The last article here at Bilweb Auctions was about the concept of Youngtimer.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of one of the Volvo models that fall under the concept: the 850 T-5R.
This brilliant yellow success paved the way for a series of R models from Volvo, all of which can be considered collector's vehicles today.
It was at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1994 that Volvo unveiled the concept "850 plus 5". The model program already included the 850 Turbo, but this was something else. The inline-five delivered 240 horsepower and 330 Nm, and the power was accentuated by a wing on the tailgate, a deeper front spoiler, and 17-inch rims with five broad spokes in graphite gray.
"Cream Yellow" was the name of the intense yellow color that would later characterize the entire model - despite other colors being available. Volvo declared that 2,500 cars would be produced if there was interest among customers.
And there was.
In 1995, production of the T-5R began, both as a sedan and estate. Volvo had realized the (yellow) gold they were on to and raised the production target to 5,000 - which ultimately became 6,964 units. And the slightly less extroverted customers could choose to buy the car in black and metallic green.
The successor was already presented in the fall of the same year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The name was streamlined to the simpler 850 R, the power was increased to 250 horses, and the signature color was red.
Volvo's R train rolled on.
In 1997, the Volvo 850 became the V70 and S70, but the R versions continued. Volvo had realized that spectacular colors were part of the success concept, Saffron and Ocean Blue, both pearl colors, were the hues that would make people notice that it was indeed an R passing by.
The V70 R estate was now available with all-wheel drive, AWD.
The last R-chord began in 2003, after a hiatus of a few years. A new generation of V70 and S60 had hit the market, and R versions with a high level of technological content were launched.
Both the estate and sedan were all-wheel drive and equipped with what at the time was the world's most advanced active chassis - Four-C. The proven turbo five was now up to 300 horsepower, and the 0-100 sprint in the S60 R was done in 5.7 seconds.
And the color? An intensely mint green called Flash Green - but it is not thought to have anything to do with racing driver Jan "Flash" Nilsson.
In 2007, the last R cars rolled off the production line, and an exciting chapter in Volvo's model history was closed after 13 years.
So, where do Volvo's R cars stand in today's classic car market? Bilweb Auctions has sold 17 Rs over the past 7 years. The majority are T-5Rs, and the highest price, 315,000 SEK, was paid for an estate that was completely renovated by the magazine Bilsport.
At the German super fair Techno Classica in Essen at the beginning of April, a yellow estate was for sale for 59,800 euros, about 750,000 SEK. Whether it was sold, however, is unknown.
The top price for an 850 R at Bilweb Auctions so far is 215,000 SEK for an estate from 1996. The most unusual R variant, an S70 R from 1997, produced in only 533 copies, went for 138,000 SEK.
Here's what Michael Luft, appraiser at Bilweb Auctions, thinks about the price development for the R models:
- My assessment is that the prices for well-maintained examples will double within 2-3 years. The R cars' performance, sporty appearance, and high quality are making more and more car enthusiasts take notice of these models.
- This is because the interest in Volvo is great internationally, so take the opportunity to find a nice example now while they are still reasonably priced.
