Volvo 850R ITB'd Naturally-Aspirated BTCC Build | American Tuned ft. Rob Dahm

It’s safety first as Rob Dahm explores the weird world of Volvo tuning, with an $850 Volvo 850R estate that’s been transformed into a touring-car tribute - 1990s livery and all. Surely you’ve seen that iconic photo of Dutch racing driver Jan Lammers? It’s an action shot capturing an incongruous Volvo 850 Estate in British Touring Car Championship trim, two wheels suspended above a bit of curbing, with Lammers at the wheel coaxing it in for a landing. A flying brick, to be sure.
Rob heads to the Lime Rock Park proving grounds to compare a bone-stock 850 with one that’s been modified by the guys at FCP Euro. This Volvo 850R may be a bit of a Volvo nerd’s breakfast, but it demonstrates how an ordinary family car can, in the right hands, be transformed into something quite extraordinary, embodying the passion and creativity at the heart of car tuning.
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:45 Volvo 850 Estate
03:29 Stock 850 Drive
05:33 Tuned 850R Drive
07:03 The Engine & Specs
08:26 Conclusion
MORE ABOUT TOP GEAR:
Welcome to the official home of Top Gear on KZbin. Here you'll find all the best clips from your favourite episodes, whether that’s Ken Block drifting London in the Hoonicorn, Chris Harris in the latest Porsche 911 GT3 or classic Top Gear clips from Clarkson, Hammond and May. You'll also find the latest performance car reviews from the TopGear.com crew, our brand new series American Tuned with Rob Dahm and the fastest power laps from our in house performance benchmark: The Stig.
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[@TopGear]

Who else grew up with a Volvo? 🙋‍♂️

[@samuelgarrod8327]

I learned to drift in one.

[@ThisiscoolGAMES]

My first and current car 😏

[@murdoch9106]

We had a white Volvo 145. White and a red interior, I think it was a pretty early car, interior was pretty dated, it was beautiful, sadly it was crashed and we did not have it for that long...

[@sieve5]

We had three over the years when I was a kid. The 740 is insane.

[@allnarl]

I'm have grown up in a 850 T5R in yellow. Great car! Miss it so much❤ When my dad bought it in 1996 it was only 1 out of 7 in Denmark, and I remember it was so special to see another one, besides we had one to. But the pure excitement to see it your self, in the same yellow colour was mind-blowing. It happened two times where we saw another and drove together, as random volvo 850 T5R owners, and people was mad to see these two icons drive at the same time, in the same creamyellow paint job. This car is the reason I love cars so much today, and specially the 5-cylinder soundtrack 🔥 This car has a very special place in my ❤

[@fcpeuro]

The Sweet Song of an NA -ITB 5-Cylinder will remain music to our ears... What an honor to have Rob and the TG team spend time at the wheel and to find appreciation in the nuances of the 850 Project! The Golden Era of BTCC will always have a sweet spot in our hearts on this side of the pond, we will continue to try to relive the glory days , one build at a time🙂

[@Gnarwagon]

What's the lap time on the proving grounds course?

[@brainblasta2]

👍🏼 to FCP for supporting projects and people like this.

[@fcpeuro]

38.16 is the fastest the 850 went around the proving grounds so far@@Gnarwagon

[@Gnarwagon]

@@fcpeuro Watching some other videos I realized you guys ran a different layout from the autocross days last year! I was hoping to compare my station wagon laptimes with the 850 wagon! Would you guys happen to have laptimes for the autocross layout on the proving grounds from last year?

[@DWTSVIDS]

@fcpeuro is there anyway i can get that intake manifold you guys put on this car for the itbs?

[@nikonordman7624]

One of my favourite builds on the internet

[@TJWCars]

This may be my favorite build on the internet

[@13thdukeofwybourne69]

Just to be clear this wasn't just a race car in the UK. In 1995 you could walk in to your Volvo dealer and buy a road going 850 T-5R estate. At the time they had to be the ultimate sleeper car.

[@atmartens]

Yeah… I didn’t like him saying it wasn’t special as a base. It was. It’s also what saved Volvo. They poured so much money into development.

