“Everyone has a Volvo story…” While not everyone would agree to this statement, I am pretty darn sure a LOT of car enthusiasts could get on board with it. Volvo made a name for itself for designing one of the safest cars in the automotive industry. They are also known for designing a “brick” because literally… their early cars look like a well… brick with a hood and four wheels. While normal folks could careless about Volvo’s early design language, I think it has a created an automotive icon of its own; specifically around its BTCC glory days.
Jacob’s story runs deep with the wagons and the Volvo brand: from always being around family’s owned Volvo wagons, learning to drive in a wagon to have finally built one of the coolest 850R Estate to roam around the Southern California streets! It wasn’t that long ago when Jacob first acquired this car 100% stock from a younger gentleman who inherited this car from his grandfather (the original owner). Always been fascinated with Volvo race cars, he knew that the 850R being white would make a good bone for his project car in the coming years. Lucky for Jacob, the wagon’s exterior was in great shape when he took ownership (with the exception of its bumpers, this wagon is still wearing its original coat of factory paint). Sadly, the same cannot be said about its original engine. When taking the wagon for an inspection shortly after purchase, the mechanic noticed a JB weld on the engine block.
With Volvo’s BTCC glory days in mind, Jacob got busy in the next few years to get his wagon up to par to his high standard. Step into the interior and you will be greeted with alcantara / leather combo steering wheel with yellow stitching. The yellow accent also carries on to the door cards. R exterior was deemed aggressive enough; therefore the only addition made is a front lower lip. Lowering is a must to live up those BTCC days and BC Racing coilovers was trusted to provide meaner stance and better stability for the wagon. Having rocked many different wheels throughout the years, the current two faced Volk Racing TE37 setup just brings this wagon to another level (mag blue TE37 on driver’s side and white TE37 on passenger’s side). Did I mention the big brake kit that fill up those wheels nicely? Brakes off Porsche Boxster up front and brakes off Volvo S60R on the rear; complete with GiroDisc rotors. These brakes setup are more than enough to keep Jacob away from trouble when doing spirited drives. Speaking of spirited drives, engine upgrades were done before installing a new engine that include: upgraded turbo, bigger injectors, a tune, better cooling and better fueling. Killer looks gotta be backed by a killer engine!
With Jacob’s Volvo 850R Estate feature going live this week, it concluded our 2023 Blog Entries. Volvo series post was the one that pushed Avantturous instagram account to pass 10K mark and I couldn’t think of a better way to end the year with a BANG by posting one of the cleanest Volvo wagons in SoCal! I wanted to say thank you for everyone who’s been very supportive of the Avantturous brand. Most importantly, mad respect and big thank you to the wagon owners who have given Avantturous the opportunity to do coverage on their wagons! I hope each and every one of you enjoy these weekly blogs as much as I enjoy shooting these lovely wagons and getting to know their owners! 2024 is just around the corner; let’s kick @$$! Happy New Year to each and every one of you out there!
Introduce Yourself
Jacob King from Riverside, CA.
Work in Collision Industry
WHY A WAGON?
Always wanted a wagon. Learned how to drive in a wagon. Growing up my family had Volvo wagons. Especially when they started racing a Volvo wagon I knew I wanted a street version of that car some day. I’m fascinated with street versions of race cars. A white 850r wagon is the perfect one to start with. So many ways to go and options with white. Wagons are just so freakin cool. The undeniable shape of a 90’s Volvo wagon.
Did you consider a different WAGON instead of this one?
No, it had to be a Volvo. I looked at p2 v70r’s and some newer Polestars but I always came back to a 850r or T5-r.
What was your original objective with your car and has that objective changed?
OEMplus. Basically kind of a street version inspired BTCC Volvo wagon. I wanted reliability with some fun turbo pulls and a good tune to help with that.
What style would you say best describes your car?
OEMplus
Who assisted in the planning/building/modding of your car?
My dad got me started with cars, my wife supports me with my love and passion for cars. It’s an awesome feeling now to share this with my kids. Mark at A Import Specialist helped with the motor build and maintenance on it. Calvin with the tune and making the car the best it’s ever been recently. I always had this vision of a slammed Volvo wagon on big brakes and cool wheels when I was 15 or 16.
What do you feel makes your car unique / special in your eyes?
It’s a clean and simple Volvo wagon that catches your eye. Everyone I meet has a Volvo story from their childhood.
What is your favorite part/feature/function of the car?
My favorite part would have to be the Porsche brakes. I pick wheels just to accent the brakes. It’s such a cool period correct addition to the car that helps it stand out.
If you could pick one thing you aren’t satisfied with about your car, what would it be?
I need to work on my interior. The outside is pretty perfect and the interior is just ok. Definitely work on that in the coming years.
What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve faced while building this car?
Finding period correct aftermarket parts for it is something I’m always looking for. Wheels are kind of a pain too. It’s an odd bolt pattern being 5×108.
What one word best describes your car?
Clean. I love how simple it is, but still so attention grabbing. The classic shape and the white on white wheels with this set up is hard to beat.
What is your final goal with this car?
Keep making it better, keep finding period correct aftermarket parts and keep it running strong.
