Highlights

• An original and unmolested example of the ultimate 1990’s sports estate
• A UK supplied car with great service history and just two owners from new
• Sensible original mileage equating to a little over 3,500 miles a year on average

The Appeal

This example of the 850 T5 Turbo is a delightfully original car with a host of valuable extras and boasting just two owners and a sensible original mileage. Examples of this level of originality and with such clean provenance are becoming very hard to find.

The History and Paperwork

• This example was supplied new by Fishers Volvo in Sussex in February 1994
• The first owner retained the car right up to 2014
• During her tenure she covered around 95,000 miles
• The current owner then acquired the car in September 2014
• Since then, the current owner has added around a further 10,000 miles
• There is a good level of interesting paperwork included with the car
• This includes the V5 registration document in the name of the owner
• The original Volvo book pack, service binder and suede folder are present
• The service binder documents no less than 23 services in total
• These are from a mix of Volvo dealers and independent specialists
• The services cover mileages from 2,992 to 99,850 miles
• The current MOT is valid until November 2023
• For a car of this age, this represents a very desirable and straightforward provenance
  
  

The Interior

• Immediately on opening the door we can see the first owner specified key options
• The full leather upholstery in black was an option on the 850 T5 Turbo
• So was the burr walnut dashboard finish and the automatic transmission
• The condition of the front seats is excellent for the age of the car
• There is a little wear in evidence to the driver’s seat bolster 
• Otherwise, the seats just exhibit some charming age-related patina
• The front seats are electrically heated for additional comfort
• The rear bench is in a great condition with no faults noted
• In the centre of the bench, the original integrated child seat is present
• The dashboard looks great in its optional burr walnut trim
• The instrument binnacle features a set of white on black gauges
• This includes the trademark turbo boost gauge
• These sit behind the original four spoke, Volvo steering wheel
• The centre console houses the air conditioning and heater controls
• The original, double DIN Volvo radio cassette head unit is also present
• Door cards, headlining and carpets all look to be in a fine, original condition
• The carpets have been protected with a full set of carpet mats
• The huge boot is fully carpeted in the original grey cabin carpet
• The floor is protected with a fitted, heavy duty rubber Volvo boot liner
• Under the floor there is a full-sized spare wheel and the requisite tools
• An original looking Volvo dog / luggage guard is fitted
  
  

The Exterior

• This example is presented in original looking Black Sapphire Metallic (452)
• The condition of the paintwork looks good overall given its age and originality
• A good depth of shine is present on all panels
• Inevitably, for a 29-year-old car there are a few scratches and chips evident
• There are also some parking scrapes noted to the front bumper ends
• The black sections of plastic trim have faded but could be easily restored
• The key 850 T5 exterior refinements are all present and correct
• These include the electric glass sunroof and headlamp wash / wipe system
• The T5 rear roof spoiler and iconic five-spoke alloys wheels are original optional extras from the T5R
• The 17-inch, open spoke alloys were exclusive to the T5 models
• These are finished in an anthracite shade and are in a good, original condition
• There is some minor kerb rash in evidence, but it is only visible on close inspection
•  The wheels are shod with a matching set of 205/45 tyres
• The cabin glass and light lenses appear original and in good order
  
  

The Mechanics

• The 850 T5 is fitted with the B5234F, 20 valve, turbocharged, 5-cylinder engine
• Originally this was rated at a healthy 225bhp at 5,200 rpm
• In this case, that power is fed to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission
• Volvo originally claimed a sub 8 second 0-60 time and a top speed of over 140 mph
• As is evidenced by the service folder, this example has been diligently maintained
• The under-bonnet presentation is as highly original as the rest of the car
• It could be further improved with a deep clean and detailing, however
• The underside of the car looks age appropriate with no areas of concern noted
• The current owner attests to the everything working on the car
• He also comments that it is highly practical whilst being exciting to drive

Summary