*** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT D insurance loss in 09/2009 ***
Highlights
- One of only 240 manual T-5R models produced for the UK market
- Very original car in Classic Cream Yellow
- Sympathetic upgrades by specialist Shemtek Automotive
- MOT to November 2025 with no advisories
- Displayed at Goodwood and Brands Hatch BTCC events
- Very usable enthusiast-owned classic saloon
The Appeal
Enter a Volvo showroom in 1995 and you’d be hard pressed to realise that things for the robust Swedish motoring concern had fundamentally changed. The firm’s new T5-R looked a lot like a regular 850. But it wasn’t.
As BTCC fans would quickly discover whilst watching a boxy Volvo estate circumnavigate Brands, Thruxton and other UK circuits, the T5-R was anything but a regular Volvo. 250bhp, front wheel drive and warbling turbocharged 5-pot soundtrack all made this a proper sports saloon and unlike any other Volvo.
This Cream Yellow saloon was bought by the current seller to recall that classic era because his grandfather used to have one. It has the desirable manual box and has been thoroughly enjoyed. It arrives with us in great condition. This is a usable car rather than show queen, but there is scope to take it there if you wish.
The car has received a long list of modifications by specialist Shemtek Automotive, all of which enhance the performance and drivability. It comes to market with recent service and a lengthy MOT with no advisories.
The vendor says:
“To describe the GUL i would say it has been a pleasure. I have never owned a car like the gul that has put a smile on my face that much the day I bought it. Driving it home through the town centre, seeing the reflection in the shop windows and saying that’s my car! It has been a blast to own and is definitely going to be sad to see it go. As mentioned it is a dream to drive. The koni shocks and Eibach springs give it a complete different feeling on the corners. You actually feel connected to the road. And that catback is enough to emphasise that 5 cylinder burble without annoying the neighbours or giving you a headache. With that K&N panel filter you can certainly hear that throaty 5 cylinder.
“Now the question is, what do i love most about the GUL? And that would be the retro feel/style. Being in the 21st century with both a tape deck and multi disc CD changer feels so cool! And that yellow colour! Definitely a marmite colour for sure but I think it’s the best colour available on the T-5R. The nickname for it from myself and my friends is the custard slice. Trust me when I say this but I hope the new owner can talk for hours without getting bored as this car is definitely a conversation starter!”
History and Paperwork
- First registered 16th August 1995
- Acquired by current keeper in 2022
- MOT valid until 1st November 2025 with no advisories
- Previously recorded as a Category D (now Category N) in 2009
- Paperwork includes invoices from Volvo for service items and replacement trim
- Service carried out in May 2025
- This included spark plugs, oil change, coolant, and K&N air filter maintenance
- Displayed at Volvo600 event in Yorkshire,
- Also featured at Goodwood, and Brands Hatch for super touring and BTCC events
- Stored in workshop with trickle charger when not in use
- No service book but vendor advises car has been regularly serviced
The Condition
- Classic Cream Yellow paintwork in good condition for age and mileage
- Paintwork shows some fade to panels as is typical of this shade
- Some bubbling under the paint, cracking/chips, and areas of faded paint
- Bodywork is straight and generally tidy for age of car
- Underside is structurally solid with areas of surface rust
- No structural advisories on current MOT
- Five spoke anodised gret factory alloys in generally good condition
- Front nearside wheel shows some kerbing
- Interior features original suede accents, walnut gear knob/trim and leather seating
- Headliner has started to drop at the front with evidence of previous repair attempt
- Gear knob has a crack on the top
- Armrest wobbles in lifted position due to a broken plastic hinge
- All instruments and switchgear function correctly including the sunroof
- Driver's side mirror moves up/down but not left/right (can be adjusted manually)
- Factory features include built-in baby seat in the rear armrest
- Original 6-disc CD changer in the boot remains functional
- Electric and heated front seats
- 850 over mats fitted
The Mechanics
- 2.3-litre turbocharged B5234T5 250bhp engine
- Desirable 5-speed manual transmission
- Engine modified with numerous performance upgrades by specialist
- List of upgrades below
- All upgrades fitted by Volvo specialist Shemtek Automotive
- Power steering pump is noisy but doesn't leak and steering feel remains consistent
- No reported running or driving issues except as noted
- Recent service in May with list of work detailed above
- No advisories on current MOT
Modifications advised by seller:
- Snabb short throw shifter kit
- Snabb intake pipe
- K&N air filter for OEM airbox
- Japanifold
- D088 radiator
- D088 intercooler
- D088 RIP kit
- 18T turbo
- 850R "White" Injectors
- 850R clutch
- Jetex Catback
- Aluminium subframe mounts
- M4.4 Ecu conversion
- 302mm brake upgrade
- Eibach lowering springs
- Koni Shocks
- Poly gearbox mount
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..
