We will all agree {that a} station wagon is principally the final word fanatic’s car. There’s simply one thing about these long-roof machines that do every part. While you throw on issues like turbocharged engines and all-wheel drive, it’s simply icing on the cake. Sadly, not many wagons exist within the U.S. anymore. Volvo is considered one of the final holdouts. And just lately they gave me the possibility to get behind the wheel of considered one of their basic wagon fashions.
Whereas the 850 made a superb however fairly sedate wagon — it was the primary automotive on the earth to come back outfitted with facet impression airbags, for example. Volvo wished in on the efficiency sport, although, and it launched the high-performance 850 R wagon for 1995. It obtained a 240 horsepower turbocharged inline-five, a four-speed computerized transmission, a singular entrance fascia with decrease air dam, darkish grey 17-inch wheels and a rear wing. It was fast and one of many quickest wagons within the Nineties, if not the quickest. Impartial testing confirmed it may hit 60 mph in simply 6.7 seconds earlier than topping out at 149 mph.
Volvo introduced a mint instance for me to check out at WagonFest SoCal 2024. This one was an actual deal with and was painted in Cream Yellow. The colour is important as a result of it was considered one of solely 49 ever delivered to the U.S. This specific 850 R was privately owned till Volvo bought it from the proprietor again in 2017. And so they truly drove the factor, which is gorgeous to see — the odometer learn simply over 148,000 miles.
Moving into the 850 R, I used to be instantly transported again in time. I drive a whole lot of vehicles, however I haven’t been in a automotive this previous shortly. It was an exquisite change given the automotive’s simplicity. No big screens. Precise, bodily buttons and switches to regulate every part. No push button begin; an precise key for the ignition. Turning the important thing and beginning up that 30-year-old I5 , I used to be capable of really feel every part from the clicking of the ignition to the shuddering whereas the engine was turning over. You may’t say that about too many vehicles now.
The engine sounded good although, which advised me that regardless of being in storage more often than not, Volvo retains up with its upkeep. That didn’t imply Volvo didn’t need considered one of its expensive historic vehicles babied. The Volvo rep driving with me advised me to verify I hold an eye fixed out on the engine temp, particularly given the heatwave we’ve been going by means of. And there have been a couple of different small, tough edges. The A/C didn’t work, for example. Except for that, and given the miles and age, the state of the inside was fairly rattling good.
After letting the automotive sit for a pair minutes I set off on a brief trek down L.A.’s annoyingly busy Fairfax Blvd. Getting underway, the sensations I used to be getting whereas driving had been complicated. On one hand, you’re feeling the automotive’s age when going over uneven or tough elements of the road. On the opposite, I puzzled if this was simply me being spoiled and so used to trendy vehicles and their adaptive suspensions and sound deadening. Giving it a little bit of gasoline to make it throughout an interplay, I used to be met with precise engine noise from the turbocharged I5. Giving it a bit extra — with the OK from the Volvo rep in fact — I obtained hit with one thing I by no means thought I’d miss: torque steer. Placing 250 horses by means of simply the entrance wheels tended to supply that in these items. Being so used to trendy vehicles although, electronics and engineering advances implies that torque steer has virtually been eradicated. Feeling it once more was weirdly nice.
Despite the fact that my drive within the 850 R was transient, I’ll always remember it. It was a reminder I wanted of simply how far vehicles have come within the final 30 years. Whereas that’s introduced some advances which have benefited clients and firms alike, it’s additionally come on the expense of complication and most significantly, driving really feel. I additionally gained an understanding of why the 850 R is so wanted. It’s incredible, and we’ll doubtless by no means see something prefer it once more. If you happen to’re fortunate sufficient to personal one, don’t ever do away with it.
