Award-winning $2000 Challenge car to cross the Mecum Auction block

In the market for an “award-winning race car?” This 1998 Volvo S70 T5 that competed in the 2019 running of our $2000 Challenge definitely counts in our book.

In case you missed out that year or don’t remember (seriously, go easy with the Brakleen), the S70 won the esteemed Challenger’s choice award, as well as nabbing 1st place in the Copart Auction class and 2nd in the Stock Block class.

The Volvo is set to cross the block at Mecum Auction’s Chicago sale. Check out the listing for yourself over on Classic Motorsports now.

Comments

Colin Wood Associate Editor
9/14/22 3:25 p.m.

Does racing history add value?

Yes. This Volvo is clearly proof of that.

crankwalk (Forum Supporter) SuperDork
9/14/22 6:58 p.m.

First car was a 850 turbo and I'll always have a soft spot for the BTCC livery

John Welsh Mod Squad
9/14/22 9:55 p.m.

The car changed hands just 30 days ago. It was about 20 minutes from my house. I think the asking price was $4,500

It's with apprehension that I write this next paragraph. The internal struggle is help a buyer or hurt a seller.
The Mecum listing and description photos seem to artfully avoid the dashboard. The important piece being that this car, as presented at GRM, has no HVAC. Zero, zip, nada. I suppose it could be reinstalled but an uninformed buyer could get a big surprise to find there is no windshield defrost setting if he has aspirations of road-going. Even at just track-going, a blower is nice to have.

Link to Mecum photos

So, from my own photo from $2019...

But, boy, oh, boy was that car clean and stunning!

Colin Wood Associate Editor
9/15/22 8:37 a.m.

In reply to John Welsh :

Thanks for sharing that info. That livery really does look good, though.

crankwalk (Forum Supporter) UltraDork
9/15/22 2:39 p.m.

This was my dream as a 16 year old. 3 pedals, turbo 5 cyl Volvo race car....this has to be at least 3-4 other people's dream car too.

mikeonabikesmith New Reader
9/15/22 11:56 p.m.

In reply to crankwalk (Forum Supporter) :

Having owned both an 850 and s70 (v70) I hate to say that the later model just isn't boxy enough. Not on the outside, not on the inside. I still dream of a 3 pedals, turbo 5 cyl Volvo race car, I just want it to be of the 850 or 855 variety. Of course, if the car in question showed up at my doorstep for the previous selling price, it would be mine.