How many unfinished track car projects must there be in the world? Hundreds, if not thousands - for reasons relating to time, money, space and motivation - of audacious builds sadly kept from the light of day. Whether eventually kept as standard, left uncompleted or sold once the realities of financial commitment kick in, the fate of a track car project is never guaranteed.
Far better, from an outsider's perspective it seems, to take on somebody else's finished track project. They've spent the money, they've invested the time, and then you get to enjoy the benefits. Alright, it's very rare that you'll pick up a just finished track car, and some will always prefer the bespoke nature of their own build, but there are some very tempting projects out there.
this Volvo V40 T4
, for example. A Shed staple for a good while now, numbers are dwindling fast:
howmanyleft
had 721 registered in the UK in 2007, down to just 92 a decade later. Therefore it seems unlikely that the V40 flagship will be howfound at less than £1,500 for much longer, boasting as it does potent performance, classy styling and that Volvo estate cachet; look at what happened to 850s and V70s...
Yet for £2k you could have this V40 T4, prepped and ready to go for some proper track work. Of course it's now a long way from standard, and so obviously won't be a prized original specimen in 10 years time, but it does look like a cheap way into a good bit of four-wheeled fun.
The list of modifications on this T4 comprises much of what you'd like to see from an entry level track car: upgraded brakes, new springs, better tyres and a tad more power. Nice. Indeed with 215hp and 269lb ft, plus the weight benefit of stripping the car out (in a car that was less than 1,400kg as standard), the V40 will likely prove surprisingly brisk. The current owner describes it as "seriously quick", and says it has caused "many red faces and surprised hot hatch drivers."
Which is surely the main appeal of this old Volvo, isn't it? Sure, you could go and buy one of the usual pocket rocket suspects, spend some money on it and be like everybody else at a track day. Or you could probably save some cash buying this V40, go just as quick - if not a bit quicker - and also be the only person there in an 18 year-old Volvo estate. Projects that are just that little bit different always seem to appeal quite a lot more.
The downsides? Some people will only ever want rear-wheel drive for their track cars, and will point to the cheap RX-8s you could have instead. And even Rickard Rydell wouldn't say the V40 road car was the best handling front-wheel drive car in the world. It's also not much use as an estate car now, what with the interior having been jettisoned and all. Finally, in all seriousness, it might be worth negotiating a new MOT into the purchase price; July isn't all that far off, and it's peak track day season, too - you wouldn't want the car off the road for something silly then.
Otherwise, what's stopping you? This Volvo is the price of some dubious 'track focused' options on new cars, yet should have the performance to keep up with contemporary hot hatches. And all the prep work has already been done for you. It might not be the best driving circuit car in all the world, but it's an intriguing enough curio for that not to matter unduly. Do let us know if you buy it - we'd love a go in that passenger seat...
SPECIFICATION - VOLVO V40 T4
Engine: 1,948cc, four-cyl turbo
Transmission: 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 200@5,500rpm (standard car)
Torque (lb ft): 221@2,500-4,000rpm
MPG: 30-ish
CO2: 212g/km
Recorded mileage: 111,000
Year registered: 2000
Price new: £19,645
Yours for: £2,000
See the original advert here.
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