1996 Volvo 850 R Manual

Highlights

• Manual gearbox

• Extensive service history and fresh MOT

• Tuned to 298 bhp 

• Current owner for over 25 years 

• Cambelt changed

Overview

Standard-issue Volvo 850 R commentary usually involves notes on the transportation of antique furniture at speed, and other such amusements. But the 850 R we see here isn’t a standard-issue estate. Instead, it’s something even more intriguing: a four-door saloon. Gone is the large box-shaped rear end, being replaced by a bootlid adorned with a colour-matched rear spoiler. 

So not being unable to deploy our favourite references to antique dealers in a hurry, we’re left looking at the 850 R afresh. It is not to be confused with the earlier T5-R, which followed the T5. With each new release came an increase in horsepower — from 225 bhp in the original T5, to 240 in the T5-R, then finally 250 bhp when the R was announced.

But the example we see here goes even further: the car’s long-term owner purchased it way back in the year 2000, and decided to have the ECU professionally remapped by RICA to boost the power output to a hearty 298 bhp. This, when combined with its factory-fitted limited-slip diff and 20mm lower than standard ride height, makes this 850 an extremely capable car.

There is a thick pile of paperwork to accompany this Volvo, detailing its extensive service history. Servicing invoices go as far back as 2003, and there are plenty of paper copies of MOT certificates. It has clearly been well cared for and has enjoyed clocking up the miles. And given Volvo’s reputation for creating cars capable of enormous mileages — 3.25 million miles being the current record — you’ve got a fair way to go in this 850 yet. 

History and documentation

• Registered 13 Aug 1996

• One of only about 500 imported into the UK

• Volvo digital service records show services as follows: Oct 1997 @ 10,360 miles, Jan 1999 @ 20,020 miles, Jan 2000 @ 29,272 miles, Apr 2001 @ 40,102 miles, Aug 2001 @ 50,208 miles, Mar 2003 @ 60,256 miles, Mar 2004 @ 80,693 miles, Apr 2005 @ 90,093 miles, Jul 2006 @ 101,817 miles, Jun 2009 @ 110,949 miles

• Service invoices with services as follows (first few overlap with the digital record): Mar 2003 @ 60,256 miles, Apr 2005 @ 91,093 miles, Jul 2006 @ 101,817 miles, Aug 2010 @ 113,646 miles, Feb 2011 @ 114,844 miles, Dec 2011 @ 119,534 miles, Nov 2012 @ 130,605 miles, Apr 2013 @ 134,434, Mar 2014 @ 139,200 miles, May 2015 @ 141,507 miles, Jun 2016 @ 149,336 miles, Aug 2017 @ 159,075 miles, Feb 2018 @ 162,077 miles, Jun 2019 @ 170,357 miles, Sep 2021 @ 174,407 miles, Jul 2024 @ 175,951 miles

• Original owner’s manual 

• Extensive collection of invoices and old MOT certificates

• Copy of the original press release

• Two keys with remote locking fobs

• MOT with no advisories valid to 25 Jul 2026

• V5 present in owner’s name

• HPI clear

• Current registered keeper since Jan 2000

• The seller tells us that they have always kept the car garaged and in secure storage during the winter 

• Only two former keepers

Interior

• Extremely original interior 

• The leather and Alcantara upholstery is very good, with no tears or damage 

• Deeply bolstered front seats provide excellent support

• Volvo seats are famously comfortable 

• There is some creasing to the driver’s seat bolsters

• Original grey carpets with fitted footwell mats

• Electric seat adjusters with three-position memory functions

• Heated seats

• The only damage that we could see was the stitching has come apart on the gear knob 

• The Alcantara and leather trim continues onto the door cards

• Leather-trimmed steering wheel

• Cruise control

• Dual-zone climate control

• Walnut veneered trim on the dashboard and centre console 

• The passenger side of the dash board has curled up above the glove box over the years but there is a spare undamaged one included

• Analogue instruments, including turbo boost gauge 

• Original Volvo premium sound system

• Stereo/cassette player with 6-CD changer in the boot

• Original Nokia carphone, with handsfree connection

• Rear seating for three passengers

• The rear centre armrest folds out into a child seat 

• Headlining clean and tidy

• Sliding sunroof is electrically operated from the dashboard

• Electric windows all round 

• Spacious, fully carpeted boot to the rear 

• There is a spare full set of carpets which the seller uses when taking the car to shows

• Full size spare wheel stowed under the boot floor 

Exterior

• Unmistakable rectilinear Volvo styling 

• Finished in a fabulous shade of red paint called 'Racing Red'

• The bodywork looks very well preserved, with no corrosion or damage that we could see

• There are a few small chips and scratches to the paint

• The paintwork retains a deep colour and shine 

• Some scuffs to the lower edge of the front spoiler 

• The panel gaps look good 

• Factory fitted rear spoiler 

• Some paint flaking on the roof gutter seals and window rubbers

• 17-inch, seven-spoke alloy wheels

• Matching Avon tyres all round including the spare

• The alloy wheels were repaired and powder coated in Jul 2016

• Selection of spare front grille trims and a pair of headlight covers 

• The headlight lenses look good, and feature their own wash/wiper system

• Heated rear windscreen

• The underside of the car looks very tidy

• Polished exhaust tip

• Westphalia removable towbar

• Heated and electrically adjustable wing mirrors 

Mechanical

• 2,319 cc five-cylinder, 20-valve engine

• The seller tells us that the engine has been tuned by RICA to produce 298 bhp 

• High pressure turbocharger 

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Front-wheel drive

• Limited-slip differential fitted as standard

• Engine bay clean and tidy

• From the factory, the R’s suspension is 20 mm lower than the standard model

• No MOT advisories 

• The cambelt and auxiliary belt were changed in Jul 2024 @ 175,951 miles, the oil and filters were also changed and the air conditioning serviced

• Handbrake shoes replaced in Oct 2021

• In Sep 2021 the front brake pads were replaced, the nearside front wheel bearing was replaced, and the car received an engine oil and air filter change 

• Extensive servicing carried out in Jun 2016, including suspension poly bushes, CV joint gaiters, turbo control valve, engine mounts, front link rods, rear trailing arm bushes, engine breather system, tracking, turbo drain seals, and more 

• The clutch was replaced in Dec 2016

• The Front brakes were upgraded to AP Racing drilled and vented discs in Nov 2014 and stainless steel flexible brake hoses were fitted

• The seller tells us that the car ticks over nicely 

• No warning lights reported 

Summary

It’s fast, it’s red, and it’s a Volvo. What a fabulously intriguing Venn diagram intersection. You can enjoy nearly 300 bhp, a proper five-speed ‘box, and still have room for five human beings in comfort. You’ll just have to leave your antique wardrobe at home. 

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Lewes, East Sussex.