When they talk about advertising with Van Damme, most car enthusiasts immediately imagine an epic shot of the actor doing the splits between two retreating trucks. This video was shot for a Swedish brand Volvo Trucks in 2013, became a cult classic and is still discussed on automotive forums.
However, if you are not looking for a truck, but for that very stylish station wagon that flashes in the frame, then you need Volvo V60. It is this model that is often associated with the brand in the context of passenger cars, although in the video itself Jean-Claude demonstrates the stability of the truck FH.
Many buyers are looking for “that car,” believing that it has some supernatural characteristics. In fact, it's simply quality engineering that makes Swedish cars so popular among those who value safety and comfort.
⚠️ Attention: The ad with Van Damme was filmed using special equipment and stunts, so do not try to repeat the experiments with trucks on the road.
Analysis of a car from a commercial
Although the main character of the video is a truck, a passenger platform often appears in the frame, which attracts the attention of fans of the brand. Volvo V60 The first generation, introduced at that time, became a symbol of reliability. Its design, designed by Peter Horbury, combined aggressiveness with Scandinavian austerity.
For those looking for a similar vehicle, it's important to understand the differences between the lineup. While the truck FH created for long-haul transportation, passenger models are focused on family use and passenger safety.
A key feature that is often overlooked is the stability control. It is this that allows the car to maintain its trajectory even during sharp maneuvers, which is indirectly demonstrated in the brand’s advertising campaigns.
- 🚙 Body: Load-bearing, with a high degree of use of boron steel.
- ⚙️ Engine: Ruler Drive-E or older 5-cylinder units.
- 🛡️ Security: System City Safety, preventing collisions at low speeds.
Technical secrets of shooting
In reality, there was a safety rope system stretched between the trucks, which would have held the actor in case of loss of balance, but it was not included in the frame due to the camera angle.
Where to find a car similar to the Volvo from the advertisement
If you are impressed advertising with Van Damme and you want to buy a similar car, you should pay attention to the secondary market. Volvo models from the mid-2010s are now available at reasonable prices, but require careful diagnostics.
When searching, it is important to pay attention not only to the appearance, but also to the technical condition. Swedish cars are renowned for their longevity, but age has taken its toll. Pay special attention to the electronics and the condition of the turbines if you choose the diesel version.
Often buyers are looking for specific configurations that were in the top versions. Availability of adaptive cruise control and high-quality audio system Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins significantly increases the comfort of ownership.
It is worth noting that it can be difficult to find the original body color as advertised. Often you have to resort to detailing services or repainting elements, which is a separate expense item.
Technical condition and typical problems
When buying a car that is associated with the brand from the legendary video, you need to be prepared for specific expenses. Advertising with Van Damme shows an ideal picture, but real use makes its own adjustments.
One of the common problems with old diesel engines D5 is the particulate filter and the EGR system. If the previous owner skimped on fuel or oil, these components may require expensive intervention.
It is also worth checking the condition of the suspension. Despite the safety margin, Russian roads are making their own adjustments. Silent blocks and ball joints are consumables that require regular replacement.
☑️ Diagnostics before purchasing a Volvo
| element | Resource (km) | Replacement cost (conditionally) | Frequency of problems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turbine | 150-200 thousand | High | Average |
| Clutch (manual transmission) | 120-150 thousand | Average | Low |
| Electronics | Unlimited | Depends on node | Low |
| Suspension | 80-100 thousand | Average | High |
Cost of ownership and maintenance
Many people think that advertising with Van Damme was so large-scale, then servicing the machine will cost as much as a spaceship. In fact, a Volvo is a car that, with the right approach, can be quite affordable to maintain.
However, original spare parts are not cheap. Owners often switch to high-quality analogues, such as Febi, Lemforder or Mann-Filter. This allows you to reduce maintenance costs without losing quality.
It is important to remember about insurance. For powerful versions with all-wheel drive, tariffs may be higher than the market average. This is due to the high cost of restoration in the event of an accident.
Always keep receipts for oil and filter purchases. When selling a car, having a complete service history significantly increases its liquid value.
Don't forget about fuel consumption. Powerful engines, especially when paired with all-wheel drive AWD, in the urban cycle they can consume from 12 to 15 liters per 100 km.
Legal aspects of buying a used Volvo
When purchasing a car that has become a legend thanks to advertising, it is important to check its legal purity. Advertising with Van Damme created a stir, and such cars are often stolen or used in schemes to change VIN numbers.
Be sure to check the car against the traffic police database and the register of pledges. Swedish cars were often bought on credit, and the bank may have claims even several years after the sale.
It is also worth checking the engine number with the documents. On some Volvo models, the number is stamped in a hard-to-reach place and may be hidden by dirt or corrosion, causing problems when registering.
⚠️ Attention: If the seller refuses to show the PTS or offers to “make a copy,” it is better to terminate the transaction immediately. This is a sure sign of fraud.
Results: is it worth buying the “advertised car”?
Advertising with Van Damme Volvo has forever written Volvo into marketing history, but is this car worth buying today? The answer depends on your priorities. If you need a safe, comfortable and status car for your family, this is an excellent choice.
However, if you are looking for a race car or a car with minimal repair costs, it is better to consider other options. A Volvo requires love, quality service and an understanding of its technical features.
Ultimately, the car in the ad is a symbol of an engineering approach that puts safety first. And if you share these values, then Volvo V60 or XC60 will become your reliable partner for many years.
The Volvo from advertising is not just a picture, but a real symbol of safety, which, with proper care, lasts for decades.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Which Volvo model was in the Van Damme advert?
In the most famous video "The Epic Split" the main character was a truck Volvo FH. However, the station wagon was often featured in collateral materials and other campaign videos. Volvo V60 and crossover XC60.
Is it true that Van Damme performed the stunt himself?
Jean-Claude Van Damme really had a great stretch, but for the filming he used cables and a safety net. In addition, many takes were made, and the final video was edited from the best footage.
Is it difficult to find spare parts for Volvo 2010-2015?
There are no problems with spare parts. For these years of production there is a huge market for original parts and high-quality analogues. Series engines D5 and T5 well studied by services.
How safe is the Volvo V60 by modern standards?
Even 10-year-old models have one of the highest levels of passive safety. The body is designed to absorb impact energy, bypassing the interior.