Volvo V60 Polestar | PH Auction Block

The Volvo V60 Polestar was a real bolt from the Rebel Blue when it arrived a decade and a bit ago. There had been a pair of sensational Polestar concepts prior to a production model; the five-cylinder, 400hp C30 and awesome manual S60, but it was clear they were too far-fetched for showrooms. It seemed that Polestar just enjoyed showing off what could happen, if only they were set free. 

Then came the V60. If not as extreme as the concepts (not much would be), it was most certainly a proper performance overhaul, complete with more oomph from the T6 engine thanks to a new turbo, expensive Ohlins dampers, and chunky six-piston Brembo calipers on big discs. For a production run of 750 cars, just 125 of which came to the UK, the Polestarification was a significant rework. Over here, the 350hp, sub-five-second-to-62mph V60 cost £50k. 

It was decent, too, the dampers introducing a level of precision to the ride and handling absent from the standard V60. The sound from the 3.0-litre was pretty fantastic as well, thanks to a larger exhaust introduced for a bit more power. And if not the most agile fast estate in the world, there wasn’t much faster point to point. All in a package as handsome and sturdily built as this. 

Something went right for Volvo, that’s for certain, as there were two generations of V60 Polestar. But the 2.0-litre follow-up, while more powerful, efficient and keener to drive, wasn’t nearly as charming as the 3.0-litre original. With both Volvos and Polestars a very different prospect these days (there’s nothing larger than the 2.0-litre in the former’s line-up), these first Polestars have become quite collectable. 

This one must be one of the best. It’s been with its second owner for seven and a half years, who has covered 32,000 miles in that time and serviced it exclusively at main agents. The signature blue paint has been protected by paint protection film, and the V60 is still actually under an extended Volvo warranty as well. All four Michelins wear the correct ‘VOL’ marking – that’s the kind of keeper we’re talking about.

Then we’re into the really good stuff. Because the seller wasn’t content with the standard power, so this Polestar is now 420hp strong thanks to ECU tuning, intake work, a chunkier intercooler, the fitment of a PH sticker and a custom stainless steel exhaust. So imagine how good it sounds now. Torque is now 500lb ft, near as makes no difference, or a useful amount more than the standard 369. A slightly old hat six-speed auto might not seem that much of a hindrance with so much pulling power. Still showing fewer than 50,000 miles while presenting as nearly new, it’s a real gem of a V60. They certainly don’t make them like they used to – we’re lucky Polestar finally got the chance to show the world what it could do.