[@smpmk2gti]

The 850 BTCC was a 2.0 NA not a T5 that the R and AWD came with

[@aussie2uGA]

I added a bunch of the IPD upgrades back in the 90’s and made it a fantastic “baby on board” sleeper car. The look on peoples faces as the front tires would light up… priceless

[@DD_Vandal]

​@@smpmk2gtit5-r could be bought with either fwd or awd

[@NegerKim]

@@DD_Vandal No, it couldn't. You are thinking about the V70 R (97-00 1.gen).

[@aussie2uGA]

I’m 56, had three of the 850R’s, all with “baby on board” window decals in the back. The look on peoples faces as these cars blew by them was priceless.

[@thetechietoffee]

I remember watching BTCC back in the day, these 850’s were a big reason for doing so. Absolutely incredible car.

[@alexbarnett1461]

God I miss these days , going on road trips with my farther in a V70 AWD was some of the best experiences I’ve ever had. What a great car and time era! R.I.P. ❤

[@Ultratoast01]

'We should get an estate car because it's more practical.' 'Sure. We can do that '

[@whosyourmate8292]

BTCC was amazing in the 90s! Volvo, BMW, Audi, Renault, Peugeot, Ford, Vauxhall AND Alfa Romeo all tearing around a track, trading paint and helping sell cars. Win on a Sunday, sell on a Monday really was a thing! Great film, thank you 👌👍

[@Spook123]

Nissan, Mazda and Honda also came out to play with the Primera, Xedos and Accord. Legends all.

[@OmniMan_Racing]

Btcc and jtcc had some amazing cars

[@StirlingMossDrives]

Jacob’s Volvo on Top Gear. Now that’s amazing

[@nastybun]

Volvo 850s are underrated. We had 4 in my family at one point, unfortunately all sedans, but mine was an 850R. I drove it across Australia, was an excellent choice for that. The most comfortable seats ever fitted to any car, and with the extra bolstering in the R seats, they held you in pretty good.

[@banaanbosse2565]

It's so sick to see a naturally aspirated build on that 5 cylinder engine, really cool! Most builds I see here in Europe are Turbos which still sound incredible with that 5 cylinder and boy are they fast, but this is really unique and true to the legacy of the 850 BTCC, so cool!

[@puntachu]

I am honestly biased, (I have a built up T5) but to me the sounds the turbo put out are so much more special and dialed, so I wish I saw more turbos in the US

[@higurro]

Immediately recognised this FCP Euro project 😅

[@jasonbernard1277]

Best episode of this series (and best car on this series) by far

[@howarddavies136]

I love everything about this. An American guy making a tribute to a Swedish car that TWR prepared for the British Touring Car Championship.

[@SmallBlogV8]

With engine intake parts from a German V10!

[@gijscornelissendebeer7361]

We had several on our driveway. 360, 440 turbo, 850, xc70. But the 850 was my preciousss. I made my father a promise I'd buy one when I'd be old enough. First 850 I bought was a sedan, second one is a station. My son was born last week, and I will make sure he grows up in the 850 and keep the legacy going!

[@roodick85]

OMG Rob!! Damn man i had no idea he was on here.. hadn't watched in years now im tuned in for my boy!

[@stillwaterwoodworks]

I just picked up a 98 V70 T5 manual. It's a high pressure turbo 5 cyl, but has a really similar growl and it really pulls when the boost hits. Volvo for Life

[@YourContentSucks.]

One of my dream builds

[@IndaloMan]

I had an Olive Green T5-R bought from the Volvo dealer in Twickenham back in the mid 90s. I was sitting at the traffic lights and just saw it and thought I am having it. Much better for my two small sons than my 4wd Sapphire Cosworth #goodolddays

[@Rolo_McFlurry]

See's 850 wagon in thumbnail--"need see no more, thumbs up". this car plays MUSIC

[@fcpeuro]

The sweet song of 5 cylinder people

[@martinponc8021]

As Volvo enthusiasts, this was 10 minutes of pure pleasure. Wonderfully built car, and the sound of NA fiive cylinder is just amazing.

