When Volvo released the T5 version of the 850, the Swedish automaker wanted to raise its profile in order to gain market share. Instead of a traditional marketing campaign, Volvo entered the 850 competition in the British Touring Car Championship.
How did you decide to use the 850? estate although this was not intentional. Volvo commissioned Steffansson Automotive to develop a BTCC prototype, but when they started collecting the bodywork, all that was left were estate versions. This news quickly reached Volvo’s board of directors, who saw it as a great opportunity to break the stereotype that estates are only sold to middle-aged geography teachers.
As it turns out, the 850 estate’s long roofline actually proved beneficial, as the racecar produced more downforce than its sedan counterpart. The longer wheelbase and more glass meant increased weight, but the sub-minimum condition meant there was still room to move the ballast.
Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), which at that time was more known for Group C racing, was invited by Volvo to take on the work program with a three-year contract.
Ever since the 850 Estate first lined up on the BTCC grid at the Thruxton Circuit in April 1994, competitors saw it as more of a marketing exercise than anything else. The Volvo team was not deterred and stuffed a Border Collie in the back for a parade lap.
The signature Volvo sound came from a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre five-cylinder engine developed by TWR, which produced around 290bhp and was on par with the rest of the BTCC field in terms of performance.
Unfortunately, the 850 station wagon only competed for one season, when Volvo finished sixth in the Constructors’ Championship. For the 1995 BTCC championship, TOCA changed the rules to allow additional spoilers, but they could not extend beyond the bumpers or roofline. Unfortunately, all the advantages of the estate were lost, so for the next two seasons the T5 850 sedan took its place, where Volvo drivers stood on the podium more often.
This special car, recently unveiled at the Brands Hatch Super Touring Power event, has an interesting history. It started life as a BTCC 850 station wagon, but was converted to a sedan by swapping out bodywork and used for aero testing before the ’95 season.
Since purchasing it from a Dutch seller a few years ago, its current owner has returned it to its original Volvo station wagon form. It is currently undergoing even milder renovation work, but according to the plans, it will be in order again in the future for classic motorsport events.
Success can be measured in many ways, and while the Volvo 850 estate has never taken home any British Touring Car Championship silverware, I’d argue that all the publicity it’s received has surpassed it. Any trophy. After all, is there anything better than a quick possession?
Chaydon Ford
Instagram: chaycore
BTCC Racing Photos: Volvo cars
