In the annals of Volvo history, one of the trucks that will always do proud is the F88 and a few years later with the F89. 

Several innovations were thought upon and put to use,
- for better accessibility to repair & service engines, the driver’s cab could be tilted, unlike its competitors whose cabs were fixed types
- the cab offered space for 2 drivers to have bunk-style beds at the back
- a more powerful 12.0 litre engine
- the driver’s seat had better ergonomics that would allow the driver to do longer runs without tiredness

Oil trading firm, Essex Overseas Petroleum's founder, David Thieme was largely instrumemental in sponsoring Colin Chapman's team for two years. He was not only Chapman's best friend, but also ensured that the entire team from Lotus had the best of times during those collaborative years. 

These Volvo F89 transporters used to move men, material and machines to the race venues in 1980 and 1981.