[@vilhelmiina.]

As an R owner and a volvo fan I love to see other people like them too.

[@michaelbordas7244]

Props on the 850 BTCC tribute car. Makes me miss my 98 V70t5😢

[@Twobarpsi]

Bro! I have a silver 98 V70 T5!! Love it! I just did a 0-60 video of it. 6.4s!

[@dtek497]

The other cool anecdote on why they possibly entered the estate into the BTCC was when it came to the performance of the saloon was middle of the road and wouldn't be competing for podiums. So they thought, "If we're going to be finishing in the midfield how can we get some publicity about it?". So they chucked everything in the estate, and well it wasn't a successful race car. But everyone was talking about it, and we still do. So I think their little gamble paid off

[@Spoolingturbski]

My dad worked for Volvo as a Field technical specialist. He brought home the first Volvo 850, S70 and S60 into California straight from the Arizona proving grounds where they were directly shipped from Sweden. These cars are some of the best vehicles ever made

[@ISAK.M]

Even as a SAAB fan I really respect the 850-R in particular

[@StoffelDilligas]

In my humble British opinion, this is fricken awesome.

[@derpapito1391]

I have a 850 AWD, far from stock, never gonna sell it ❤

[@stephaniereeder6356]

Believe it or not but this is my dream-car

[@Satori-Automotive]

5:55 Yeah, thats the spirit! i take such a build any day over modern cars^^

[@pjco217]

Love this build !

[@williamfullman2639]

Got to LOVE THE BTCC I still watch it on KZbin and I love the build

[@R19Robbin]

That thing sounds so amazing 🔥🔥

[@michaelcosme9758]

Whoa, sweet ride Rob!

[@UPrym]

Nice video man 🎉

[@Bonzoguy66]

I salute him, for actually make it NA , instead of just upgrading the turbo , like most people does. I had a 97- model NA , and it was safe and nimble , but not fast .

[@user-ob1bf4mj6k]

I just bought a '98 V70, and this car has been a huge inspiration for what I plan on doing to it.

[@Kent.]

When the Volvo 850 was launched in 1991 Volvo wanted to upgrade their image. The 850 was a very good step into the right direction but despite the great (more sporty) handling compared with the other Volvos the direction of Volvo felt the sporty character of Volvo should be increased. Volvo left motorsport-activities in 1987 and felt it should race again. Volvo decided the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) should be the perfect podium for its racing activities. Volvo Senior Vice President Martin Rybeck approached Steffansson Automotive (SAM) to design a prototype car for racing, based on the 850. Volvo gave a lot of information and support of the 850 to SAM. Volvo also promised to gave a body shell. But when SAM went to Volvo to pick up the body shell only 850 Estates (the face lifted versions, with new headlights and bumpers) were produced. But the project couldn’t have any delay so Volvo and SAM decided to use the Estate body shell. When Rybeck heard about the story he thought it would be a great idea to race with an estate! The marketing potential should be huge, but when it becomes a failure it would be embarrassing for Volvo. The 850 Estate racer prototype of SAM was very promising. To be sure the Estate racing car shouldn’t become a failure Volvo tested the saloon and Estate in a wind tunnel. The results were very surprising: the Estate should have a better down-force due its large flat roof. Volvo decided to take the project to the next level and Tom Walkinshaw (of TWR, Tom Walkinshaw Racing) was asked to have a close look on the Estate-version as racing car. The motorsport experts of TWR confirmed that when the weight could be taken to the legal minimum, there shouldn't be a lot difference between the saloon and the Estate on the circuit. In 1995 the rules of the cars design were changed. Since the 1995 season it was allowed to have front and rear wings but those wings weren’t allowed to pass the rear bumper or be higher than the roof line. These new regulations only allowed Volvo to use a 850 saloon instead of the 850 Estate.

[@jeremycrystalhess5520]

Always wanted a Volvo and now we have two. I love these cars.

[@cporteus968]

I’m from America and always watched BTCC, Best racing on TV back then. Thought the Volvo Wagon was so cool.

