Volvo 850 T-5R: The roll in Groningen

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Purchasing classics there

By: René Gruwel - Wilbers Taxaties (www.wilbers-taxaties.nl)

The roll in Grongingen has nothing to do with the consequences of gas extraction there, but everything with a Volvo 850 T-5R in cream yellow. Is the Volvo 850 T-5R the ultimate version of the 850 series?

We found this Volvo 850 T-5R with owner Peter Brak in the smoke of Groningen to provide an appraisal report. It soon became apparent that Peter had been carrying the Volvo virus for a long time. In the yard are a V70 and an 264GLT in very nice and well maintained condition. The white 264 is used every day, says Peter. In his shed, well-covered, there is also very beautiful cream-white Katterug. Clearly a cherished copy. "Not for everyday use," says Peter, perhaps unnecessarily.

Behind the barn in the blazing sun we find the conscious Volvo 850 T-5R. The color is officially Cream Yellow and this version is currently highly sought after. He looks very nice. Original rims, the right spoiler, some dark tinted windows and black frames all around.

The reason for the purchase was Peter's son, who alerted him to this Volvo and was for sale in Germany at that time. In the past, Peter worked at the well-known KLPD and here he gained his first driving experiences with the Volvo 850 T5 and Volvo 850 T-5R. Work for him and for us citizens sometimes highly illegal speeds and maneuvers. At the time he saw these Volvo cars more as a work car than as a young timer and upcoming top model in a Volvo classic series. But in the meantime that has changed. There are plans with this Volvo: a few minor points of interest and improvements are gradually being tackled, not having to drive too many miles a year and especially enjoying it. Once started brand and you hear that this thoroughbred horse needs a moment for itself before it can start.

Under the hood, where it also looks very original and fresh, the horsepower is ready to be released. But for today it stays here.

Imago

In the 1970s and beyond, Volvo, the ever-tough Swede, was seen primarily as a solid means of transport for the older public. Volvo did great business with that. Yet it was decided that the image could be a bit more dynamic. Safety first, modern in line but also sporty in terms of driving characteristics and with front-wheel drive, something that was new to Volvo.

The 850 model was available in both sedan and station versions from 1991 to 1997. More than 1.3 million copies have been rolled off the tire, many of which have stood the test of time with sometimes incredibly high mileage. You may have had a less pleasant encounter with such a Volvo, because the KLPD at that time was a big fan of the 850 in the T-5R version, super-fast and unobtrusive, exactly what they needed.

The 850 was available with various gasoline engines with a capacity of 2.0, 2.3, or 2.5 liters or with a TDI diesel engine from the Audi A6 with a capacity of 2.5 liters. All engines are five-cylinder engines. An All Wheel Drive version with an 2.5 liter gasoline engine was also available. 

Characteristic of the 850 series is the front-wheel drive, its sleek straight design and its special sound; a sort of roll when gas is being given, hence the nickname 'the roll'.

The top model the Volvo 850 T-5R with around the 250 hp is mostly cherished and in good condition. Due to the long service life of a Volvo, many 850 models are still in daily use and therefore have a long and effective life. The prices therefore vary considerably. From € 500 for a heavily used workhorse to € 30.000 for the best preserved top models. If we omit the first category and limit ourselves to the beautiful ones, the prices for these young timers range from € 5.000 for a simple 2.0 to the aforementioned € 27.000 for a documented, original and precise Volvo 850 T-5R. Some European models are offered on the market with an asking price of € 35.000 where cars with extremely low mileage and full history are involved. 

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4 comments

  1. Dear people from AM Klassiek. It would be nice if the editors put up the life-size memorandum in the offices near the coffee machine that a T5-R does not exist. It is a T-5R and no different. Furthermore, thanks for the story.

  2. She is no stranger to rust. Our faithful 'dog car' did not pass the MOT on Friday because of an (almost) renegade rear bumper. Also without turbo, 20v 170 horses, as an automatic transmission a really nice car.

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