Widely known for safety innovation, Volvo has never been touted as a performance -orientated manufacturer. However, for a brief time towards the end of the 20th century, the company was developing some of the most interesting performance passenger vehicles on the market.

In doing so, Volvo would begin a long-line of performance-inspired long roofs across the automotive industry – but none would be more celebrated than the boxy Scandinavian or, as it was affectionately known, “The Turbo Brick”.

In 1998, Volvo redefined the performance wagon landscape with the introduction of the V70 R AWD. By Mk1 ‘Phase 3’ specification, such as the example we have here, the car was now producing 265bhp from its characterful 2.4 litre 5-cylinder engine through a bigger turbocharger. This – combined with a limited slip differential – meant the benchmark for the ultimate canyon-carving, grocery-getter was created.

If there was ever an example of a ‘find another one’ automotive challenge, this car could be it. By design, these cars were so incredibly practical and usable; therefore, to find one that has been cherished and molly coddled like this one, is true ‘needle in a haystack’ stuff. With low mileage, Japanese-import V70 Rs now fetching well over £20,000, we believe that this genuine UK-supplied example represents an incredible modern classic bargain!

The original sales invoice present with the car shows that this vehicle was supplied new to Mr Clay on 27th October 1999, and it would stay registered between him and his son-in-law, at the same address, until early 2023. Throughout its entire life, this car has been used regularly but gently (hence its 44,133 current odometer reading!), has never deliberately driven in the wet, and has never spent a night outside.

Condition is genuinely jaw-dropping for a vehicle of this age. Not a speck of corrosion is present on the entire body, and underneath it is as close to ‘as new’ as you will find on an unrestored car. Service history is complete and immaculate (as shown below), with no fewer than 19 service stamps! At the cars last service in 2023 it had major maintenance, including transmission oil, spark plugs and timing belt, completed by Renntech Automotive..

Finished in Dark Olive Pearl Metallic, over black/beige leather & Alcantara interior, the specification is very handsome. The car also comes with a factory twin electric tow bar, factory roof bars, factory parking sensors and even the original factory umbrella and supplying dealer number plates!

The car drives perfectly, everything is as tight as a drum, and it feels just like a brand new example from behind the wheel, it wears a very recent set of Goodyear tyres and has just had a fresh MOT, so is ready to go.

At OppositeStock, we genuinely believe that this car almost defines the term ‘modern classic’, and that this is an opportunity to own something very special indeed. Research indicates that there are as few as 5 of these cars left on the road, and that this is the final one in the original green! Given the treatment of this car over the past 23+ years, we would bet strong money that this one is the best of the lot – by some margin.

Viewing is highly recommended. Any inspection welcome. Full spec and service history show below.

For further information or to arrange an appointment to view at our showroom in Berwick-upon-Tweed, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Part-ex welcome.

Opposite Stock is a brand-new business operating out of the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland and offering for sale the finest hand-picked modern classics.