Think of classic Volvos and one thing comes to mind: Square brick. 
The 240 and subsequent models up to the S80 all resembled lego bricks on wheels! Despite Volvo’s rock-solid build quality and cocoon-standard safety, design was simply not up to standard. They looked as though they used rulers to design the car!
With their undisputed reputation for safety and quality builds, they were a prime choice for soccer mums and family men. Given this long-standing reputation, you’d never think that Volvo would bother with motorsports. Few people know, however, that Volvos have been involved in motorsports since the mid-eighties.
Volvo first campaigned the 240 (the first photo) in the British Touring Car Championship. This car was, well, unsuccessful, but the next car they used was a bit more successful, and heaps more controversial.
Isn’t this photo epic! A soccer mum wagon, race prepped and on two wheels through a corner! Also prepared by TWR, the 850 estate was campaigned in 1994 and finished fairly good, with a top result of fifth and a top qualifying result of third during the series. It featured a highly strung 2.0 litre 5-cylinder engine that put out more than 280bhp with a redline at a screaming 8500rpm.
The fully lightened car also ran full slicks on magnesium OZ racing wheels, with sophisticated coilover suspension all around and a Volvo delta-link set up at the rear.
In 1995, BTCC regulations outlawed aerodynamic modifications, effectively ending the competitiveness of the 850 estate. From here on TWR campaigned the 850 sedan. It won five races piloted by Rickard Rydell and Tim Harvey, and was considered highly successful. Still, the 850 estate remains one of the most controversial yet loved cars to ever compete on the BTCC circuit.
- Brendan
