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The newest Volvo in my collection of 7 is this incredibly and meticulously restored 1997 850t5 estate. Purchased on Bring a Trailer in Aug 2025 and driven back to Atlanta from Portland, OR. I had first seen this Volvo 2 years prior when I was in Portland for the annual IPD Car Show picking up my 1961 Volvo Duett. IPD is the performance after market parts company focused on the Volvo brand. The previous owner of the 850 was a Product Manager for 10+ years. This iconic wagon by Volvo was a process of 7-8 years of restoration. At the end, almost every hose, clamp, part has been replaced by either Volvo OEM or IPD performance upgraded part. The biggest and best change was the manual swap that was done. Volvo did not produce with manual transmission. Additionally, the custom tune by the head engineer at MTE pushes the hp above 300.
The car was the previous owners pride and joy for 13 years. From new interior to factory paint and beyond with 850r enhancements along with the 18" Fifteen52 wheels, it is a joy to drive. The consistent comment that I receive from both the car and Volvo community is "that is the cleanest and nicest 850 I have ever seen". To build this car today would cost well above $40k.
This is another forever car that will not be sold in my lifetime.