The Volvo 850 T-5R could be considered the original cult car
With its turbo five-cylinder engine, 'Cream Yellow' paintwork and interesting Motorsport legacy, it's easy to see why
We’ve all seen that photo of a Volvo 850 T-5R Touring car mid-flight on two wheels.
If you haven’t, scroll down to the bottom of this page. Its part of the reason why the Volvo 850 T-5R is an icon; and one that impacted society, culture, and motorsport.
Back in the early 1990s, Volvo was considered a conservative and boring brand. Safe, yet bland; Its head office was well aware of this stigma and was compelled to drive change.
Its plan to become cool centred around racing in the British Touring Car championship—the BTCC—with its new 850-series Volvo. As you’ve now seen, Volvo went racing in spectacular fashion and marked the occasion with a limited-edition series of road cars.
The first look at this limited-run road car was at the 1994 Geneva Motor Show, where Volvo debuts its ‘T+5 Concept’ . It was also the first time we saw the brand’s now-iconic ‘Cream Yellow’ hero hue.
Shortly after its debut, the crowd went absolutely wild. The people demanded the product to be produced—in yellow. Volvo got to work, hopped up its five-cylinder turbo, and improved the 850’s chassis and suspension.
It agreed to produce 2400 sedan and 2400 wagons, with the latter blowing out to 4564 wagons exactly. By January 1995, the word had spread globally and the complete limited series of Volvo 850 T-5Rs was sold-out around the world.
Alongside terrorising English race tracks, the Volvo 850 T-5R was also used by the British police force as a Highway patrol vehicle, too.
More importantly however, the Volvo 850 T-5R shifted the perception of Volvo significantly. By now, most car enthusiasts have heard the story of a mighty turbocharged five-cylinder Volvo chasing down crims, or apexes.
The car pictured – 1995 Volvo 850 T-5R
This Volvo 850 T-5R was manufactured in June 1996 and delivered new to Japan.
It is one of 2400 limited-series 850 T-5R sedans ever produced, one of 149 ever delivered new to Japan, and one of 120 finished in ‘Cream Yellow’
It is powered by a 2.3-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine with 176kW / 300Nm. Power is sent through a four-speed automatic and to the front wheels exclusively.
It was delivered new in Japan and had two owners from new. It comes with service records, a Japanese auction sheet, and has been well-cared for by previous keepers. Its suspension has been upgraded during its life, and numerous other upgrades conducted such as new engine mounts and bushings.
Internally, its black trim and dashboard present in above-average condition. Externally, the paintwork is original and still bright.
Quick facts
- 1995 Volvo 850 T-5R
- Limited-edition car
- Five-cylinder turbo
- 116,700km
- Hero ‘Cream Yellow’ paintwork
- One-of-120 ever delivered new to Japan
- Black Alcantara / leather interior
- Four-speed auto
- Factory sunroof
- Power options, climate control
- Two keys
- Two owners from new
- Service history, auction sheet and export certificate available
- Price includes three months NSW registration
- Price includes a NSW roadworthy
- Price includes a vehicle compliance certificate
It attracted a great deal of attention and challenged Volvo's image in a positive way, particularly in the UK. Volvo wanted to demonstrate that it was possible to combine practicality with pleasure!Twenty years since Volvo made its debut in the BTCC with the 850, Apr 25, 2014. Volvo Global media
