Volvo’s decision to enter an estate into the 1994 British Touring Car Championship remains one of the great pieces of motorsport theatre. However, the road-going version that followed was no novelty act.
The Volvo 850 T-5R was a genuinely rapid performance car, capable of troubling the established German sports saloons while retaining a familiar air of sensible Swedish solidity.
The 1995 Volvo 850 T-5R saloon pictured here will be offered by Iconic Auctioneers at its Classic Sale, which takes place at CarFest, Silverstone on 29-30 August. Estimated to sell for between £15,000 and £18,000, it has undergone a thorough mechanical and cosmetic restoration.
Volvo’s sensible super saloon
Developed from the already brisk 850 T-5, the T-5R was co-developed by Porsche. Its turbocharged 2.3-litre five-cylinder engine delivered 240hp to the front wheels, with this example using Volvo’s four-speed automatic transmission.
Contemporary road tests recorded 0-60mph in around seven seconds – pretty swift by mid-1990s standards – while the 20-valve engine supplied a distinctive soundtrack that later became closely associated with Volvo’s quickest cars.
A genuine Q-car, the T-5R could carry five adults in comfort, boasting the durability – and some might say the styling – of a concrete block. Subtle spoilers, lowered suspension and 17-inch ‘Titan’ alloy wheels added purpose without making it appear overly aggressive.
Less than 7,000 examples of the T-5R were produced before it was replaced by the closely related 850 R in 1996. Dark Olive Pearl, as seen here, was the final and rarest of the model’s three principal paint colours.
Restored for regular use
This car has received a full respray in its original colour, together with a refurbished interior and protective treatment beneath. Its mechanical overhaul has included springs, dampers, wishbones, bushes and anti-roll bars, plus the exhaust, water pump, cambelt and air-conditioning system.
The turbocharger and automatic gearbox have also been refurbished. Bilstein B4 dampers, silicone intake hoses and larger 302mm front brakes are among the sympathetic upgrades, while replacement lights and a new front splitter have refreshed its appearance.
An odometer reading of 178,000 miles means the Volvo’s next owner needn’t worry about taking the long route home. Its main dealer service record runs to 131,419 miles, after which maintenance passed to independent Volvo specialists.
Factory handbooks and a large history file accompany the car, along with a current MOT that is free from advisories.
The 850 T-5R is no longer simply an understated family express; it’s now a recognised modern classic. This restored example is a reminder that Volvo’s square-edged saloon could be just as alluring as the more famous estate.
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