[@acefoxuk]

Wow, incredible transformation and a gorgeous result 👏🏻 😍 😎

[@BahnstormerUK]

Really excellent video. Cheers !

[@TruenoJon]

Congratulations Jacob on the build and the video!!

[@TruenoJon]

From an OG Ae86 guy… lol

[@kanervatie]

Best car game ever was TOCA Touring car championship (1997) inspired by BTCC. I remeber this car very clearly.

[@rodbrakes4189]

This is great. Love the reach that BTCC has, particularly the mid 90's to mid 2000's, that has inspired an American guy to build his own version of a Swedish classic made popular by a British race series.

[@zach_diecast_mansur]

One of my favorites!

[@ArchGecko]

Ahh good old BTCC, the Volvo and the Alfa both iconic in my mind

[@JonnyWho]

90s BTCC is one of the greatest eras of racing ever. If you don't know it, just search it here on YT.

[@PJvaleting]

Yea please ❤ my all time favourite BTCC

[@allotment3275]

I think I was at that brands hatch race - lovely stuff

[@mikelyon5595]

Cool ride: I dig the 5 cylinder N/A rasp! The 850 Turbo T5R wagon was one of the fastest cars in America at the time!

[@carcrazy9530]

The race car and the engine modification mentioned came from the TWR affiliation back in the 90’s

[@atmartens]

My first car was a 97 Volvo 850 GLT with the winter package. I loved it. I hated it at first because it was an old man car but over time I grew to appreciate the quirkiness. I would love to have a wagon T5R or even an R. Theyre just such a great car.

[@jorgelopezperez7125]

Some serious sleeper potential in this beast, love me an undercover rocket.

[@carlobinda1127]

That thing sounds pretty mean!!! 🤘😁

[@ellett44]

Sweet build jacob!

[@miguelcastaneda6382]

👌 very..nice wagon you did. A fantastic 👏 job my very best of luck 👍 to you

[@miguelcastaneda6382]

The sound of that engine is superb !! 🙌

[@-PLAYER0NE-]

I love the 850R those cars are so cool. As a father i’ve floated the idea of getting one as a second family rig but they’re so hard to find

[@kaj750]

Im always on the lookout for an 850R. It's been 20yrs.... Maybe one day. 🤣

[@NonEuclideanTacoCannon]

I've had a few different old 240s, including the first year, which was '74 if I remember right. I absolutely love them. I've always wanted to LS swap a wagon for drifting. The redblock engines are great, totally bullet proof, just not many parts for added go-fast.

[@elmeesio]

Well, there are, and to a power level of 3-400hp you won’t even need to spend more then 3 grand, rods, cam, turbo injectors and a maf will send you a long way there

[@PSA78]

There's plenty of parts, just not off the shelf, so it can get a bit pricey if you want LS level of power. 🙂

[@irfanludviastanto5315]

Amazing

[@lamboferruccio]

Watched the build on this on their channel it was epic!

[@JaSon-wc4pn]

Loved that Era of Touring Cars The merc was sweet too Knockhill was the place to be

[@cloric1]

Mate the noise that makes when he opens it up.

[@mariuszblaha2742]

Awsome ! ! !

[@watkinsrgv]

Awesome

[@antesosic1600]

That stock 850 is the same colour as my 850 wagon!

[@andysmyth6782]

Loved coming back from raves in one of then and losing it on a roundabout and 😂 untill we stopped

[@tothethreshold.9965]

My grandfather had a BTCC rep 850. I love these cars, but due to the almost cult like following cannot afford one. Instead i build a diesel 1.9 astra estate which makes around 300/310hp and 450/460 ftibs depending on the dyno its on. Its been a passion project for a few years now with a huge number of hand made modifications to get it to where it is. If performance parts for a volvo estate are rare, parts for mine are nearly non existent. I have the 2260 turbo from a BMW with home made inlet and exhaust manifolds, the fuel injection rail from a 2L insignia HPFP from a saab 93 and the injectors are from an Alfa Romeo with suspension from vectra plus Renault Clio RS brembos. If you really care about making a fast estate, you make things work in ways they were never designed for. The very essence of a built not bought car in my opinion.

