Volvo’s C70 convertible first hit the market as a ragtop in 1999, but transitioned into a power retractable hardtop in 2006. The design of the car, which originated as a coupe, dates back to 1997, making the car well past its retirement years.

Much like lutefisk or aquavit, the Volvo C70 is an acquired taste. Fans love it for its comfortable interior (up front at least) and sense of style, while critics pan it for its underwhelming power, scuttle shake and lack of trunk space with the top folded.

Sales of the C70 have been steadily declining worldwide, to the point where it’s no longer profitable to run the Uddevalla, Sweden factory where the C70 is built. Volvo has announced it’s intentions to close the plant and cease C70 production in 2013, but it’s honoring the C70 with one last special edition.

Dubbed the C70 Inscription, the car will come with a horsepower infusion courtesy of Polestar, 18-inch Midir wheels, a black grille trimmed in chrome, Sovereign Hide upholstery, a leather-wrapped dash, and floor mats, a handbrake lever and headrests trimmed with the Inscription logo.

Two colors will be offered, Ice White and Black Sapphire Metallic, and production will be limited to 2,000 cars annually, worldwide, until the C70 ceases production. The United States will see just 500 examples in 2012, at a starting price of $45,225 each, including a destination charge of $875.

The Inscription Package is priced separately at $3,900, which indicates that Inscription models can be ordered with other option packages and accessory items as well. If you’re a fan of the C70, the Inscription package seems like a fitting send off. Just don’t wait too long to place your order.