car.

Vintage car enthusiasts love the Amazon, launched in 1956, which played a significant role in establishing the brand's reputation. The 1800 ES estate car is also highly sought after due to its elegance and rarity. Closer to home, the legendary 240 series, particularly the estate version, is undoubtedly the most obvious embodiment of the Volvo spirit. Meanwhile, many Youngtimers collectors appreciate the 850, particularly the R version, which is in high demand as an estate car.