Up until the 850 T5 appeared in 1993, the idea of a performance Volvo was considered nonsensical.
The company had a reputation for building boxy but good saloon and estate cars that were wonderfully over-engineered and strong, but hardly a paragon in dynamics or performance, even if some of the turbocharged examples were rapid in a straight line.
The T5 would change all that. It was developed in tandem with British racing car engineering form Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), which had enjoyed both endurance car and touring car track success with Jaguar and had been chosen by the Swedish firm to spearhead its new British Touring Car Championship campaign. This would also be used as a significant marketing exercise for the new Volvos as the company tried its best to shake off its staid and boring image by blowing Audi A4s and BMW E36s into the weeds on race weekends, a strategy that worked wonderfully well.
After all, the 850 T5 was a revelation. With 222bhp available from its five-pot turbo engine, the voluptuous Volvo could crack 0-60mph in just seven seconds, while the BTCC campaign (led by estate models, of course) would drive home the message that this was no antique dealer’s special, but a properly honed sports saloon (or wagon).
Performance car enthusiasts quickly caught on, including most British police forces who realised that the T5 was both a weapon, and also a practical car with real go, both on the straights and through the bends (thanks, TWR…), making it one of the performance legends of the 1990s.
The vendor of the Volvo 850 is a car collector who has owned some really rare and exotic cars at the same time as he's had the T5, yet the Volvo has been one of the favourites in his collection thanks to its performance, quality and all round dependability, as well as its usability.
He acquired it a couple years ago because he'd “always fancied one”, and he's really enjoyed owning it. However, he now has another car for daily duties and the Volvo is surplus to requirements, so is being offered here with no reserve.
Previously, the Volvo has had a handful of owners who appear to have looked after and maintained it through all of its 178,000 miles.
Included with the Volvo are a full UK V5C and an MOT valid until May 2022. It also has its original service book, handbook and a selection of leaflets and manuals, along with a few historic bills and service receipts.
The Volvo is finished in its original Regency Red Pearlescent paint and presents very smartly indeed, though it is not without its minor imperfections. There are a few scuffs and scrapes to the bodywork on its extremities and there are also traces of corrosion forming beneath the paint on the leading edge of the driver’s side front wing.
There's also a scratch on one back door and a few traces of lacquer damage, but for a 27-year old car that has never been repainted, it's in remarkable condition overall and has never had any MOT advisories for rust or corrosion.
All of the trim is present and correct and is largely undamaged, whilst the alloy wheels are in good condition and are equipped with decent tyres.
The tan-coloured leather goes really nicely with the dark red exterior and wears its miles well, although there is some wear to the driver side seat bolster as can be expected of the mileage.
The front and rear of the cabin are in smart and presentable order, but there are a few signs of wear on the driver’s door card, steering wheel, pedal rubbers and areas of the centre console that are commensurate with the age and mileage of the Volvo and certainly don't detract from it in any major way. It's smart and well presented, and would respond brilliantly to a full valet and detailing session.
It’s the 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged T5 engine that really sets this car apart and it both runs well and sounds terrific, with a distinctive five-cylinder burbling idle and breath-taking performance.
Even with the optional automatic transmission fitted to this one, it delivers a notable shove in the back when you plant the throttle, while the induction noise from the turbo itself is addictive.
We were able to drive the car a short distance and can confirm that it runs really well, with no clicks or rattles from the suspension, strong brakes and a fully operational auto box. It holds a steady temperature and doesn’t smoke excessively, while all of the controls seem to work as they should.
Offered for sale with no reserve, this Volvo 850 T5 has the potential to be a veritable performance car bargain. It's one of the real icons of the 1990s, a fast, stylish and beautifully made car with blistering performance, allied to refined cruising ability.
There aren't many smart and original unmodified T5s around these days, and this one is in the best colour and has never been messed around with. It's not perfect, but it is a very good example. It has clearly been well looked after throughout its life. It would make for an excellent modern classic daily driver, or even something unusual to invest in for the future.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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NO RESERVE! - 1994 Volvo 850 T5 SE
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