Volvo 850 T-5

In production between 1991 and 1997, the Volvo 850 gained its widespread appeal largely through the appearance of the T-5 estate in the BTCC, Tom Walkinshaw Racing having turned the somewhat staid wagon into a pukka Super Touring Car.

Competition aside, the 850, whether with four doors or five, is a lovely bit of Nordic engineering: the 2.4-litre T-5 version you’re looking at here develops 222bhp and 251lb.ft of torque from its turbocharged inline-five engine, enough for it to reach the benchmark 62mph in 7.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of nigh-on 150mph.

Incredibly, despite its looks and bank-vault engineering, it also only weighs around 1.5 tonnes, putting it on a par with the Nissan Leaf. This original Irish car will also last longer than modern electric cars and will keep charming you by the day.

The Turquoise Pearl paint is largely original and presents extremely well bar a few small marks on bumper corners etc. All shut lines and panel gaps are also impressive and lead you to believe the car has lived a cherished life.

The half-leather interior is every bit as impressive as everything else; with still-firm seats, almost no visible wear to face materials, and perfectly-damped precision to every control, it acts as a testament to Volvo build and quality control. Being a Volvo those front seats are heated which is a welcome extra with this range topping car.

On the road… it gives smiles from ear to ear. That 5 cylinder growls but she also has a second side that will cruise comfortably and safely for many years to come. Being a manual car she is rare and being an original Irish car she ticks all the boxes for us.

Viewing strictly by appointment. All cars supplied with valid NCT where appropriate.