Every wagon ownership has a story. Here’s mine.

It was the 90’s. I was captivated by the shape of the Volvo 850 Estate race cars that were competing in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). The longer and more squared-off Volvo’s were so unique by comparison to other cars on the track. In a race series dominated by four-door sedans, the Volvo’s rectangular shape and iconic low stance of BTCC race cars of that era gave such a menacing look to an otherwise mundane “grocery-getter.” 

After the Volvo 850 Estate, my interests and appreciation for wagons from other manufacturers naturally grew. When Audi released the B5 RS4, it was love at first sight. Around the same time the B5 Audi’s were available, I also fell in love with Volkswagen’s wagon offerings. Indeed, I am referring to the VW B5 Passat Variant and the MK4 Jetta Wagon! Their sleek lines and subtle rounded fenders reminded me of why I love the B5 RS4 so much. Not to mention, the availability of the W8 engine for the B5 Passat satisfied all notions of, “There’s no replacement for displacement!” All in all, this interest of mine eventually led me to purchasing my very first wagon. A 2004 VW Jetta Wagon (1.8T, 5-speed manual).

And so, the adventure begins.