Registration: R37 GTM
Chassis: YV1LW5306W2500489
Odometer: 101,000
Transmission: Automatic
MOT: January 2027

• Appears to be factory standard
• Very rare to find
• Low ownership
• Ultimate 90s fast estate

Here we have one of the all-time classic Volvo’s ever made. It is the typical square Volvo trademark estate was born out of the 850, a legend in itself, but it is the V70 R. Like M to BMW, R is very important to Volvo and signifies that this is special, so special in fact that it was and still is an all-time favourite of many Police forces up and down the country because of its strength, reliability and handling, and let’s not forget the safety. This example is finished in silver with the leather / Alcantara interior and would appear to be factory standard. The HPi tells us that it was an import registered on 18/5/1998 and built in 1998, which leads us to believe it may have been a ‘grey import’. This was a thing back in the 1990s where cars were built to UK specification but sold into Europe then transferred in to the UK within days. This happened a lot with high performance cars in the day as a way of saving duty but it does not make any difference, especially now.

As the replacement for the popular 850 T-5R and 850 R, the V70 R was unveiled in May 1997. Similar to the previous generation R models it featured a unique leather / Alcantara interior with diamond stitching on the seats. Further styling touches were a special front bumper, blue gauge faces for the instrument cluster, two special colours and special alloy wheels. All US cars were equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, other markets had 17-inch wheels available at extra cost or as standard equipment. Standard equipment was substantially upgraded over normal models with a few options available such as a trunk mounted CD-changer, Volvo's self-developed Road and Traffic Information (RTI) navigation system, or an upgraded stereo system. Intended to be the high-performance version of the model range, all R models were fitted with the highest performance engines of the lineup and were available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive with either an automatic or manual transmission. A redesigned suspension with lower ride height and firmer shocks was standard. Three different versions were produced, depending on the model year.

The Volvo comes with an owner’s manual, MOT certificate, a V5/C showing five previous owners, and some spare keys. In the circles of people who know, these Volvo’s are deemed to be a legend. We think they’re right, so why not take a closer look and see what you think?