BTCC 1997 Volvo S40

The Volvo S40 was one of the most popular and iconic cars of the Super Touring era of the BTCC. Built and run by Tom Walkinshaw Racing in the BTCC from 1997 – 1999, the Volvo S40 is one of my favourite BTCC cars of all time and eventually carried Rickard Rydell to the 1998 BTCC drivers title. I took a look back at the history of the Super Touring Volvo S40 in the BTCC in this edition of BTCC History.

Following two seasons campaigning with the 850 saloon, Volvo introduced the S40 to the BTCC in time for the start of the 1997 season. Produced by Volvo, but designed by British designer Peter Horbury the first generation S40 which competed in the BTCC was in production from 1995 to 2004 and sold over 1 million units during its production run. Homologated for competition at the start of 1997, it was hoped that the S40 would bring Volvo the BTCC championship in a time when the series had a reach all over the world.

Rickard Rydell who had joined Volvo on their BTCC debut in 1994 drove car #3, and had finished 3rd in the standings the previous year whilst the other S40, car #11 was driven by Kelvin Burt who had finished 11th for Volvo the season before. Now called Volvo S40 Racing, the team were confident that the car could challenge for BTCC honours.

The car was quick out the box, and the Volvo S40 would go on to score podiums in its first four BTCC races. Burt finished the first race of the season in 3rd, and Rydell followed-up with three 2nd place finishes at Donington Park and Silverstone to prove the pace in the car.

Despite a strong start to the season, Burt didn’t make the podium again in 1997 but finished 4th twice at Silverstone and Knockhill on his way to 10th place in the final season standings. Teammate Rydell however, fared better and he went on to finish 3rd again at Croft and Oulton Park before taking the Volvo S40’s first BTCC race victory at Brands Hatch Indy late in the season.