1995 Volvo 850 T5R Automatic

Highlights

Well maintained by main dealers and specialists
Cambelt replaced 4,800 miles ago
Recent renovation by previous owner
Very tidy car finished in classic dark green
Largely factory standard ‘sleeper saloon’
MOT to April 2025 with no advisories

The Appeal

With the T5-R safe, sensible, sober Volvo finally let its hair down. With a little input from Porsche the firm entered the ‘90s burgeoning sports saloon fray. The T5-R was good, very good: with 240bhp on tap 60mph arrived in under 6secs from standstill.

More than a few BMW and Audi drivers were startled by Volvo’s boxy hard-charger. Looking at this very smart dark green ‘95 car you can see. It tricks the eye by appearing to be a standard 850, only some choice details providing a giveaway to the initiated.

This effect is enhanced by the comprehensive high end restoration undertaken by the previous keeper. From its anthracite five spoke, across the understated paintwork to the luxury black leather interior, it looks enticing. Largely factory standard, this car firmly belies its 29 years.

It has been maintained throughout its life by Volvo main dealers - to 2008- and then by well regarded independent specialists. The cambelt was changed less than 5,000 miles ago. The seller has kept on top of the maintenance, including refurbishing the turbo, overhauling the brakes and dampers and uprated various hoses. Perhaps it is no surprise that the car has a long MOT to April 2025 with no advisories.

The T5-R is one of the ‘90s most entertaining and bonkers cars. They’re rare to find in this condition, which makes it one not to miss.

History and Paperwork

First registered 31st May 1995
14 registered keepers
Current keeper since 11th September 2020
Full main dealer service history up to 131,419 miles in 2008
Subsequently maintained by independent specialists
Cambelt replaced at 172,000 miles
Restored by previous keeper including full respray
Factory handbooks in good condition
MOT valid to 5th April 2025 with no advisories and 176,756 miles showing on test
Now showing 176,831 miles
Dry garage stored under cover when not in use

Restoration by previous keep:

New suspension
Replacement springs and dampers, mounts, wishbones, bushes and anti roll bars
New a/c compressor and drier
Windscreen replaced
Refurbished seats with new heating elements
Retrimmed steering wheel in leather and Alcantara
Retrimmed arm rest in Alcantara
Refurbished door cards
New exhaust system
Refurbished gearbox
New PCV system
New water pump belt and tensioner

Maintenance by seller since acquiring car in September 2020:

Turbo refurbished
New larger 302mm front brake discs
Replacement front calipers
New ceramic pads
Intake silicon hoses replaced
New plugs HT leads, distributor cap and rotor arm
Replacement Bilstein B4 dampers
New rear calipers and ceramic pads
Replacement front splitter
New front indicator lamps and side repeaters lights

The Condition

Finished in popular dark green metallic paintwork
Resprayed by previous owner and remains in very good order
Recently undersealed to protect underside of car
No structural advisories for underside on current MOT test
Bodywork presents very well with straight, undamaged panels
Largely standard aesthetics with additional front splitter recently fitted
Interior presents well, very clean, and no real wear marks
Cabin refurbished during restoration including seats, wheel and door cards
Common usage areas refurbished so cabin shows little wear
Driver’s seat in good order with only very slight wear to bolster
Factory standard interior with well kept switchgear and veneers
Factory radio/cassette audio system
Carpets in good condition with 850-branded fitted over mats
Spare wheel with factory tools
Refurbished five spoke dark grey alloy wheels in very good condition

The Mechanics

Warbling 2,319 cc 5cyl 237bhp Porsche-tuned engine
T5-R fettled suspension with upgrades by seller detailed above
4spd automatic gearbox with recent oil change
Recent service and cambelt change detailed above
Regularly maintained through its life by main dealers and independent specialists
Extensive renovation of mechanical and running gear detailed above
Vendor reports the 5-cyl engine sounds great and drives with no problems
No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

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