Highlights

Largely factory standard 1995 model in desirable Olive Green metallic
Well kept car that spent much of its life in Japan
Comprehensive service history with recent maintenance
New catalytic converter and hoses replaced in May 2024
Fitted with KW suspension and new engine mounts in 2024
MOT to May 2026

The Appeal

If you look up ‘sleeper’ in the dictionary, it says ‘Volvo 850 T5-R.’ Like certain medieval Spaniards and their questioning ways, nobody expected dowdy Volvo to practically invent the uber dog wagon.

The T5-R was a bit of a punt by Volvo, partly to spice up its homely image. It worked, helped no doubt by the BTCC estate racing car. Where other makers might have been tempted to make the T5-R look as quick as its drivers discovered it was, Volvo went understated. Hence its sleeper status.

This 1995 Olive Green car was first registered in the UK in September 1995, but within a few days, it was in Japan, where it lived until 2008. Repatriated in the same year, it has been here ever since, alighting with the current seller last year. He has invested heavily in the car, building on the extensive work undertaken by previous keepers, which you can check in the history file.

Recent work has included fitting a KW suspension package, new engine mounts, replacing the catalyser, new heater matrix and replacing hoses as required. The car has been recently serviced and the brake fluid changed.

The photographs confirm how well this car presents. There are inevitably a few areas to note, but nothing that seems to stray beyond ‘cosmetic.’ The MOT confirms the structural provenance - it runs to May 2026 with minor advisories.

The T5-R is one of modern classic motoring’s most entertaining and practical cars. This one looks very tempting.

History and Paperwork

First registered in UK on 27th September 1995
Exported to Japan on 2nd October 1995
Reimported and re-registered in the UK between 19th May 2008 and 5th August 2008
UK maintained and MOT'd since 2008
Cambelt changes at 92,000 miles in May 2010 and at 158,000 miles in January 2020
New steering rack and adjustment in January 2021
Full service with engine compression test in July 2023
KW suspension, heater matrix replacement, and engine mounts in September 2023
Hunter alignment in October 2023
Recent full service in May 2024
Catalytic converter, hoses replacement, and brake fluid change at the same time
Factory handbooks and service book
2 keys and fobs
Large history file as shown in photos
Includes handwritten servicing and MOT notes
MOT valid to 2nd May 2026 with advisories to note

The Condition

Factory standard aesthetics inside and out and finished in popular Olive Green metallic
Paintwork presents well in photos with some light marks and points to note
Light scuffs and marks to note in photos
Small areas of some window trims show light deterioration in photos
Front bumper shows light scuffs to offside corner
These areas do not detract from the overall impression
Bodywork also well kept with panel edges, arches and sills in good order
Underside shown in photos and no structural advisories on MOT
We are told that the sunroof and dash drains run freely
Five-spoke black alloy wheels in good order with some light kerbing to note
Matching Pirelli Zeros tyres with plenty of tread
Factory standard and original interior including Volvo sound system
Black leather with suede trim in good general condition as shown
There is a hole in the driver’s bolster and steering wheel suede shows wear
Carpets, door cards, veneers and switchgear present well
Roof lining presents well with vendor reporting that there is no sagging
Factory spare wheel in boot as shown
Specification includes sunroof and electric front seats with memory operation

The Mechanics

2,319cc B5234T5 5cyl turbocharged 250bhp engine
4spd automatic transmission
Recent full service and engine compression test
New catalytic converter and hoses replaced in May 2024
Brake fluid changed in May 2024
KW suspension and new engine mounts installed in September 2023
New steering rack and adjustment in January 2021
Well-maintained car with extensive service and maintenance history as shown
No reported running or driving issues
Advisories to note on current MOT
Recently checked over by vendor’s mechanic with a positive report

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..