Basic information and history

The 1996 Volvo 850 R represents the end of the 850 series' pre-P2 era and is the factory-tuned version that followed the T-5R. The model is characterized by a turbocharged five-cylinder in-line engine, sharper chassis than the standard versions and a drivetrain calibration that provided significantly more response at everyday speeds. The 850 R also helped to solidify Volvo's profile in stock car racing during the mid-1990s.

This Swedish-sold copy is red in the color that the seller calls T-red and is equipped with an automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. According to the seller's running text, the car has rolled approximately 275,790 kilometers. According to the road traffic register, there are a total of 13 registered owners over time, where the distribution between companies and users is not clear.

The car is described as a good used example with wear consistent with its time. According to the seller, the exterior of the body was repainted by a company three years ago, with the exception of the roof, which was not repainted.

Equipment and options

• Beige half-leather interior
• Light wood inlays in the interior
• Electric seats with memory
• Air conditioning
• Automatic transmission with different driving modes
• Electric lifts
• Electric mirrors
• Cruise control

Modifications and improvements

The seller states that an aftermarket system has been installed. The type and make are not specified in the documentation.

Condition

Body and exterior: The body is reported to be in good working order. Repainting was carried out three years ago, with the exception of the roof which was left untouched. Glass and headlight lenses are described as being in good condition. Moldings, emblems and other exterior details are reported to be in good condition with normal age-related wear.

Interior: The interior has beige half-leather and light wood inserts. The overall impression is good for the mileage. According to the seller, the seats have avoided the typical cracks in the leather. The wood details are nice and the buttons and controls work and look good. The steering wheel has wear and tear. The instrument cluster's plastic glass has a crack. The front center armrest has cracks in the surface finish and would benefit from repainting or color correction. The door sills and door sides show wear and some plastic details have damage. The rear seat is described as well preserved. The headliner is considered okay. The A/C cools according to the report.

Tires and rims: The rims are in good condition with minor scuff marks. The tire tread depth is described as good.

Mechanics and function: 2.3-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, approximately 240 horsepower and 300 newton meters, connected to a four-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. The seller states approximately 7.5 seconds to one hundred and approximately 235 kilometers per hour at top speed. Engine, driveline and gearbox are described as being in good condition. An aftermarket system is installed. Brakes are stated to be in good condition and were replaced a few years ago.

Service history

According to the seller, documentation is in the car and is shown in the pictures. The latest inspection was carried out on 2024-05-02.

Summary

A Volvo 850 R from 1996 in red with an automatic transmission and beige half leather. The car appears to be an honest used example with documented age-related wear, a repainted body three years ago and an interior that is intact but with noted remarks such as cracked instrument glass and worn plastic details. Mechanically the car is described as healthy with working A/C, good brakes and a fitted aftermarket system. The odometer reading needs to be verified against documents and pictures as there are two different pieces of information in the documentation. For those looking for a drivable 850 R with the right basic character, this is an interesting example to examine further.