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Description
On April 21, the first two pre-production Volvo 850 T-5R cars were built. The first was an estate (also being sold in this auction), and the second was this sedan. Both were painted in Aubergine Pearl Metallic. The color was proposed by Volvo’s head of exterior/interior colors, Ingvar Malander. However, Créme Yellow was ultimately chosen for the initial T-5R models, while the purple shade was instead used on other 850 variants.
The car’s chassis number, color code, and production date were confirmed by Volvo’s heritage manager in an email in 2016. For a long time, the purple cars were unknown, but they can actually be glimpsed in a press image for the T-5R—although it’s impossible to determine which of the two cars appears in the photo.
This car, along with the other purple T-5R, was used by Volvo for drivetrain testing over a couple of years. When they were eventually sold, it was as standard 850 Turbo models.
A previous owner had Autotech Motorsport in Gothenburg rebuild the engine, which now features forged connecting rods and pistons, a different turbo, and an upgraded ECU. The clutch is heavy, the brakes have drilled discs, and the pads are suited for racing.
The paint is original and shows some wear, although the car presents well overall. It was last inspected in 2017, the same year it was purchased by the current owner. He is a major collector of 850 T-5R models and has extensive knowledge of them. He has now decided to sell a total of four cars from his collection in this auction.
The car runs well, but since the timing belt was last replaced in 2017 and it has not been driven since 2018, it will need a thorough check-over and service before being put back into use. One key is included, along with a service book filled in up to 2004.
Free history (35)
Technical data
Condition
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Mechanical condition
Starts and runs well, both engine and gearbox. The car has only been driven on a short test run in connection with the documentation. With its strong engine built by Autotech Motorsport and race-adapted clutch, this is not like driving a standard 850 T-5R. The racing brake pads are also noticeable, as they squeal. Not all electrical functions have been tested, and the air conditioning does not cool.
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Interior condition
That text is already clear and well-written. If you want a slightly more polished, auction-style version, here’s a refined option:
Starts and runs well, with both engine and gearbox in good condition. The car has only been driven on a short test run in connection with the documentation. With its powerful engine built by Autotech Motorsport and race-adapted clutch, this is quite different from driving a standard 850 T-5R. The race-oriented brake pads are also noticeable, as they tend to squeal. Not all electrical functions have been tested, and the air conditioning is not cooling. -
Exterior condition
The car still wears its original purple paint, and the bodywork has, as expected over the years, picked up stone chips, small dents, and minor rust spots—see photos. The damage is limited, however, and the car presents well overall. The wheels have some curb marks, and although the tires have sufficient tread depth, they are older. A previous owner has had the trim along the sides of the body painted, which deviates from the original specification.
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General condition
A car with a unique history that will likely become even more appreciated over time. Although it has minor rust and paint imperfections on the body, it still presents as a very respectable example. To put it back into operation, it requires a service, including a timing belt replacement.
MOT (tech. insp.)
Ursprungsbesiktning: 1994-06-29 (typbes) (Ombes:19960415)
Datum i trafik första gången: 1994-07-05
Senast godkända besiktning: 2018-06-04
Besiktigad tom: 2019-08-31
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Ja
Antal ägare: 12
Facts about the model
The solution was a Limited Edition, and it was calculated that 2,500 cars would need to be sold for Volvo to break even on producing a special version. At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1994, the “850 Plus 5” was unveiled as a concept car that might enter production. It featured an integrated front spoiler, side skirts, a chassis lowered by 22 mm, and 17-inch wheels called Titan from the accessories range. The interior combined leather with an imitation suede known as Amaretta.
With 240 hp, this 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 they were painted in Aubergine Pearl Metallic. After an estate version (also sold in this auction), this sedan was produced. Some within Volvo had been concerned that selling 2,500 T-5R units might be difficult, as they cost 100,000 SEK more than a standard 850 Turbo. However, even before production began in October, the order book was 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-5R cars had been sold. Volvo had promised that the colors would be produced in limited numbers, so a third series of 850 T-5R was introduced in an olive green metallic shade. It was not officially sold in Sweden, and 1,911 green cars were produced.
After that, no more T-5R models were made. For the 1996 model year, the 250 hp 850 R was introduced as a regular production model rather than a limited edition.
Location and viewing Information
For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:
Fredrik Nyblad
+46 703187844
fredrik.nyblad@bilwebauctions.se
Pick up
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.