RE: Shed Of The Week: Volvo 850 T5

[J4CKO]

I remember going round a low speed bend in mine and giving it a bootfull, not much happened, revs rose and I thought the clutch was slipping, until I saw the monumental cloud of smoke in the mirror.

Getting quite rare now for a decent manual so it doesnt seem that expensive if its any good, not in a world where ropey old MK2 Escorts sell for three grand, these are pretty iconic in their own right, old enough to be a classic, robust and modern enough to be a daily.

[foot2firewall]

I had an auto V70 T5 for a few years, great car and the auto was a good compromise on the (yet to be widened at the time) M25. Used to need regular front suspension rebuilds, new front tyres and the aircon was always a bit fragile. Even back then the fuel consumption was poor - around 24mpg as I recall. It was always great fun as a Q car.

[dinkel]

Cracking car, mate has one.

[suffolk009]

I do love a big old Volvo. Had a couple of them, but with proper rear wheel drive.

A friend ran a V70 for a while. It was plain white. It looked like a chest freezer.

[dbdb]

I like these old Volvos. I wouldn't want to own one, but I'm glad they exist.

[Limpet]

To me, it will always be associated with this, and therefore beyond words

[Axionknight]

s m said:

Low 6s?

Did they seriously get the power down that quick in a timed test?

I'm not so sure they didpersonally - you'd need some very favourable conditions and decent tyres.

Cheap rubber, or wet roads - forget it, you'll still be lighting 'em up in third gear.

[aka_kerrly]

I'm all for turbo bricks but a T5 shed is nearly as predictable as a MX5.

I still find it funny that the 850 is forever remembered as a touring car and THAT picture of one up on 2 wheels yet as far as I recall they never actually won anything. If anything the whole business of TWR bending the rules and stories of roof chops on estates with custom windscreens is more interesting than the car itself.

[JaguarsportXJR]

We're moving house so I'll need a car for work to complement the Jag and I've been looking at these. I shouldn't really buy yet until we've got a confirmed offer on the flat. This one being within budget, able to be insured for cheap on a classic policy and being just down the road from me is not helping me wait!

[Motorrad]

Top shed, which you could use as a shed if it breaks.

[soad]

That badge looks best on this...Volvo XC90 PUV Concept.

[MadDog1962]

These were great cars. Changed Volvo's brand image at the time. I couldn't afford one back in the day, but a T5 wagon would make great addition to my fleet if I needed it. I seem to call the tyres were expensive and the rims a bit vulnerable. Very comfy though.

[dinkel]

Limpet said:

To me, it will always be associated with this, and therefore beyond words

I'm looking for a High Res Pic or poster of that Lammers Volvo Racer: anyone?

[aka_kerrly]

dinkel said:

I'm looking for a High Res Pic or poster of that Lammers Volvo Racer: anyone?

Sure you're aware, the picture posted was Rydell's car

here is what you are after, this is Lammers doing the 850 2 wheeled stunt


+ url http://jjizzle.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/volvo_8...

[ChemicalChaos]

The noise of tose 5-pot engines, oh god, the noise! Find me a tissue, someone...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NIWh_WVd-I&fea...

(yes, I realise thats a later car, but the engine is exactly the same as in the 850)

[tobinen]

Amusing article and good shed

[BlimeyCharlie]

We've owned ours for over 2 years and probably my favourite car in many many ways. Had to be a manual gearbox for us.
Nice sound, no turbo lag and a pleasant place to be.
Agree they are getting rare especially in original condition.
Not worried where I park it, can fit a house in it if required and a great design.

[Mark-C]

aka_kerrly said:

I still find it funny that the 850 is forever remembered as a touring car and THAT picture of one up on 2 wheels yet as far as I recall they never actually won anything. If anything the whole business of TWR bending the rules and stories of roof chops on estates with custom windscreens is more interesting than the car itself.

But that's the point - it was an iconic car. It may never have finished higher than fourth or fifth (don't think it made a podium) but it was an absolutely genius piece of marketing and everyone into BTCC at the time (and there were lots) sat up and took notice. The saloon that followed it was a regular race winner but the Lammers\Rydell 850 Estate is the one everyone remembers.

[Fattyfat]

I've owned 2 and miss both of them terribly. My fondest memory of my estate was out dragging a 968 with a boot full of stuff during a house move. The car expired at 146K miles with a badly blown headgasket, should've fixed it up. Hindsight eh?

Epic noise, thirst and tyre bills. Still a quick car today IMHO.

[J4CKO]

Fattyfat said:

I've owned 2 and miss both of them terribly. My fondest memory of my estate was out dragging a 968 with a boot full of stuff during a house move. The car expired at 146K miles with a badly blown headgasket, should've fixed it up. Hindsight eh?

Epic noise, thirst and tyre bills. Still a quick car today IMHO.

Having had a 944 S2 and a T5, I would say the 944 was quicker, so a 968 should be quicker still, 14 seconds to 100 vs 18 for the Volvo, but never quite pans out like that on the road.