Highlights

Restored by a previous keeper, including a full respray and mechanical overhaul
Well-kept car in desirable Dark Olive Pearl metallic
Well maintained, including a cambelt replacement approximately 6,000 miles ago
Regularly maintained by main dealers and independent specialists
Largely factory-standard specification, retaining its understated “sleeper” character
Current MOT valid to June 2027 with no advisories

The Appeal

Nobody quite expected the 850 T5-R, but then nobody quite expected the buttoned-up Swedish manufacturer—beloved of antique dealers—to build a surprisingly quick estate car for the mid-90s BTCC races.

The road-going T5-R took that racing DNA and turned it into a brutally capable alternative to the M5 and RS2. Those cars were sporty, but the Volvo was also supremely comfortable—and with just a few cosmetic tweaks over the standard cars, it’s a proper sleeper too.

This Dark Olive Pearl T5-R automatic is one of the nicest we’ve seen in a long while. A lot of that comes down to the extensive investment made by its enthusiast previous keeper. He carried out a “no expense spared” renovation, including a full repaint and a mechanical overhaul. The full list of work is detailed below. It was built on an already well maintained car, with the service book showing a run of work by main dealers and specialists.

The vendor bought the car a couple of years ago. He’s covered very few miles since, which has preserved the condition. That means the car has only covered 6,000 miles since the last cambelt change. The current MOT runs to June 2027 with no advisories and underlines the fact that it’s been well presented.

Hard to find in this condition, this is a T5-R well worth a closer look.

Key Information

Mileage: 177,397 miles indicated
Country of registration: United Kingdom
MOT status: 8th June 2027 with no advisories
Technical specs: 2,319 cc five-cylinder Porsche-tuned petrol, 237bhp, four-speed automatic
Paperwork: Factory handbooks in good condition, 2 keys plus fobs, V5C, car cover

The Detail

Full respray in dark green metallic carried out by a previous keeper
Main dealer service history to 131,419 miles in 2008, then by specialists
Extensive list of mechanical and running gear work detailed below
Cambelt replaced at 172,000 miles, approximately 6,000 miles ago
Recently undersealed to protect the underside
Bodywork presents well with straight, undamaged panels
Interior presents well with minimal wear throughout the cabin
Driver’s seat in good order, with only very slight wear to the bolster
Factory switchgear and veneers in well-kept condition
Factory radio/cassette audio system
Carpets in good condition with 850-branded mats fitted over
Refurbished five-spoke dark grey alloy wheels in very good condition
Spare wheel with factory tools present
Dry garage stored under cover when not in use
The vendor reports the engine sounds healthy and drives well

Restoration by a previous keeper:

New suspension
Replacement springs and dampers, mounts, wishbones, bushes and anti-roll bars
New A/C compressor and drier
Windscreen replaced
Refurbished seats with new heating elements
Retrimmed steering wheel in leather and Alcantara
Retrimmed armrest in Alcantara
Refurbished door cards
New exhaust system
Refurbished gearbox
New PCV system
New water pump belt and tensioner
Maintenance by seller since acquiring the car in September 2020:
Turbo refurbished
New larger 302mm front brake discs
Replacement front calipers
New ceramic pads
Intake silicon hoses replaced
New plugs HT leads, distributor cap and rotor arm
Replacement Bilstein B4 dampers
New rear calipers and ceramic pads
Replacement front splitter
New front indicator lamps and side repeater lights
CTek charger

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 arising from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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✓ 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.

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