The Volvo 850 GLT was brand-new in 1991, bursting on the scene with a five-cylinder transverse engine and an elevated new level of driving pleasure. The development of the Volvo 850 series came from a project entitled Project Galaxy—aptly named because it definitely reached for the stars. In 1993 the estate version (wagon for U.S. folks) was introduced, and things just kept getting better from there!
Happy 25th Birthday To The #Volvo 850! https://t.co/bLa5Xd7Bbw @volvoautoitalia @volvocarsglobal
— monicaesse (@monicaesse70) June 8, 2016
In 1994, Volvo returned to racing in true-Volvo fashion and an extremely eye-catching manner: two 850s arrived to the starting line at the season premiere for the Thruxton track in southern England, but the thing that set them apart—they were both estate versions of the 850! 1995 brought a rule change that effectively made estate versions illegal, so Volvo continued racing the sedan version. That year also marked the moment the Volvo 850 became the first mass-produced car to offer side-impact airbags, which is part of why the press called the 850 “the world’s safest car,” and what has led to generations of safer and safer Volvos.
Production for the 850 Series came to a close at the end of 1996, when major updates were made to the design and the model became the Volvo S70 (from the sedan-version 850s) and the Volvo V70 (from the wagon-version 850s). Both are no longer in production, but remain on the road and recognizable today!
That brings us to today’s impressive Volvo lineup! It’s great to pay homage to where you come from, but it also helps to look at where you’re going. Here at McLaughlin Volvo Cars, we’re proud to do both. As we celebrate the belated 25th anniversary of the Volvo 850 Series, come see us in our 4101 41st Street, Moline, IL to check out all the great innovation and design that has happened since the 850s in the current Volvo lineup. If you’re someone who appreciates the pleasure of the drive, we know we’ve got the car for you, some come on in and see us today!