1997 Volvo 850 T-5 CD

Highlights

• Discreet yet potent Volvo 850 T-5, combining understated styling with turbocharged five-cylinder performance
• Recently acquired from a Volvo enthusiast and collector, who had kept the car stored indoors since around the Covid period
• Recently serviced under current ownership
• A handful of age-related items remain to be addressed, offering scope for further improvement by its next custodian
• MOT valid until 15 July 2027

The Appeal

The Volvo 850 marked a significant change of direction for the Swedish marque, combining its familiar emphasis on comfort, practicality and safety with front-wheel drive and a new generation of transverse five-cylinder engines. Its crisp, understated styling remained unmistakably Volvo, but beneath the surface sat a considerably more modern car than the boxy rear-wheel-drive models that had preceded it.
The T-5 added an altogether more entertaining dimension. Its turbocharged 2.3-litre five-cylinder engine produced 225bhp, giving the otherwise discreet 850 genuinely serious performance while retaining the usability and unassuming appearance that made the model such an effective sleeper.
This late example was acquired by the seller around two months ago from a Volvo enthusiast and collector, who had kept it stored indoors after taking it off the road around the time of Covid. The seller has since had the car serviced and praises both its performance and mechanical condition, though a handful of age-related items remain to be addressed, including two electric windows, the air conditioning and a rattling rear shock absorber.
Despite requiring some further attention, this T-5 retains much of the discreet, turbocharged character that made the 850 such an unexpected performance car, and offers an appealing basis for an enthusiast to continue improving while enjoying in the meantime.

Key Information

• Mileage: 136,915 miles (indicated, faulty odometer, true mileage believed to be circa 150-000-155,000 miles)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 15 July 2027, clean pass
• Technical specs: 2.3-litre turbocharged 20-valve inline-five, four-speed automatic transmission
• Paperwork: Various invoices

Specification:

• Electric driver seat
• Heated front seats
• Heated rear and rear side windows
• Heated mirrors
• Electronically adjustable mirrors
• Economy sport and winter mode
• Locking filler cap

The Detail

• Finished in red over a cream leather-trimmed cabin featuring burr walnut inlays
• Specification includes electric windows, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, a cassette-stereo and air conditioning
• Seller describes the exterior as presenting in very good condition overall, though some areas of paintwork are noted to have faded with age
• Interior described as being very clean, with some age-related cracking visible on the front seat leather
• Heater operates correctly, though the air conditioning is not currently blowing cold and may require re-gassing
• Front passenger and offside rear electric windows currently require attention, with the seller understanding that small regulator clips have failed; the glass itself is undamaged
• Driver’s seatbelt does not retract smoothly and may require replacement
• Odometer is currently inoperative, with total mileage estimated by the seller at approximately 150,000-155,000 miles
• Service light illuminates intermittently despite the car having been serviced recently
• Acquired by the seller around two months ago from a Volvo enthusiast and collector
• Previous owner reportedly kept the car stored indoors after taking it off the road around the time of Covid
• Recently serviced under current ownership
• Rattle noted from the nearside rear shock absorber, which the seller believes may require replacement
• A small number of age-related items remain to be addressed, though the seller otherwise describes the car as mechanically strong and reliable

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.