1996 Volvo 850r Estate on 2040-cars

For those unfamiliar with this car, the Volvo T-5R was introduced for 1995. Developed in part with Porsche, the R included a special suspension with lowered ride height, special graphite colored “Titan” 17x7” wheels and P205/45VR17 Pirelli P-Zero tires, unique ground effects, and a special interior with black alacantra and leather seats and dark walnut wood trim. 

The R used the same Mitsubishi TD04-15g turbocharged 2.3 liter 5-cylinder engine as the 850 T-5 but had a special ECU which allowed 1.3 pounds of extra turbo boost. That bumped horsepower from 225 to 243 and made for one of the fastest production Volvos up to that time. The car could reach 60 MPH in under 7 seconds and complete the quarter mile in under 15 seconds.

For 1996, the T-5R's name was changed to 850R. Red, white and black exterior colors replaced the yellow, black, and dark green of the T-5R. Tan/birch joined black/dark walnut as an interior choice. The interior seat material was reversed to alacantra on the main portion of the seat and leather on the bolsters. The 17x7” rims were a new “Volan” style. Beyond that, the car was nearly identical to the T-5R. 

This first generation R was sold from 1995-97. Approximately 10,000-12,000 were sold worldwide over the three model years, so these are very rare and likely future collectables.

This 1996 wagon version is one of the best you will find. It spent the vast majority of its life in Redmond, WA and San Diego, CA. As you will see from the photos, the underside of the car is amazing for a 152k mile example. It even has its original exhaust system, which is still in great shape. I do not believe the car has ever seen salt or snow (I stored it during the winter in IL). The paint and interior are in excellent condition for a 18 year old car.

Everything on the car works, including the power windows and seats, gauges, and of course the A/C system, which blows ice cold. I even replaced all of the dashboard lights, which are commonly burned out on these. Engine pulls strong and transmission shifts properly. Car tracks straight and true.

This wagon is all stock except for an ARD Stage 1 tune, which has added approximately 35 horsepower and 45 lbs/ft of torque, making the car a real blast to drive! I still have the original "628" code ECU, which is exclusive to the R models. I did not exchange this with ARD because these ECUs are so rare, it wasn't worth giving it up for the $75 core charge. If you plug it back in the car will be back to 100% stock.

I have added many new parts recently, including front and rear brake pads and rotors, a brake fluid flush, new shocks and struts (Boge/Sachs OEM replacements), spark plugs, wires, and distributer cap, air filter, full timing belt service (belt, tensioner and water pump), PCV system, and Bridgestone Potenza S-04 tires. I have also done some cosmetic work -- such as re-dyed black body trim, refinished Volan rims, and repainted front spoiler.

It breaks my heart to sell this R but it's my second car and I just purchased a rental property. So at this point, I need all of the extra money I can get for rehab and reserves. So, sadly, my extra car must go.

As to bidding, please do not if you are not serious about buying. If you have less than 5 bids, or negative feedback, please e-mail me prior to placing your bid. The car is for sale locally so I reserve the right to cancel the auction without notice. I do not reveal my reserves but it is set at a fair level for this car’s condition. Of course, feel free to contact me if you have any questions whatsoever. I will be happy to answer them. Good luck!