Highlights

Believed one of 60 RHD manual gearbox estates sold in UK
Manual cars sold for one year only with 250bhp and LSD
Low mileage for year of under 100,000 miles
Very well kept car in Bright Red with tan interior
Five keepers only with a previous keeper for over 20 years
Highly standard car including original radio and multidisc changer
Large history file supporting low displayed mileage
Current MOT to July 2027 with no advisories

The Appeal

As you can see in the photos of this very tidy Bright Red car, Volvo’s 850R looks almost identical to its more lowly Gothenburg load luggers. But it is, of course, quite different from those doyens of antique dealers. Made famous by TWR’s BTCC racers, the R was the original sleeper estate, a brutally fast wagon with the sort of performance more typical of contemporary supercars.

Perhaps befitting Volvo’s image at the time, most 850Rs were sold as autos. The manual was only available for one year and of the few hundred RHD estate sold worldwide, just 60 or so made it to UK buyers. They were in for a treat because the stick shift version got an extra 15bhp over the auto and was fitted with a LSD to tame the rear end.

This 1997 car is one of them, a very tidy example that, with under 100,000 miles on the clock, is barely run in by Volvo standards. It is highly standard, right down to the factory sound system, and in great order following older bodywork renovations.

The car has had just five keepers in its 29 years, a previous one reportedly for over 20 of those. The large history file supports the mileage. The current MOT underlines the condition - it runs to July 2027 with no advisories.

For enthusiasts of quick wagons, this exceptionally rare 850R has the provenance, condition and recent maintenance to warrant close inspection.

The vendor says:

“A fantastic opportunity to acquire Volvo’s legendary and fast appreciating performance wagon with the desirable and rare manual transmission.”

Key Information

Mileage: 98,000 miles
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 12th July 2027 with no advisories
Technical specs: 2,319cc 250bhp turbocharged 5cyl petrol, 5spd manual, LSD
Paperwork: considerable history file, V5C, 1 key, 2 fobs, handbooks, service book

Service history:

03/06 - 79,781 miles - Ian Cattanach Car Sales
08/05 - 79,274 miles - Ian Cattanach
06/03 - 64,811 miles - not known
06/02 - 58,381 miles - Denmore Garage
02/01 - 50,850 miles - Arnold Clark
03/00 - 41,193 miles - Harper Motor Company
06/99 - 31,139 miles - Arnold Clark
10/98 - 19,736 miles - Arnold Clark
02/98 - 9,095 miles - Arnold Clark
03/97 - 8 miles (PDI) - Arnold Clark

Notable recent maintenance:

08/22 - lower arms, front and rear brake pads
08/17 - bodywork repairs
07/17 - timing belt at 93,870 miles

The Detail

Well kept Bright Red paintwork in good overall condition as shown
Some light age to note to paintwork detailed below
Paintwork rectified in 2017 as shown in photos
Factory standard car with seven spoke alloys in good condition
No structural advisories on MOT
Tan leather and suede interior in fair condition for age and mileage
Interior could be improved with attention to leather trim as detailed below
Factory standard cabin with Volvo stereo and CD changer
Clean light tan carpets and boot area as shown with boot mat included
UK-market car with four former registered keepers
Glass sunroof, heated seats, cruise control, and built-in rear child seat
850-branded floor mats present
Factory tools included
No advisories on MOT

Vendor advises the following points to note:

A few paint imperfections
One or two areas of the dash has warped
Some of the leather would benefit from re-conditioning
Air-conditioning may need re-gassing
Driver side door card a little tatty
Underside could be improved with wire brush and some protection

BEFORE YOU BUY

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