[@alimackenzie2168]

The 1996 850R or the beast as Jeremy called it.

[@garrycroft4215]

Back in the day I had a V70 T5. You could make it rapid for very little money. A remapped replacement chip in the ECU and a stronger waste-gate turned this piano hauler into a street animal. Hold tight to the steering wheel because the torque steer is vicious. 😂

[@paulfisker]

Something Has changed in Top Gear, it feels like /DRIVE

[@Lewis_Treff97]

My dad had a black 850 R estate when I was a kid.

[@jamsxr]

Credit to this owner 👌

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

I learned to drive on a 1976 240...4 speed with an annoying overdrive switch that would always break. But that car was hella-fun to drive. A couple of S-turns in my neighborhood were always taken at 8/10ths. I once asked our mechanic about upgrading the springs and shocks and adding a sway bar was told "it wasn't worth it." Decades later, I wanted to do the same thing to a 2005 Outback wagon and was told, by a different mechanic the same thing. One day, I'll own a car that someone lets me upgrade the suspension bits. One day...

[@ericpisch2732]

i watched the volvo estate touring car at brandshatch, on the parade lap the put a giant plushie dog in the back 😅 this build is fantastic, would love something like it

[@alanaugustto456]

fiat marea de cinco 5 cil e audi quattro e outros modelos, sensacional esse volvo 850

[@cobaltlukather9045]

my first Volvo experience was a 2003 XC70 wagon that i bought for $3K as my first car, including title, insurance, etc. i was really wanting one of these older bricks, but you take what you can get when you've only got a month to move out. i was working a $10/hr job when the turbo blew out... i miss that car. i really wish i didn't have to say goodbye. it did everything my Chevy Trailblazer does but with an extra gear, less rust, and 30mpg if i was careful enough.

[@gigidy5]

Should have got the non-washer plastic pieces for under the lights! I've got a couple in a box somewhere, and I dont currently have an 850😅

[@MravacKid]

Joke's on you, the 850 is already my dream car. :p

[@ashtonworth6288]

Just the sound alone would make me lose my license within a week lol

[@MiniOne82]

TWR also chopped a small part out of the roof pillars as well, was about

[@jarpa153]

In sweden it's very common for young people who drive Volvos to also tune them up to 800hp but most common is around 300 to 500hp

[@viktorkamenov7604]

I miss my 95 T5R sedan...

[@sythan_]

Three years ago, I bought this car for $850. "The guy wanted 900 but it's not a Volvo 900, it's a Volvo 850." 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jamessheehy4895]

Nescafe laguna next please

[@TopGear]

👀

[@BrandanHewitt]

Can't not picture the BMW V10 flying by, the engine sounds so similar

[@jediprowen]

I bet Rob wants to build a 5 rotor now 😂

[@vadimdrozdov9738]

Прекрасная машина !!!!!¡!

[@RJLightning68]

This 850 looks awesome, who designed the livery???

[@fcpeuro]

We worked on it with 8380 Designs - the goal was bringing in the design cues from both the estate and later S60 BTCC liveries, while still nodding to our own IMSA liveries of the past years.

[@foundnotlost]

For a lot of English people their first experience sat in the back of a Volvo wasn't with parents driving it was a trip to the police station

[@racerx509]

Kaplhenke and Yoshifab make some nice suspension for these cars

[@mermerac9610]

This is great video and all, but, can we let the name Top Gear rest in legend it deserves?

[@geoffreywallace9432]

Immediately I remember James May and the Africa special.

[@sonicstep]

I immediately recalled BTCC back in the day.

[@ThisiscoolGAMES]

I own a Volvo C70 convertible, manual! And my gawd… I’m glad I do! 🫶🏾

[@LeandroFTW]

I had a 1998 V70 in 2014.

[@wahyudingnn326]

Cool✨✨

[@f22cap2s2k]

Id like a lot more info on that electric PS conversion.