Automobiles symbolize freedom. That sense you felt when you obtained your driver’s license in high school, entering your first vehicle for the initial time, and realizing: Wow, I have the liberty to travel anywhere. As time passes, responsibilities take precedence for many individuals, and that elementary truth slips from memory. Except for Aaron Segal and his customized 2004 Volvo V70R.
The second-generation V70R already boasted remarkable characteristics straight from the factory. Volvo’s most sophisticated performance station wagon yet, it combined the timeless two-box shape with a 300-hp 2.5L inline-five motor, Haldex all-wheel-drive setup, adaptable suspension, substantial brakes—and for those making sensible decisions, a six-speed manual gearbox with the now-iconic “spaceball” shifter. A genuine Swedish multitool, if you will.
In search of a versatile vehicle, Aaron purchased his pre-owned V70R as a university student with limited funds and minimal insight. He was determined to grasp the art of customization and shape it precisely to his desires. Several years later, he has transformed it into his enduring automobile. You know when someone and their vehicle appear to be flawlessly aligned? It’s akin to that. Witness what I intend in our latest Carisma episode on YouTube:
[Editor’s Note: Aaron serves as a product manager for The Drive’s parent organization.]
Aaron commenced his journey by installing an 8Eight Fab Turboback dual exhaust in his dormitory’s parking lot during the freezing winter, clearing snow to create a working area. He then progressed to the suspension: TME lowering springs, enhanced rear sway bar, and bushings. Relatively fundamental adjustments that significantly improved the car’s handling.
His passion for upgrades intensified, spurring greater aspirations. Seeking increased power, rather than simple add-ons, he opted for a complete engine switch to a ‘4T5’ five-cylinder from a recent Volvo S60 customized by Re-Volv (340 hp/380 lb-ft), a well-regarded performance establishment in the Volvo realm. This endeavor spawned further enhancements: a SNABB intercooler, inlet pipe, quick-shifter, and intake; high-pressure fuel pump; and a lightweight flywheel. Subsequently, he acquired a corroded V70R with the uncommon Atacama interior and transplanted that entire cabin into his wagon.
The outcome? A cherished vehicle that he has piloted virtually everywhere—across the nation, through blizzards, over dunes along the shore, and on numerous racetracks. The process of constructing it, learning from it, and using it daily fills him with eagerness to venture out and explore the globe. If he can manage this, he can tackle any challenge.
“It has become an extension of my identity. People recognize me, and they recognize my car. It blends seamlessly,” he remarks. “This signifies a part of me, and there’s nothing else that resonates as deeply.”
It’s acceptable that most individuals view it merely as another Volvo wagon. Because when an individual does acknowledge it for what it truly represents, it’s akin to a discreet agreement—an instantaneous bond among automotive enthusiasts.
“It’s a fantastic experience to pull up at a traffic light, see someone roll down their window, and exclaim ‘Oh my, where did you uncover this gem? How did you secure one? Unbelievable, it’s a manual!’ There’s nothing quite like receiving that type of reaction from an individual regarding what seems to be just a mundane gray Volvo estate.”
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