Kinsmart Volvo C70

Volvo is best known for boxy sedan's, wagon's, SUV's, and trucks that are designed to be the safest vehicles on the road.  However, they have tried to make their cars sportier with the P1800, the Polestar, and this C70.

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The C70 was introduced in 1997 as a two-door coupe based on the S40 platform that used a rounded off look rather than the typical boxy look.  In 1998 a convertible was also offered.  By 2006 times have changed and the need to make convertibles into a four-seasons vehicle was in high demand now that folding hardtops have become the norm for almost all European convertibles.  The new C70 was still based on the S40, but now shared styling that was universal across all Volvo models.  There was now only one model: a convertible with a three-piece folding hardtop that stacks the roof panels on top of each other before storing it into the trunk (just like the 2007 BMW 3-series convertible).  Powering the C70 is a 2.5L DOHC turbocharged I-5 that produces 217 hp and 236 Ib-ft of torque through a 5-speed automatic.  The C70 since then has lost the magic touch of being a unique and stylish offering in the Volvo line now that the entire Volvo line has gone for a softer look and now with Polestar sportier offerings; the C70 ended production in 2013.

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The C70 is not well-known in the diecast world, so this Kinsmart version is a one-of-a-kind.  The light blue paint looks good on this convertible, accented with silver multi-spoke wheels and great details.  The front has detailed round headlights (I had to add black around the reflector frame to give it the hallmark raccoon mask of the actual car's lamps), square grille with Volvo badge, and a rather rounded lower bumper with foglights and more vents.  The sides show a rather long profile thanks to the larger trunk designed to fit the folded top and any available space for cargo.  The rear has detailed taillights, center brake light and Volvo badge, C70 plate, and dual exhausts that I highlighted with detail here.  The chassis does not show much but I did highlight the exhaust system and structure supports.

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The interior when I got it was filthy (I guess tis car was sitting on the shelf for too long), so I cleaned it up and added some details.  The seating for four is large enough to be compatible to a Chrysler Sebring.  The dashboard has a typical Volvo layout with central radio and HVAC controls that I highlighted with silver trim, detailed gauges, and a 3-spoke steering wheel that sits a tad bit too low.  The seats offer comfort and support and reside next to a center console with shifter.  The door panels are detailed to match the interior, while the rear seat has luggage in black to cover the pullback motor.  Note the headrests that will pop up in the event of a rollover.

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While not as sporty as the first-generation C70 it does have the cool looks and luxury of a typical Volvo, though I wish that the front-end was squared up a bit to match the rest of the vehicle.