History

The story of these three Volvo 850 Group A cars is as clear and straightforward as only the best stories can be!

Inspired by the Group N victory of the HEICO Motorsport Wiesbaden team in a BMW M3 at the 1994 Nürburgring 24-hour race, Volvo Germany began to consider the idea of entering a car in this race as well. The project was also to be carried out by the same team. The idea was put forward by the management’s press office and was very well received there, although there was some uncertainty as to which vehicle should be used and how the whole project was to be financed.

Towards the end of 1994, the choice fell on the 850 T5, with a view to giving this car a sporty image as well. In England, these cars competed in the BTCC as 2-litre five-cylinder models, fielded by TWR. Funding was diverted from the advertising budget, sponsors were approached and the dealers were brought on board. In return for a financial contribution, their names were displayed on the rear doors. A major event to coincide with the 24-hour race was also planned. Time was short; there were no cars yet, and the 850 Turbo had not yet been type-approved. This process was initiated in Sweden by the manufacturer via SAM Steffansson. The first car was built in Wiesbaden from a brand-new car that had been involved in an accident at the Belgian factory and a bare chassis fitted with a roll cage in Sweden: an 850 T5 saloon.

The body was delivered on project manager Gerd Hinkelmann’s birthday, and since the birthday celebrations were also taking place there, someone came up with the idea of linking the chassis number to that date. So, late that night, the number 18 1 95 was stamped onto the chassis. The two vehicles built later were assigned sequential numbers (i.e., 18196 and 18197). Thanks to a great deal of dedication, the first car was entered in the first long-distance cup race of the 1995 season on 28 April. The team even secured a class victory here, though this should not obscure the fact that more extensive modifications were required than originally planned.

The second vehicle under construction – the first estate car, also delivered from Sweden as a bare body shell – had to be modified straight away. Extensive modifications to the engine and gearbox were required. How these were resolved is a story (or stories) in its own right.

After a great deal of effort and trips to Sweden to visit suppliers, and with type-approval from the FIA in Paris secured at the very last minute, a saloon and an estate car lined up on the starting grid for the 24-hour race in 1995, competing in Group A. The saloon retired, but the estate car finished.

In 1996, the team entered another estate car – built from a new vehicle fitted with a Matter roll cage – in the 24-hour race. The saloon car was retired. Both cars finished the race. In 1997, the two estate cars made their final appearance in the 24-hour race. One retired early with engine failure, whilst the other crossed the finish line.

Project manager Gerd Hinkelmann was able to acquire the cars one by one and has maintained them to this day in exactly the same condition as when they were taken off the racetrack. Following an extensive overhaul of all safety-critical components by GEMEC Solutions GmbH, as well as inspections resulting in entries in the (original) vehicle registration documents, the cars are once again ready for use in what are now classic racing series.

In 1995, HEICO Motorsport (Wiesbaden) developed two Volvo 850 Turbo Group A cars on behalf of Volvo Germany and successfully fielded them in the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife until 1997. In doing so, HEICO Motorsport (Wiesbaden), together with Volvo Germany, continued a tradition that had already caused a sensation in the 1980s. In 1985, the Swede Per Stureson became German Touring Car Champion (then known as the DPM, the predecessor of today’s DTM) in his Volvo 240 Turbo. For the comeback in 1995, Volvo Germany came up with something very special and entered the first racing estate car into the championship. The Volvo 850 T5 thrilled the crowds with its unmistakable five-cylinder sound and is still a household name among fans today! The ‘850’ was driven by Wolfgang Kaufmann, Andy Middendorf, Markus Oestreich and Frank Schmickler, amongst others.