1999 Volvo C70 Review | Drive Chicago

1999 Volvo C70

Volvo convertible.

by: Dan Jedlicka

Volvo really is making a convertible. The $42,995 C70 is the automaker's first soft-top since its limited production fiberglass-body P1900 convertible of the mid-1950s, a model so rare most auto buffs probably don't remember it.

The new steel-body convertible is the soft-top version of the automaker's curvaceous C70 coupe. Being a Volvo, the convertible is safe and largely practical, with a large rear-seat area. However, the small, oddly shaped trunk is best suited to soft luggage.

As with the C70 coupe, Volvo developed the front-wheel-drive convertible with British partner Tom Walkinshaw Racing, a respected specialty car producer. Both coupe and convertible are made in Sweden at a factory that is a joint venture between the two outfits.

The convertible looks great with the top down, but its rear end appears bulky with it erected. The lined top has a rather small glass window with an electric defroster; the top keeps the interior remarkably quiet during highway cruising and is a picture of efficiency as it quickly lowers and raises via a button.

There isn't objectionable wind buffeting at moderate cruising speeds with the top lowered, and a rear wind blocker device keeps things even more serene during top-down motoring on highways.

Rollover protection for the rigidly built car is partially provided by a strong windshield frame and two spring-loaded steel rollover hoops that instantly pop up when the car determines that a rollover accident is imminent.

There also are front and side airbags and standard anti-lock brakes. And one can get an optional low-speed traction control system. This is one of the safest convertibles ever.

There were some body and cowl shakes and judders when driving over rough pavement, but I tested a pre-production model and Volvo promises that production versions will be tighter. The doors and trunk lid closed solidly.

Fast? Yes, although the heavy C70 convertible doesn't have the turbocharged, 236-horsepower five-cylinder found in the C70 coupe. Rather, it's powered by a low-pressure turbocharged 190-horsepower five-cylinder. This engine develops peak torque at merely 1,800 r.p.m., which results in snappy acceleration (0-60 m.p.h. in 7.7 seconds). The 236-horsepower motor will be offered next year, but most buyers of the car really won't need it.

The engine works with a smooth, quick-shifting four-speed automatic.

The power steering is quick, but feels rather stiff. A supple suspension provides a comfortable ride and sharp handling makes the C70 convertible fun to drive.

There is plenty of room for two tall adults up front in big, supportive seats, while two 6-footers fit pretty well in the backseat. Motorized front seats slide forward to provide easier entry to the rear, but they move at a snail-like pace. The interior looks opulent, and most of the precise controls are within easy reach.

While costly, the C70 convertible is beautifully finished and well-equipped. It's mainly for those who want top-down luxury motoring in a safe, stylish car with good rear seat space.

Dan Jedlicka

Dan Jedlicka joined the Chicago Sun-Times in February 1968 as a business news reporter and was named auto editor later that year. He has reviewed more than 4,000 new vehicles for the Sun-Times--far more than any newspaper auto writer in the country. Jedlicka also reviewed vehicles for Microsoft Corp.'s MSN Autos Internet site from January, 1996, to June, 2008.

Jedlicka remained auto editor at the Sun-Times until October, 2008, and continued writing for the newspaper's AutoTimes section, which he started in 1992, until February, 2009. While continuing his auto writings at the Sun-Times, he served as assistant financial editor of that newspaper from 1970 to 1973, when he began his automotive column.

He has appeared on numerous radio and television shows, including NBC's "Today," ABC's "20/20" and "The CBS Evening News." He was a host, consultant and writer for Fox-TV Channel 32's 1991 New Car Preview show and that Chicago-based station's 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 Chicago Auto Show Previews.

Jedlicka's auto articles have been printed in national magazines, including Esquire and Harper's. His auto columns have been reprinted in U.S. government publications and economic textbooks and he is profiled in the "World's Greatest Auto Show" history book about the Chicago Auto Show. In late 1975, Jedlicka was host and technical advisor for three one-hour television specials, "Auto Test 76," which aired nationally on PBS and were the first nationally televised auto road test shows.

In 1995, Jedlicka was the recipient of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois Inc.'s Consumer Education Award, given annually to a person who has gained distinction in the field of consumer education. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award in the Media category and inducted into the Legends of Motorsports Guild at the Carquest World of wheels custom car show in Chicago in January, 2006.

Jedlicka was a member of the North American Car and Truck of the Year jury, composed of a select number of auto journalists from throughout the country, from 1995 until 2009. From 2010 to 2012, he was a member of Consumer Digest magazine's auto experts panel that gave Best Buy new vehicle recommendations.

He is a 1987 graduate of the Bob Bondurant Race Drivers School and later of the BMW "M" and Skip Barber Advanced Driving schools. He was a member of the U.S. team that participated in the 1987 1,000-mile Mille Miglia race/rally in Italy and has been a race winner at the Chicago area's Santa Fe Speedway.

Jedlicka has owned 25 classic cars, including 1950s and 1960s Ferraris and 1950s and 1960s Porsches, a 1965 Corvette, a 1967 Maserati and a 1957 Studebaker supercharged Golden Hawk. Jedlicka resides with his wife, Suzanne, in the Frank Lloyd Wright historic district of Oak Park. They have two children, James and Michele.

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