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From the first drawing to the last model produced, the Volvo 480 ES is a fascinating story within Volvo's long history. The revolutionary model never became a sales success, but at the same time it was the model with which Volvo paved the way to the future and to which the Swedish carmaker would owe much in the following decades.
Do you own a Volvo 480 ES and need a windscreen replacement? Then you can always find cheaper, quality car windows for this iconic model with us. Before we look at automotive glass, let's take a look at the 480 that would loosen tongues in the automotive world.
We could write that the Volvo 480 was a Volvo model made in Born from 1986 to 1995 and that it became a complete flop with less than 100,000 (76,375) models rolling out of the factory. But the Volvo 480 deserves more than a succinct summary that portrays it as a loser. After all, the Volvo 480 was a pioneer. It was Volvo's first front-wheel-drive car and the only model from the brand to have front lights that rise from the bonnet when used. It was also a model with which Volvo left tradition and designed a completely unique model, with a remarkable design that was far from everyone's taste.
It took Volvo six years to get from introduction of the model to actual production, which was partly due to problems in Born, a shortage of parts and an oversized Galaxy Project, which also included the Volvo 440 and Volvo 460. The Volvo 480 was the project's starter at the same time, which translated into numerous start-up problems and teething problems in the model. The fact that the Volvo 480 then also didn't come to America at launch (the dollar was too low) didn't really help the model either.
The target market for the Volvo 480 ES was defined in considerable detail by its designers. 'Motorists between 25 and 40 with higher education and a career', or yuppies. This idea ensured that Volvo got a unique design on the drawing board with plenty of features such as illuminated door locks on the front of the car, an automatic rear window wiper and a complete full Volvo Electronic Info Centre.
Jan Wilsgaard and Peter Horbury's design was finished in Born by John de Vries, whose name would remain inextricably linked to Volvo's 480. The 480 ES was primarily a model in which Volvo broke new ground. Much more attention to comfort (for example, with an instrument panel and dashboard facing the driver) and technical marvels that had been lacking in previous models. In addition, Volvo teamed up with Renault to provide the best engines (and also because its own engines were too heavy for the new 480).
All this innovation is best shown in a promotional video from Volvo, in which the automaker clearly shrugs off its slow, good-natured image. The audio accompanying the video below is German.
The Volvo 480 ES was not just another car for the niche market. It was the model that would set in motion the huge Galaxy Project, with which Volvo sought to extend its own shelf life and did so successfully. The Volvo 480 marked the transition to front-wheel drive, a new way of designing and a host of new engines with which Volvo would make models that, after the Volvo 480 ES (and its brothers 440 and 460), would become resounding successes on the international car market. When Volvo closed production and replaced it with the Volvo S40, it could thus look back on a successful trajectory for the Volvo 480.
Windscreen damage is always annoying, especially when the windscreen of an iconic car model like the Volvo 480 ES is damaged. In most cases, you can simply continue driving with a chipped windscreen. Only when it is a branched crack or a chip with a diameter of at least 20 millimetres ánd this glass damage is in the driver's field of vision, the windscreen of the Volvo 480 ES has to be replaced. Windscreen repair is no longer possible in these cases and the car will no longer pass the MOT with this type of windscreen damage.
You already have a new windscreen for the Volvo 480 ES for €339 and it is suitable for all model years of this type. The price includes VAT, but excludes fitting and delivery. However, if you indicate your preference in the overview, you can always see the total price for the new car window directly on the screen.
Our new windscreens are considerably cheaper than the branded glass at your dealer and often even cheaper than original used car windows for the Volvo 480. This is because original Volvo windscreens come with a brand logo that makes the automotive glass exclusive and therefore more expensive. Our after market car windows have exactly the same quality, which means you will always find the best value for money for your automotive glass with us.
Replacing your car window yourself is not very difficult when it comes to the side window, but with windscreens, the story is different. Here, it is important to work accurately and carefully, to avoid damaging yourself and your car and ensure road safety. If you have little or no windscreen replacement experience, you can simply have the windscreen of your Volvo 480 ES replaced on-site by our certified fitting partners.
Do you have experience with windscreen replacement or know someone who would like to replace the windscreen for you? Then you can also simply order the automotive glass without fitting from us.
Want to get your Volvo 480 ES back on the road safely and don't want to pay too much for a new windscreen? Then choose after market automotive glass for your Volvo. Not only will you find us the best windscreens at the lowest prices, you can also always count on excellent service. Can't find what you are looking for or do you have any questions about our products or working methods? Then please contact us so that we can help you personally.
