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Volvo 850 T-5R — 1994

The first pre-production car of Volvo’s 1990s icon, the 850 T-5R—and one of only two that were not painted yellow, but instead finished in the color Aubergine Pearl Metallic.

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06 MAJ 10:00
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Lot Number
19126
Location
Växjö

Estimated value
250 - 300 000 SEK
Reserve price:
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Fredrik Nyblad
Inspector
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Robin Gidebrant
Case manager
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"A truly unique car in the truest sense of the word, also in good condition following a body restoration carried out eight years ago."

Description

On April 21, 1994, the first pre-production cars of the 850 T-5R were built—and this car was the very first one produced. Two cars were built that day, both painted in Aubergine Pearl Metallic rather than the Cream Yellow color for which the T-5R later became famous (the other car is also being offered in this auction).

This color was originally proposed for the T-5R by Volvo’s head of exterior and interior colors, Ingvar Malander. In the end, however, yellow was chosen over purple for the production cars, making these two the only T-5Rs ever finished in this shade. The color was later made available on other 850 models.

Although this car is a 1995 model, it was registered by Volvo as a 1994 by assigning an “X” in the chassis number. The chassis number, production date, and color code have all been confirmed by Volvo’s heritage manager in correspondence from 2016. One of the purple cars can be seen in a press image for the T-5R, although it is impossible to determine which of the two it is.

Both purple cars were used by Volvo for purposes such as drivetrain testing, and when they were eventually sold, it was as standard 850 Turbo models. This particular car had not been driven for ten years when the current owner acquired it in 2016. He owns a collection primarily consisting of 850 T-5R models and has extensive knowledge of the model.

The owner carried out a body restoration, after which the car received a full repaint in its original color. At the same time, the interior and emblems were restored to the correct T-5R specification. The work was completed in 2018, and the car has since only been displayed at exhibitions.

The most recent inspection was carried out in 2009. Three keys are included; no service book is available.
Carfax Free history (25)

Technical data

Year
1994/1994
Registration date
1994-05-25
Mileage
291 959 km
Registration Number
FZZ035
Chassis Number
LW5802R2X00032
Kw / hp
166 / 226
Fuel Type
Petrol
Transmission
Manual
Interior finish
Leather
Colour
Aubergine Pearl Metallic

Condition

  • Mechanical condition

    Starts and runs well, with both engine and gearbox functioning properly. No unusual noises from the chassis were noted during a short test drive. The power steering pump produces a whining noise.
    The timing belt was last replaced in 2018 and should therefore be changed again, even though the car has seen very little use since then. A rear ABS sensor needs attention—cleaning it may be sufficient rather than replacing it. This issue currently triggers a fault code displayed in the instrument cluster.
    Not all electrical functions were tested at the time of documentation. The climate control system does not provide cooling. The chassis plate in the engine bay is installed upside down.

  • Interior condition

    A clean and well-presented interior with very fine upholstery. The current owner has fitted the correct leather and Amaretta (suede-like) trim specific to the T-5R model. There is minor wear on part of the passenger-side door panel.
    The light-colored headliner has a few stains, mainly near the cargo area. The loose floor mat on the driver’s side is slightly soiled. The panel on the tailgate is loose due to one or more missing clips.
    There is rust in the spare wheel well—hopefully not advanced enough to require new metal. The latch plate in the cargo area door frame also shows signs of surface rust.

  • Exterior condition

    Glossy and well-finished paintwork following a full body restoration and respray. The plastic details are also in good condition, and since the car has seen very little use since 2015, the front license plate has not been mounted. The wheels are in good condition, though the tires are of an older date.

  • General condition

    A unique car in good condition both in terms of body and drivetrain. To put it back into use, it now requires a service including a timing belt replacement, along with an inspection of the power steering pump, the rear ABS sensor, and the air conditioning system.

MOT (tech. insp.)

Fordonsstatus: Avst 2009-11-30
Ursprungsbesiktning: 1994-05-11 (typbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 1994-05-25
Senast godkända besiktning: 2009-03-09
Besiktigad tom: 2009-09-30
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Ja
Antal ägare: 14

Facts about the model

Looking back, the Volvo 850 is now considered one of the most important models in Volvo’s history. When it was launched in 1991, it completely redefined what a large Volvo could be, with its front-wheel drive layout, transversely mounted engine, and five-cylinder powertrain. The GLT model was already an enjoyable car to drive, and in autumn 1993 it was followed by a more powerful turbocharged version.

Despite this, Volvo needed a marketing boost to reignite sales of the 850 series. The solution was a limited edition model, and it was calculated that 2,500 units would need to be sold for the project to break even. At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1994, the “850 Plus 5” was unveiled—a concept car that “might” go into production.

The car featured an integrated front spoiler, side skirts, a chassis lowered by 22 mm, and 17-inch “Titan” wheels from the accessories range. The interior was trimmed in leather and a suede-like material called Amaretta. With 240 hp, it was Volvo’s most powerful model to date. The increase from 225 hp in the standard turbo model was achieved by allowing higher boost pressure for a limited time via the engine management system. And then there was the color—Créme Yellow—which truly set the model apart.

On April 21, the first two pre-production cars were built, though both were painted in Aubergine Pearl Metallic. This particular estate was the first of those two cars produced that day. Within Volvo, there had been concerns about whether 2,500 units could be sold, as the car cost 100,000 SEK more than a standard 850 Turbo. However, even before production began in October, the order books were full.

As a result, a series of black T-5R models was also produced. By early January 1995, 2,537 yellow and 2,516 black T-5Rs had been sold. Since Volvo had promised that these colors would be limited editions, a third series was introduced in an olive green metallic shade. This version was not officially sold in Sweden, and 1,911 green cars were produced.

Thus, the story of the T-5R came to an end. For the 1996 model year, it was succeeded by the 850 R with 250 hp—a regular production model rather than a limited edition.

Location and viewing Information

Location: Växjö

For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:

Fredrik Nyblad
+46 703187844
fredrik.nyblad@bilwebauctions.se

Pick up

Collection must take place before: 2026-05-20.

NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.

Auction information

General information about the condition of the vehicles .
  • At this auction, many vehicles have been included in car collections and have been stored (mothballed) for a long time. For this reason, they are described from a collector's perspective and may need technical reviews and maintenance service - oil, battery replacement, new tires, brake review, etc. - before they can be used. .
  • During the auction days information about a vehicle may be updated up to the day before the auction ends. When you bid at the end of the auction period - and also if you have made an earlier bid - we therefore ask you to read the descriptions carefully, in case something has been changed due to new information.
Important to know before placing your bids!
  • Once you have called in an item and the reservation price is reached we want you to deposit the entire purchase amount into our client funds account before retrieval can take place.
  • When you need to retrieve a called in object we want you to examine it carefully. If you consider that the item does not match our description you do not need to complete the purchase. In this case the deposited purchase sum and the entry fee are refunded.
  • If you do not examine the item on the spot the call charge will be debited, but you do not have to complete the deal.
  • If you make the entire purchase exclusively at a distance you have 14 days to cancel, but must return the item at your own expense.
  • Your shipping costs and other costs are not reimbursed when the right of withdrawal is exercised. Swedish court applies.
  • For items that have not been collected within 14 days storage costs may be charged.

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