2003 Volvo V70R

Highlights 

• 300bhp sleeper estate

• The perfect mix of practicality and performance

• Robust service history

• Wholly original

• In great condition throughout

• Long MOT

• Upgraded exhaust

Overview

The Swedes have always known how to make safe, practical wagons. They also know how to make them fast, too and whilst Audi may have gotten there first (just) with the RS2 Avant, Volvo certainly popularised the concept with its 850 T5-R and later 850 R. In the time-honoured tradition of “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” Volvo, along with Tom Walkinshaw Racing, would enter an 850 Estate in the 1994 British Touring Car Championship, and the rest is history.

With images of Rickard Rydell going full send, bouncing off apexes on two wheels, burning themselves into the collective automotive consciousness, the desire, and indeed demand for sporty wagons was cemented and the aforementioned spicy 850 production models have since earned iconic status alongside their motorsport counterparts, and rightly so.

Following on from the 850, the subsequent V70 also got the performance treatment with the release of the V70 R in '97. There was clearly still a market for such shenanigans and Volvo was only too happy to oblige, with the original V70 R producing 247bhp from its 2.3-litre, five cylinder turbo. Peak power figures would continue to increase until 2000 but it was at this point that the second generation V70 arrived, with the R appearing a couple of years later with a whopping 300bhp, this time from a 2.5-litre straight-five, again with forced induction.

The second-gen V70 R was more than just an estate with a big engine though. Far from it. Together with its Haldex all-wheel drive system, Volvo's multi-mode suspension and large Brembo brakes, the car stopped and handled as well as it went, and boy did it go. With a 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph it certainly meant business and wholeheartedly carried the torch set ablaze by those earlier 850s.

This particular 2003 model is a wholly original example with a decent wad of invoices to back up its excellent overall condition. In current ownership for going on 14 years it presents well throughout with no mechanical issue reported. ULEZ compliant and HPI clear this sleeper estate is well worth your consideration if you're after a fast yet practical and reliable wagon.

History and documentation

• 2003 model year

• V5C present and correct

• First registered 27 Jun 2003

• Four former keepers

• In current ownership since January 6th 2012

• Original book pack and wallet

• Volvo service book showing service stamps at the following intervals: 2004 @ 11,205 miles (service), 2005 @ 21,859 miles (service), 2005 @ 36,134 miles (service), 2012 @ 84,000 miles (service), 2013 @ 86,000 miles (service), 2013 @ 90,403 miles (service,cambelt change), 2014 @ 94,000 miles (service), 2016 @ 104,000 miles (service)

• Numerous invoices for parts, servicing and maintenance works

• MOT until 19 Sep 2026

• HPI clear

• ULEZ compliant

• 123,967 indicated miles 

Interior

• The car's interior is in very good condition overall

• Some light marks commensurate with the car's age and mileage

• No signs of any tears or scratches

• Roof lining presents in excellent condition

• Carpets are a little dirty but relatively unworn

• Door cards are in good shape

• Beige leather seats remain in good condition with minimal wear

• All gauges appear to be functioning correctly

• The vendor does not report any dashboard warning lights

• Boot area is well-presented and comes with factory retractable cargo cover

• The engine bay is tidy and looks to be free of any grime 

Exterior

• The exterior bodywork remains in excellent condition but the vendor reports one very small dent

• No signs of any major damage or corrosion

• The factory Cosmos Blue Metallic paintwork presents well with no real blemishes to speak of

• Vendor reports the car has never been in an accident

• Panel gaps all appear uniform

• All glasswork looks to be free from chips and scratches

• There appears to be some slight damage to the driver's side wing mirror

• Driver's side headlight wiper is missing a blade

• The original five-spoke 18” alloy wheels all present very well with no real signs of any kerb damage

• Vendor informs us that the tires are brand new

• The underneath is in excellent condition with no signs of any damage, corrosion or repair work 

Mechanical

• 300bhp, 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine

• Five-speed automatic gearbox

• Four-wheel drive

• 0-62mph in 5.9s

• 155mph top speed (limited)

• Full cat-back exhaust with twin 3” tail pipes fitted in 2012

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor informs us that the car has had a brand new battery fitted last year and a new radiator fitted two months ago, along with a service 

• Vendor reports that the vehicle starts first time, every time and stops perfectly

Summary

As far as Q cars go the Volvo V70R is up there with the best of the best. Fast enough for most and with excellent driving characteristics it's the perfect mix of practicality and performance. Sadly Volvo gave up the wacky wagon game in favour of the now more lucrative SUV market so grab one of these iconic models while you still can from the glory days of sleeper estates.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in London.