Factory Built Limo: 1995 Volvo 960
Limousines are not typically what we consider collector cars, but it really is only the enthusiast community that would consider a long-wheelbase model like this to be a desirable addition to one’s garage. In fact, most all domestic limousines, outside of the vintage Cadillacs and Lincolns used to transport heads of state, are generally throwaway cars once they hit a certain mileage and/or end-of-life condition. That’s why it usually takes a European make like this 1995 Volvo S60 limo to be deemed worthy of collecting as the obscurity factor may drive a Volvo enthusiast to take a gamble on owning a car that takes up a ton of space. Find the S60 here on eBay where bidding is just over $2,000 with the reserve unmet.
This is not a critique of American limo models like the Lincoln Town Car and Cadillac DTS; it’s more just saying that any limo in its home country generally becomes an old, used car not worthy of the maintenance needed to keep it in good shape. This Volvo was likely close to being junked in Sweden or whatever European country it last resided in before catching a boat ride to the United States. That’s really the only way that a tired S60 limo could get an extra lease on life is to come to a country where it’s considered forbidden fruit. According to the listing, this stretched Volvo was used to transport company executives around before it was sold off to the general public.
Mileage is said to be just under 90,000 and the seller claims it still runs and drives well. These were generally considered good years for Volvos, marking a giant stride towards upmarket status over the venerable 240 and 740 models, while still adhering to the classic Volvo ethos of prioritizing safety over styling. The interior of the S60 limo appears to be in good shape, even if the leather looks a little dry in photos (that could just be an effect of the lighting.) The seller does technically label this as a true mileage unknown vehicle, so 90K may be pure speculation. The carpets appear to be fairly clean and even as a glorified taxi cab, this Volvo doesn’t seem like a heavily used example.
The seller notes the Volvo benefits from a recent timing belt replacement and a “full service” which I would assume to mean general tune-up maintenance tasks. It features a glass partition inside the cabin for giving the rear passengers some added privacy. In fact, he even mentions how this is a great road trip car and the wife and kids can huddle in the back while dad does the driving in complete silence. It’s an intriguing concept for sure and a compelling alternative to a boring SUV that you’ll lose in the first suburban parking lot you leave it in. Would you consider daily driving an old limo like this Volvo? Thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the find.
Comments
Sure wish they had included more pictures of the car itself, one from the side, a decent front and rear view, and the driver seat with a dash board view. Volvo is a great car, but whoever did this sure didn’t do the car justice.
Pretty dang cool. The 6 cylinder won’t win any races, especially in this yacht, but once at speed it’s probably a comfortable ride. Great Uber car if they allow vintage rides
This would make a good airport car, for a boutique type hipster hotel. I would like to see history on this one. If the seller has had it for 5 years, why is it for sale now? The 6 cylinder in this is rock solid if it’s maintained, and the transmissions are stout enough to handle the extra loads. There appears to be some body work at the bottom of the front door and no badging on the rear trunk and we all know why older cars get painted white sometimes. A intriguing model, good luck to the seller.
Reminds me of the 98 DeVille 6-door Limo that I had a short while back. Really nice car, and not overly long as you’d expect. The Northstar motor got the headbolt and block sealing treatment, it was bulletproof!
Anybody remember seeing one of these paired with a hearse on Craigslist in the tri-state (NYC) area a few months/years ago?
Volvos cried out to become limos…NOT!
It’s a Volvo 960 (in-line 6, RWD) stretch as the headline states, not an S60 (traverse engine, front drive) as is mentioned multiple times in the description. As far as unibody stretch’s go, the 960 would be a very solid platform to start with.
Jeff, while the guess that it came from Europe is a good one, it does have a speedometer that reads in MPH.
So, maybe there was a U.S. Coachbuilder that made these? Or one that imported them, as an alternative to the typical limo available in the States.
I wish Barn Finds would offer an online class on how to take better pictures with a cell phone .
If it drives why not take it outside for some better photos?
Don’t say they aren’t collectible. There’s a who subgenre of “professional car” enthusiasts who collect, as well as limos, ambulances, hearses, funeral flower cars… There’s something for everyone, and someone for everything.
True, years ago i knew a guy that collected cop cars, he had 30+ and was looking for more.
Looks like the 960 Limo’s were factory sanctioned conversions done by a Nilsson in Sweden and were offered in a variety of lengths and window/door treatments. There was even a 960 Wagon converted into a Hearse. Given Volvo’s popularity in Scandinavian countries as well as a pretty mainstream brand in Europe, not unlikely that some were offered in US trim to be sold here. Sort of like a European Buick LeSabre limo instead of a Caddy or Lincoln.