1995 Volvo 850 T5-R – Classified of the Week

You should know by now that we’re partial to an estate car, a wagon, a shooting brake if you will. We also like Volvos. So a Volvo estate, to us at least, is like a wink and a smile, bread and butter, or peanut butter and jam if you’re American. Or is it jelly? Whatever the case, all idioms aside the only way to make a long Volvo better is by fitting an absolute peach of an engine and then turning everything up to 11. Enter the 850 T5-R.

Back in the early ’90s Volvo wasn’t exactly renowned for performance. Safety? Absolutely. Going fast – not so much. That all changed in ’95 though when Volvo took its new 850 Turbo and cranked up the boost pressure. That extra 2psi, combined with a new fandangled ECU gave the 2.3-litre, straight-five engine an extra 18bhp, pushing the overall power output to around 240bhp. Rejoice!

Intended as a limited release the T5-R was available in both saloon and estate forms and quickly gained notoriety as a true sleeper. The car didn’t get all shouty about it’s sub 7 second 0-60 performance credentials, oh no. What we have here is subtlety 101 and the T5-R went straight to the top of the class. The only hint as to any speedy shenanigans was the addition of a front bumper-cum-air dam, rear spoiler and side skirts, along with some snazzy five-spoke alloys. None other than performance legends Porsche got involved too, breathing on the suspension and interior, and as far as endorsements go you can do a lot worse. So successful was the 850 T5-R (helped immensely by those British Touring Car Championship cars) that Volvo extended its production run into ’96, ultimately segueing into the equally awesome 850R.

The car we have here, then, is a 1995 Volvo 850 T5-R in Olive Green Metallic paint. One of only a shade under 2,000 that were ever made in that colour and an even more understated package than the slightly more commonplace Cream Yellow cars. It’s a low miler too, at least in Volvo terms. With less than 99,000 miles on the clock the B5234T5 engine is only just bedded in. Not only that but the car comes with a full service history and a fresh, advisory-free MOT. We all know these big Swedes are reliable and the proof is definitely in the Kladdkaka here. It is clear from the photos that the car has been meticulously maintained and aside from some faded bumpers and the odd nick here and there it looks to be in excellent condition throughout.

Various parts have been replaced, including new brake pads and rear calipers as well as new front tie rods. Unlike the B230 engines found in the likes of the 940 the five-cylinder in the T5-R is an interference motor so timing belt health is imperative and 2013 saw the installation of a fresh belt kit along with pulleys, damper and water pump. The standard turbo hoses have also been upgraded to silicone items. The PCV diaphragm has been replaced by a previous owner which is a known issue with these cars whereby the system becomes blocked causing excessive crankcase pressure.

The leather and Alcantara interior presents equally well and that famous Volvo load space looks clean and tidy. The car is fitted with a four-speed automatic gearbox rather than the five-speed manual but regardless of transmission the 850 T5-R remains a truly exciting drive whilst still retaining all of the characteristics that make these cars so safe and reliable. Prices are rising too so this is your opportunity to pick up a well-maintained, low mileage grocery getter with gobs of grunt. One of the Q car greats.

If you miss out on this one, here’s where to find a Volvo 850 for sale.