Unleashing the Beast: A Tribute to the BTCC Volvo 850 Wagons

In this episode of Larry Chen's channel, we witness the arrival of the legendary Jan Lamers at the Gridlife Circuit Legends event. But the real star of the show is the magnificent Volvo Wagon, a creation born from the brilliant mind of Jacob, an FCPO employee. Now, I must confess, these Volvo wagons hold a special place in my heart. You see, I once had the pleasure of driving a 740 GLE, a hand-me-down car that became my trusted companion. The shape of these wagons, so delightfully square, as if a child had drawn them, always brings a smile to my face.

But let's dive into the story behind this particular Volvo Wagon. It all started with a humble $850 purchase, a bargain for such a remarkable machine. The car was originally a Volvo 850, not to be confused with the 900, as Jan Lamers cleverly pointed out. Now, what makes this car truly special is its connection to the British Touring Car Championship of 1994. Volvo raced their 850 wagons in that series, and their iconic images of the cars hopping curbs on two wheels are etched in the minds of racing enthusiasts. Surprisingly, these wagons were front-wheel drive, which is quite unusual for a vehicle of this size. Volvo's transition from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive with the 850 marked a significant milestone for the brand. The car's rear suspension features a Delta link system that passively adjusts the toe angle, resulting in exceptional handling and stability.

Now, let's talk about the heart of this beast. The inspiration for this build comes from the naturally aspirated 5-cylinder engine found in the BTCC Volvo 850 wagons. To stay true to the spirit of the original, this Volvo Wagon boasts a 2.4-liter 5-cylinder engine with individual throttle bodies. The sound and feel of this naturally aspirated engine truly capture the essence of the BTCC car. The exhaust headers are a work of art, a high-rise, long-tube design that guarantees an exhilarating sound. And to control this magnificent powerplant, a MegaSquirt MS3 Pro ECU was employed, ensuring precise tuning and optimal performance.

Moving on to the exterior, the Volvo Wagon showcases a set of wheels that perfectly complement its character. The 5x108 bolt pattern, unique to Volvo, may limit wheel options, but these wheels are a perfect fit for the track car aesthetic. And let's not forget about the massive StopTech ST-40 calipers and rotors, providing the stopping power needed to tame this beast on the track. The car is shod with Falcon RT 660 tires, delivering exceptional grip and making every track session an absolute blast.

Inside the car, the focus is on driver comfort and control. The Sparco steering wheel, smaller than the factory wheel, enhances the steering feel, making the car more responsive on the track. The Sparco seats were a game-changer, providing the necessary support and comfort during high-speed maneuvers. The team even took the car to the FCPO Proving Grounds at Lime Rock Park to fine-tune its performance, making small but significant changes to optimize the driving experience.

In conclusion, this Volvo Wagon is a true tribute to the iconic BTCC cars of yesteryear. It captures the essence of those racing legends while adding its own unique flair. Jacob and the team have created a masterpiece that not only looks stunning but also delivers an exhilarating driving experience. From the growl of the naturally aspirated 5-cylinder engine to the precise handling and comfortable interior, this Volvo Wagon is a true track warrior. It's a testament to the passion and dedication of the team behind it, and it's a car that any racing enthusiast would be proud to own.

Watch Touring Car-Inspired Volvo 850 Wagon Track Weapon on Youtube

Viewer Reactions for Touring Car-Inspired Volvo 850 Wagon Track Weapon

FCP Euro 190E build and this Volvo build are favorite cars
FCP Euro has great projects and content
8Eight Fab appreciates the shout out
Sam Alsop suggests tubbing the arches for a better look
The Swedish Car Guy thinks it's cool as a Swede
Tommy Payne remembers driving this car in a video game
Marshall Carpenter is surprised by the original 300k 5-speed on a track
MikeyP loves the build
Andrew Carlson thinks it's cooler than anything ipd has built
Tim Aarts thinks it's sick
Someone suggests converting it into a truck
Others think it's awesome and rad
Alan Storm wishes for a sportier model of the C70 and likes the C30 hatch