Volvo 850R

Most people would consider the Volvo 850 to be a pretty mundane (yet somewhat preppy) grocery-getter. Nothing to really take note of other than its unremarkableness. However, from 1995 to 1997, Volvo released a special edition of the 850, the 850R, that was a bit more of a head-turner.

The 850R (known as the T-5R when it was introduced in 1995), had a more race-like body kit, a larger spoiler on the back, a sport suspension, Alacantra suede and leather seats, 17-inch alloy rims, and a turbo engine that was tuned to 240 HP--18 higher than the 850 T-5's 222 HP. The T-5R is perhaps best known for the cream yellow color that it was offered in, but the 1996 and 1997 models were only available in black, red, and white. But really, what other colors could you want? Plus, it was available in a wagon (though I prefer the sedan).

I had the pleasure of owning one of these for a couple of years. A black one. I have to say, I loved that car, and would love to get one back some day. However, the combination of low-profile tires and the ten year old sport suspension were not a good match for the awful pot-holed roads of Birmingham, and the car really took a beating. Plus, taking it into the shop every six weeks or so for some $300 repair wasn't the kind of thing I was looking for as a college student/recent college grad.

I have one picture that I took with the car before I sold it, and tried to find it to post here, but couldn't track it down. I hope that you enjoy looking at the rest of these photos, though (which are not mine).