9th Jun, 2026 10:00
Classic Cars
58
A 1991 Volvo 960 2.3 High Pressure Turbo Saloon
Registration Number: J969 CUU
Chassis Number: YV1964876M0002407
Odometer Reading: 35,966
Volvo’s 960 arrived with the slogan 'A car you can believe in', and this early‑production example demonstrates exactly why. Fitted from the factory with the 2.3 litre turbocharged engine and automatic gearbox, and equipped with independent rear suspension, it represented a significant step forward in refinement and engineering for the marque. Smooth performance, composed road manners and a notably well‑appointed cabin made the 960 a confident move towards the more sophisticated luxury market of the early 1990s.
By the end of the 1980s, Volvo had begun to position itself more directly against its German competitors. The era of the turbocharged Volvo had already earned the brand a reputation for surprising performance, but the company recognised that chassis sophistication needed to advance as well. With this new 960‑series platform, Volvo further marketed their new independent rear suspension, famously using a transverse composite leaf spring to maintain balance and composure. At the same time, the much‑loved Volvo red‑block engine continued to evolve into its best years.
As for the engine, with the very earliest 960s customers were able to have the choice of the four‑cylinder turbo unit before the six‑cylinder engine reached full production a few months later. This car, chassis number '2407', sits firmly within that very early run, making it one of the earliest surviving 900‑series chassis cars in the world and quite possibly among the first examples to have been sold or delivered in England. Its specification therefore represents a short‑lived and now highly sought‑after configuration, adding further interest for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the developmental story of this model.
The 960 also differed markedly from the normal 940 in terms of equipment. Features such as a tilt and slide sunroof, electric aerial, automatic climate control, air conditioning, remote central locking, electric seats and an adjustable steering column were standard or commonly specified. The multi‑adjustable seats with lumbar support created a genuinely comfortable cabin, while sculpted rear headrests improved comfort for passengers. With only thirty‑five thousand miles from new, this example presents in remarkable fully original condition. It drives extremely well - starting, stopping and steering exactly as it should - with no unwelcome noise or complaint. The four‑speed automatic gearbox suits the character of the car and responds willingly when boost is requested.
For an enthusiast, the appeal of this 960 lies in its blend of rarity, engineering interest and understated charm. It represents a moment when Volvo combined its traditional virtues of durability and safety with a newfound commitment to refinement and performance. Few surviving examples remain in such low‑mileage, original condition, and fewer still offer this combination of specification, early‑production engineering and historical significance. For anyone seeking a usable modern classic with genuine depth of character, this 960 is a very compelling opportunity.
NOTE: BUYER'S PREMIUM FOR THIS LOT IS 12.5%.
Sold for £5,500
Condition Report
IN PERSON
To bid in person at auction for the first time please register for a bidding paddle in advance by filling out and submitting a registration form at our front desk. When registering in person we require photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence.
ABSENTEE BIDDING
If you cannot attend the auction in person we can bid on your behalf. You can leave an absentee bid on our website.
The amount you bid should be your maximum bid. We will bid up to that limit for you, and remember you may end up paying less than your limit, depending on other bidding on the day.
You can leave an absentee bid up to half an hour before the start of any sale. Please note when we receive two or more absentee bids for the same amount, the first bid received will be the one taken.
LEAVE COMMISSION BIDS ONLINE
If you would like to leave a commission bid on our website you can do so up until 30 minutes before the sale starts. Leaving a commission bid through sworder.co.uk is free for all registered clients. Thereafter you may register bank card details under your account in order to bid live. Click here to register an account.
BID LIVE ON sworder.co.uk
You can bid live at our auctions from the comfort of your home or office using bidding platform Sworders Live. It is easy to register and you can watch the auction live as it happens. A 'Bid Live' button will appear on the auction on our website homepage when a sale is live; simply click the button to sign in or register with your card details. There is no additional charge for this service.
For further instructions on registering to bid live, please click here.
TELEPHONE BIDDING
If you would like to bid by telephone please contact our team prior to the auction with your details of the lots you are interested in and your full name, address, telephone number(s) and email address. Once our team have entered your bid request you will receive an email confirmation. We will contact you during the sale and one of our team will bid live with you over the phone.
Please note that we normally offer this service for lots with an estimate of £500 or higher and all telephone bid requests must be received by close of business the day before the auction.
Auction: Classic Cars, 9th Jun, 2026
Please note: Motor vehicles and motorcycles (lots 52 and 54-63) are subject to Buyer's Premium at 12.5% plus VAT @20%
Viewing
Stansted Viewing | Auction
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 5 June, 10am - 4pm
Saturday 6 June, 10am - 2pm
Sunday 7 June, 10am - 2pm
Monday 8 June, 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 9 June, 9am - 10am
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
Please note that this item is not suitable for a pre-sale automated shipping estimate due to the items weight/size.
The below table shows indicative shipping costs for larger items being delivered within the UK mainland. Please note that all the below costs are purely for indicative purposes and are to be used as a guideline only. If you purchase multiple large items, we will combine deliveries to reduce the shipping costs.
Should you be successful in buying this item, a specific shipping estimate will need to be requested after the sale using the link in your invoice email; this also includes all requests for international delivery.
If you would like further information about shipping and collection please see here.
Buying a pre-loved, antique, or vintage item not only provides you with unique style and value for money but it also helps to reduce landfill, and the annual emissions of an antique or vintage piece can be as little as one sixteenth of those of its new equivalent!
Sworders is proud to be supporting the work of Antiques are Green - the movement that was founded in 2009 to promote “a greener future created from the past”. Read their fascinating carbon footprint study of a Georgian chest of drawers versus a modern equivalent here
Request A Valuation
Here at Sworders, we are happy to offer a free online valuation service. Please fill out the form and press the 'Submit' button below.
To help us with your valuation please attach clear photographs of the item where possible. You can submit up to 5.
Approximate dimensions are also useful. Expect to hear from the appropriate valuer as soon as possible.
