There are not many Hollywood legends that can make driving around in an old Volvo seem like the coolest thing in the world. But when Paul Newman got behind the wheel of his 1988 740 Turbo estate, he turned it into a super stylish wagon that would put many more expensive models to shame.
Along with screen icon Steve McQueen, Newman was a true petrolhead and the first owner of the Swedish-made car. He loved the Volvo so much he felt it could do with an all-new engine and replaced the 2.0-litre turbo unit with a Buick Grand National 3.8-litre turbo V6. The new lump was sorted by a firm in Alabama that also swapped the gearbox for a Borg-Warner five-speed manual and added an aerokit, too – to improve straight-line speed and handling.
You may not realize that Paul Newman was actually an extremely talented racing driver, so it seems strange that he would go for a safe, reliable family wagon such as the Volvo – but it just increases the cool factor and shows Newman’s appreciation of a wide variety of cars.
The 740’s current owner purchased the car back in 2017 and spent a wad of cash upgrading items such as a new clutch assembly, fuel pump, and injectors while also replacing the lights, wipers, and tailgate struts. The interior is a little beaten-up, however, with the black leather looking pretty worn, and the headlining is sagging and cracks showing in the dash. Bonus points include a Sony CD player, air-conditioning, and a third-row of seats for taking out your friends and family. There is an oil leak showing, but the car does feature a custom exhaust, air intake, and a remapped ECU.
With just 76k miles showing on the odometer, the 740 comes with the all-important certification of Newman’s original ownership. The auction is on Bring a Trailer, but ends soon, with the current bid sitting at around £22,000.
Paul Newman’s modified 1988 Volvo 740 Turbo estate
The interior of the 1988 Volvo 740 Turbo estate is looking a little worn
