A Volvo sleeper train once owned by actor and racing driver Paul Newman is being auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s.
This 1998 Volvo V90 was nicknamed the “Volvette” because it was powered by a 6.0-liter Chevrolet LS2 V-8—the type used in the C6 Corvette. Newman has commissioned two engine swapped Volvo wagons before, but this third and final build was a surprise from his racing team, which included a plaque on the dash. The wagon was gifted to Newman in 2007, but the actor died in 2008, so he didn’t get much of a chance to enjoy it.
Ex-Paul Newman 1998 Volvo V90 wagon (photo via RM Sotheby’s)
The small block V-8 was coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission sourced from General Motors. The wagon’s rear-wheel drive layout made it an ideal candidate for a V-8 engine swap, but the stock drive shaft still had to be shortened. Stock inline-6 and transmission are included in the sale.
Other modifications include a changed shift linkage to align with the Volvo center console, reworked cables and modified front suspension. The latter may include some Porsche 911 components, according to RM Sotheby’s, while rear suspension remains available. In keeping with Newman’s taste, the exterior was left blank except for a special rear badge that read “V06”.
Ex-Paul Newman 1998 Volvo V90 wagon (photo via RM Sotheby’s)
One of Newman’s other modified Volvo wagons is the 960 with the supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 engine from the Ford Mustang. Newman convinced friend and fellow celebrity car enthusiast David Letterman to buy one too, and it was featured on “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” with Jerry Seinfeld.
Previously, Newman had a 3.8-liter turbocharged V-6 from a Buick Grand National fed into the engine bay of a 1988 Volvo 740 Turbo. Also sporting a 5-speed manual transmission from a Pontiac Firebird, the car retailed for $80,740 at Bring a Trailer earlier this year.
The auction for “Volvette” ends on June 13. RM Sotheby’s has an initial estimate of $20,000-$25,000, but offers currently sit at $40,000 with plenty of time to go.