|
From Swedespeed.com Feature Cars A little over a year ago Swedespeed featured a controversial modified 855, taking on an atypical, cross-marque theme and utilizing some Mercedes-Benz bits and pieces. The car received a mixed response from Volvo purists and liberals alike. Since that time, the car’s owner Jeremy Chapman has been at it again, taking on the blank canvas of the original C70 Convertible and applying subtle, yet impacting changes to one of Volvo’s most elegant designs.
It all started with an itch for change. After slowly growing bored with the 855, the decision for a suitable replacement did not come easy. The practical need for another station wagon dissolved once Jeremy brought a seven passenger SUV into the family. Looking to upgrade and keep with the theme of a somewhat rarely modified European car, Jeremy went back and orth deciding between several manufacturers for a replacement car. Finally, the decision was made to stay within the Volvo fold and get something that was not typically personalized, something different, something sportier, something convertible.
Once the make and model had been chosen, the next challenge was to find the right color combination and a car with a high-pressure turbo and manual transmission. After a few months of hunting, a suitable 2000 C70 convertible surfaced. Within days, the modifications were starting to take shape. Jeremy isn't the type that will just settle with an R-bumper and Pegasus wheels. His cars need to take on a theme, and this time it would be a dark and aggressive take on European super cars.
The first thing on the list was a new set of shoes: Modular 19x8.5” in the front and massive 19x10” in the rear, wrapped with General 225/35 and 265/30 rubber. Jeremy later added iPd’s Porsche/Brembo 330mm big brake kit and Powerslot rotors to improve braking and fill out the new wheels.
Once the wheels were installed, it was time to take care of the stance. The nice thing about upgrading from an 855 to a C70 convertible is that the lowering spring applications are the same, even though the convertible weighs a little more than the station wagon. Jeremy swapped the Spax springs and Eurosport Tuning strut brace from his 855 over to the C70, and instantly transformed the car, firming up the suspension and removing the scuttle shake that plagues many convertibles.
Then it was on to the lighting. You might have remembered that Jeremy built his projector headlights in the 855. This time it was a little easier and after a long wait, he sourced ABM projector headlights and corners. A mesh grille balanced out the extra front end detailing and, for the new lights, eyebrows were added. Those changes were followed by black LED sidemarkers, smoked 2004 model taillights and third brake light. Finally, the headlights and fog lights received HID retrofit and Osram rebased H9’s for the high beams.
Next on the list was sorting out the stereo. Volvo did their homework on the C70 and equipped it with one of the best factory stereo systems made for a mass-produced automobile. In Jeremy’s case, the previous owner may have enjoyed the stereo a little too much and damaged several of the drivers. The 8.5” door woofers were replaced with stout Kicker SSMB8’s and a JL Audio subwoofer and amplifier were added to trunk to help compensate for acoustic effects of the ragtop. The result is a balanced sound with superb staging and imaging courtesy of the factory Dolby 5.1 head unit.
Rounding out the entire package, Jeremy opted for a Speedtuning ECU upgrade to increase positive manifold pressure to 17 pounds. Peaks are monitored with a VDO gauge custom mounted in the left switch cluster. A V70R gauge cluster, iPd gauge rings and superanatomic wood shift knob finish off the subtle interior changes. In the rear seat, Jeremy’s son rides in style with a custom-upholstered leather car seat.
The entire package represents everything that Volvo intended when it introduced the C70: performance, luxury, comfort and driving enjoyment. When Jeremy set out with this car, his mission was to make it something that very few people would recognize. The debadged C70 convertible is rare enough that most people have no idea what the car is, and true to form, Jeremy likes to keep them guessing. Mission accomplished. Also, we think the majority of Volvo enthusiasts wouldn’t argue with Jeremy’s new ride on bit.
All information Copyright © 1999-2003 Swedespeed. All rights reserved. No photos, news stories, graphics, or Swedespeed logos may be used or reproduced without written permission. Volvo is a registered trademark of Volvo Car Corporation and Ford Motor Company. Swedespeed is an independent media publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Volvo Car Corporation |
