Highlights
- Rare T5-R specification in iconic Cream Yellow
- Japanese import, reported to be exceedingly solid
- Recently fitted cam belt, front brakes and front tyres
- MOT valid until 26th January 2027
- Copy of original Japanese export certificate included
The Appeal
Made globally famous by its legendary exploits in touring car competition, the Volvo 850 T5-R is one of the most celebrated fast estates of the 1990s. With its turbocharged five-cylinder engine producing 240 bhp and its unmistakable Cream Yellow livery, the T5-R was a limited-production machine that combined Scandinavian understatement with genuine pace. Today, these cars enjoy a devoted and growing following, and good examples are increasingly sought after.
This particular T5-R was imported from Japan in late 2024 by the current owner and is now fully registered on UK plates. Japanese-sourced examples are prized for their preservation, and this one is no exception; the underlying structure is reported to be in excellent health despite the paintwork having dulled over time. Some mechanical attention is needed to the rear brakes and tyres, and there are a handful of minor items to attend to, but this Cream Yellow T5-R represents a compelling opportunity to acquire one of the 1990s' most characterful performance cars.
Key Information
- Mileage: 124,000 km displayed (odometer inoperative; original Japanese export certificate records 119,000 km in 2012; estimated actual circa 130,000 km)
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 26th January 2027 with one advisory for tyre age
- Technical specs: 2.3-litre five-cylinder turbo petrol, four-speed automatic
- Paperwork: Copy of original Japanese export certificate included, two keys, invoices accrued since arrival viewable in the gallery
The Detail
- Imported from Japan in November 2024 and now fully registered on UK plates
- New cam belt recently fitted as part of a service
- New front brakes and front tyres fitted
- Rear brakes require attention: rear discs are pitted, and the nearside rear brake is binding slightly
- Rear tyres also require replacement
- The vendor reports the car starts and runs well, though the starter motor occasionally sticks briefly, believed to be due to lack of use
- All panels are reported to be straight and rust-free
- Paintwork has dulled to some extent and would ideally benefit from a full respray, according to the vendor
- The vendor describes the interior and seats as being in very good condition for the car's age, with minor age-related wear
- The vendor states the original wheels are in very good condition
- The offside rear door handle is slightly sticky
- Steering rack housing is slightly damp with a possible small leak from pipes
- The odometer is inoperative and stuck at 124,000 km; the speedometer reportedly functions correctly
- Reported to be clean and solid underneath
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.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
