Volvo 850 T-5R Estate

About this Collectable

The Volvo 850 T-5R is one of the most iconic Volvos of the last decades. This example is the the Estate in the right colour (Cream Yellow). The car was extensively serviced by a Volvo specialist last month and is in good condition.

The striking 850 T-5R was a bold move for Volvo in 1995, but it worked. The original plan was to build the car in a limited edition of 2,500 units, but eventually 6,964 units where build. Which still makes it quite a rare car.

The T-5R was based on the T-5, which was already quite powerful with its 225 hp five-cylinder. However, thanks to a modified ECU and a larger Garrett turbo, the T-5R managed to squeeze out 240 horsepower. This made it the most powerful car that Volvo had produced at the time.

The aerodynamics also work in favor of the T-5R: the 850 Estate has a drag coefficient of just 0.29. This results in a rather quick stationwagon. The T-5R does 0-100 kmh in 7,6 seconds and has a top speed of 235 kmh. Not bad for a station wagon from 1995. Meanwhile, you have all the space and equipment you need.

The 850 also lives up to its name in terms of safety. It was the first production car to feature side airbags as part of the patented Side Impact Protection System. Of course, you're not buying a Collectable because it's such a safe car, but it's still a nice bonus.

For the development of the T-5R, the help of an external party was called upon and not just any party: Porsche. A year earlier, Porsche had developed the RS2 together with Audi. The Germans use their expertise to bring the engine and suspension of the 850 to the desired level. The interior was also co-designed by Porsche. The interior of the T-5R differs from regular 850's with a combination of alcantara, leather and wood inlays.

Unlike the T-5, the T-5R can hardly be called a sleeper. The Cream Yellow colour makes sure it stands out. Thanks to this legendary colour, the car can be recognized at a glance. The roof spoiler, front spoiler, side skirts and five-spoke wheels further add to the iconic looks.

This specific example was originally delivered in Germany, but has been in The Netherlands since 2002. Volvo 850 specialist Jan Roest in Amsterdam imported the car at the time and initially took care of the maintenance as well. The exact mileage is not known (see 'Recent maintenance history' for more information), but it is estimated at about 350.000 kilometers. Technically the 850 is in a neat condition. The car was completely checked last month by Volvo specialist Roelfsema and everything that needed to be replaced or repaired has been taken care of. The car has also recently been fitted with fresh Michelin tires. The car is therefore completely ready for the next owner.

Equipment

This Volvo is factory equipped with, among other things:

• Upholstery in leather/alcantara
• Wood finish
• Air conditioning
• Electricaly adjustable seats
• Heated seats
• Cruise control
• Sliding / tilting roof

Modifications

The car had a respray in recent years. Otherwise, the car is completely original.

Remarks

The car is in good condition, taking the mileage into account. There are some cosmetic points of interest (captured on the photos):

• The Cream Yellow changes to 'Faded Yellow' on many T5-Rs. This has been resprayed, but could have been done better in some places (see photos - mist in a few places on the rubbers). 
• Small damage on the lower lip of the left front bumper

Recent maintenance history

The car was fully checked last month and addressed where necessary by Volvo specialist Roelfsema. See the invoices for full details.

• April 28, 2021 - Volvo specialist Auto Roelfsema: extensive service for € 1.835,10 (car fully checked, radiator and condenser replaced, among other things)
• April 12, 2021 - Volvo specialist Roelfsema: rims painted (€605.00)

The car was also fitted with new Michelin tires in March.

From 23-03-2017 to 15-06-2020 the car was owned by a car company and during that time the car has been completely resprayed. In addition, the defective odometer was replaced, which was stuck at 304.416 km (as can be seen on the NAP report). Given the condition of the interior and based on the progress of the previous mileage, the Volvo specialist estimates the current mileage at around 350.000 km. The newly mounted odometer is now at 4.427 km.

Included with sale

• Original third row childseat 

Summary

Seller - Stephan
Seller type - Business
Location - The Netherlands
VIN - YV1LW5806S2140648
Year of production - 1995
Mileage - Estimated at 350.000 km*
NAP - No, imported from Germany
Warranty - No
Body type - Stationwagen
Engine - 2,3 liter five cylinder turbo with 240 hp
Lay-out - Front wheel drive
Transmission - Four speed automatic transmission
Exterior colour - Cream Yellow
Interior colour - Black
Upholstery- Leather/alacantara
Smoker's car - Not smellable, cigarette lighter appear unused
Owners - Exact number uncertain, likely 6
Tires - Michelin Primacy 4 - new