RideLust

There are some manufacturers that you simply don’t equate with big dollars. Hyundai for instance, makers of some wonderful automobiles, simply can’t pull off a car in the $70K range. This is not because it’s not a good car, but people simply have an issue with a nameplate that shares ties with frugality. Volvo on the other hand is a car that falls directly into upper middle class territory, meaning paying $50k-$60k for one is not out of the question. $200,000 though, well that’s another story entirely. Chris Harris recently took a $200k Volvo out for a spin, and while he loved the car, that price tag may just be a wee bit off the mark.

Source: Youtube.com/DRIVE

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PRO’s: Fantastic engine and transmission, great handling and performance manners.

CON’s: Bland-ish styling, confusing electronics interface, small back seat.

FINAL THOUGHT: A nice European sports sedan for those looking for an alternative to rivals from BMW and Audi.

It’s been awhile since I’ve been behind the wheel of a Volvo. So long in fact that I can’t remember when my last experience was with the brand. Looking upon this as a good thing though I dumped any preconceived notions at the door and went in with a clean slate. This is a 2013 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design with all-wheel drive. As optioned it costs $48,195.00, comes with a turbocharged inline-6 and was one of the biggest surprises I’ve experienced in quite some time from a performance standpoint.

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They’re legendary amoungst soccer moms, loved by academics worldwide and a favorite first car hand-me-down for 16-year old kids everywhere. The Volvo 850 Wagon is thought of by some to be the perfect vehicle. By offering bulletproof reliability and brilliant build quality these old wagons truly are some of the best old buys on the market. Hell, just look at what it takes to actually put one in the grave.

Source: Youtube.com

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Creating the ultimate automotive street sleeper is not as easy as you think. You see it takes time, patience and vision to fool the eyes of the automotive public. There are those out there however who have not only pulled it off, but done so in a spectacular fashion. Step one is finding the right car. Step two is creating the appropriate power plant, and step three, well, that’s making everything gel in a package that leaves most spectators slack-jawed. The following five street sleepers are as close to perfect as we could find, so with that in mind, click through and check them out.

Source: Youtube.com

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When introduced in 1961 the Volvo P1800 was somewhat of an oddity. You see up until then the Swedish car maker was known for making cars that were well, boring. I mean sure, they were one of the pioneers in automotive safety, but as for style – not so much. Then in 1961 the P1800 hit the streets and made everyone do a double take. Here was a car that not only looked good, but thanks to its peaky 130 hp inline-4 that was introduced in 1970, it was actually somewhat of a performer. Top speed was around 120 mph with 0-60 mph coming up in just under 10-seconds. This is an 1800ES, and is the last variant of the P1800 body line produced. It’s located in Sherman Oaks, CA and according to the owner is in fantastic working order. The A/C has been converted to R134 and blows cold, the engine runs properly and the 4-speed overdrive transmission shifts as it should. Click through for more photos or click here to go directly to the eBay ad.

Source: eBay.com

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Anyone who’s ever owned a Ferrari knows that they’re Italian built super car is like bait to other would-be sports cars. The sound of the exhaust and the race bred pedigree brings other drivers to stop lights like moths to a flame. Corvette’s, Porsche’s, Lamborghini’s and imports galore all love taking pot-shots at any member of the prancing horse family. But Volvo’s? That’s a new one even for me. There are however some crazy Swede’s out there who have the ability to take their “boxy, but good” family cars to the next level, and when this happens… by God you’d better look out. The following video shows what happens when Ferrari’s new 458 goes up against a relatively stout Volvo Wagon.

Source: Youtube.com

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Thumbs Up: The sexiest Volvo ever, with performance to match.

Thumbs Down: No six-speed manual, busy center stack controls.

Buy This Car If: You’re looking for an Audi A4 or BMW 335iX alternative.

I’ve never been a Volvo guy. Maybe it was their conservative, boxy-but-safe styling, or their Swedish sensibility, or their focus on safety above all else. Even the legendary Volvo turbo wagons failed to impress me; sure, they were the fastest station wagons you could buy, but that was like saying the Big Mac is the most sophisticated culinary masterpiece on the McDonald’s menu. Volvos, at least in my eyes, were the cars you bought when you really wanted something else, but needed a safe family sedan or station wagon. Read More…

*Image Credit: Bilsport.se

Remember when Volvo’s were safe, boxy cars that teachers and vegetarians drove? They were nice enough I suppose, but always lacked that bit of “flair” needed to take them to the next level. Over the years the company has tried to shed their “They’re boxy, but they’re good” image, but truth be told, they still haven’t gotten it quite right. Some folks, like Gunnar Larsson however, have looked past the initial dullness and have instead interjected some much needed personality into these Swedish boredom boats. Gunner’s ride started out as a mundane 1987 Volvo 740 Sedan, however after mulling it over a bit he decided to add some much needed power by way of a small block Chevy clad with a 6/71-blower. It’s not politically correct and is about as environmentally friendly as an atom bomb, but once you see this sucker go I think you’ll agree that Mr. Larsson has created one bad ass box.
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Recently, I attended the Carlisle Import and Kit Nationals show at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Pennsylvania. Held every May, this show features a vast array of meticulously maintained classic British, European and Japanese cars, exemplary examples of their more modern kin, as well as a beautiful collection of kit cars.  As far as sheer variety in makes, models and years, hands down, this show can’t be beat.

This has become something of an annual treat for me as I can think of few better ways to spend a weekend than by gazing at a gleaming sea of jaw-droppingly stunning automobiles, many of which I guarantee you won’t find at other shows. Plus, participation is open to anyone with an import or a kit car – all you have to do is register, make your car pretty and show up. It’s a great opportunity to display your cherished ride and meet other aficionados of your favorite marques.

I used to come down to show my Saab and hang out with the Saab contingent that makes it out every year. But even though I have a Subaru now, it’s just so much fun that I continue to make the trip to Carlisle (my WRX was parked over by the lone DeLorean, if you happened to be there). Volvo, BMW and Audi clubs also traditionally have a large showing so the weekend is packed with the cars you love, cars you haven’t seen before, your friends from the forums, barbeques – it’s a good time for everyone.  So, if you’re not too far out from Pennsylvania, I definitely recommend heading out there next May to check out the Carlisle Import and Kit Nationals. To tide you over, provided for your viewing pleasure are some of my favorite cars of the weekend. Enjoy!

 

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Matt Farah’s back from the Ford Focus Rally, and this time he’s reviewing the new “naughty” Volvo S60 T6 AWD. Like any good car reviewer, Matt gives us the good news (turbocharged I5 engine replaced with twin-turbo V6, adjustable suspension, adjustable steering, planted feel of Volvo’s AWD) with the bad (no manual transmission, no paddle shifters, insufficient brakes and bizarrely excessive safety systems). In the end, Matt does give the car praise as a “driver’s car”, and presents it as a viable alternative to the BMW 335i and the Audi S4. It’s priced on par with those choices, so don’t expect the S60 to win buyers over on price alone. Read More…