It all begun in 1993
when Steffanssons Automotive built the red protoype car for an
eventuall participation for Volvo in the BTCC (British Touring Car
Championchip). The 850 racer showed winning potential already at a
early stage of development. Later on the choice of an estate showed
to be a huge valuable media interest. 
The 850 "BTCC" project car made by
Steffanson Automotive.
When the project, and the partnership with Tom Walkinshaw's TWR Racing,
was formally announced in autumn 1993 there were already roumers
that Volvo was going to do the unthinkable and race with an estate
car. The two drivers from the start was the
young Rickard Rydell from Sweden and the experienced Dutch former Grand Prix racer Jan
Lammers. All
the roumers about the upcoming new participants in the BTCC was hot
stuff in the media and although the Volvo 850 Racing project had not
ever raced the colaboratin was a huge sucess in terms of column
inches in the press. When the serious action
took place in 1994 the 850 Racer showed to perform excellent in fast
corners but had obvious problems in slow bends. This made the car
suitable for the cuircuts - Snetterton, Brands Hatch and Oulton Park.
Still the car was a success for the team and it had the winning
potential. Although Jan Lammers manage
to performe well this was the first and final year from him in the
BTCC. He decided after the season to abandon touring cars "because
of the driving style".
1994 855 BTCC car. Rickard Rydell at the right. During
the winter 1994/95 the rules changed and no it was allowed the
manufactorers to fit aerodynamic spoiler in the front and rear of
the car. Unfortionally the way the new rules were written made it
impossible to mount a rear spoiler to the estate. This would have
been a huge disadvantege and it was obvious that Volvo would have to
change to the saloon car. When the saloon
entered the 1995 BTCC season at Donington Park Rickard Rydell was in
pole positio for both of the days races. In round two he won Volvos
first win in BTCC and from then he was atitle contender throughout
the year. When the time came for the 1996
racing season Kelvin Burt had joined the team. The team was even
more prepared and it resulted in pole position for Rickard Rydell in
the first race. Rickard had altogether 5 poles and 4 wins over the
1996 season. This year Volvo was close to
itīs goal when they finished third in the manufacturers
championship behind Audi and BMW. This year was the end of the 850
Racer and the next season the new S40 took itīs place in the BTCC. 
1995 854 BTCC car. Rickard Rydell at the right.
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