1997 Volvo 850 GLT turbo sedan, R-clone

  • Make: Volvo
  • Model: 850
  • SubModel: GLT
  • Type: Sedan
  • Trim: GLT
  • Year: 1997
  • Mileage: 103
  • VIN: YV1LS564XV1370916
  • Color: Black
  • Engine size: 5 cyl, in line turbo
  • Number of cylinders: 5
  • Power options: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows, Power Seats
  • Fuel: Gasoline
  • Transmission: Automatic
  • Drive type: FWD
  • Interior color: Black
  • Safety options: Anti-Lock Brakes, Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Side Airbags
  • Options: turbo, R-Line suede interior, both power seats, Premium Audio, Cassette Player, CD Player, Sunroof
  • Vehicle Title: Clear
  • Interested? Contact seller!

1997 Volvo 850 GLT Description

Howdy folks! I greatly appreciate you taking the time from your day to read about my Volvo. I will say right up front, if you are not a Volvo person then this vehicle is probably not going to do much for you. I have thought about how to best sell this vehicle, and how to reach the widest market and eBay is what I came up with. How can you describe a car, in words, and try to convince someone to buy it and not be able to experience, feel it, drive it, -- I have no idea....but I am going to do my best.
Before I get into the car, I will offer some background on myself. I am a Volvo nerd. My first car was a 1964 1800S, and between my dad and I we have owned every model since the PV-444 to XC90's.

I currently live in Savannah, GA and I really hope to connect with someone via this listing that can come SEE the vehicle. I grew up in Northern VA, and moved to Savannah about 15 years ago where I ended up managing service at Volvo of Savannah (fitting, right?!) for about 12 years until I opened my own dealership with my wife, eBay will not let me post an active link, so, you can Google Riehl Automotive to read more about our business, and to see our reviews and whatnot, and get more information about me.

Ok, so.....this vehicle was a project for me, it is done and I had my fun, it is time to pass it along to her next owner....

I bought it about 12 months ago -- I recognized the potential it had as a true survivor -- last year of the 850, low miles, and turbo. The body and paint are amazing, and overall it was a great vehicle. When I bought it, I knew it ran hot however I did know know why. After getting into I was saddened to find the head-gasket had a weak spot in it.


This is where is gets fun.

I had a friend that had 1997 850-R sedan that had been wrecked in the front real bad. So my wheels began to turn....so I bought it from him and got to work. So, I had the head pulled and we located the weak point in the head. The head was sent off and was checked and cleaned. She started going back together....we took the cams and the ECM from the R vehicle and installed them in this vehicle. Everything went perfect -- all new gaskets were used, new plugs were installed, new timing belt, water pump, roller, tensioner, the whole deal. While we were there we opened the waste gate on the turbo, 5 psi kick in 1500 RPM's faster on the power scale - this car is a sleeper and it is nasty.

The interior was totally redone:

  • headliner was replaced
  • R seats were installed front and rear
  • R steering wheel was installed
  • R hand brake cover
  • R door panel inserts
  • R shift knob (it is worn)

It does has aftermarket 17 inch wheels

  • - front and rear tires are all the same size and are all at around 50% tread
  • The front two match and the rear two match (brand)

The mileage IS ACCURATE. I have the CarFax but can not post it on here, please email me and I can send the file.
Mechanically, I will outline what I have done, and what I know has been done:

  • both front drive axles are new
  • just had it aligned
  • new turbo return line o-ring and dipstick tube o-ring
  • battery is about 18 months old
  • rear man seal is NOT LEAKING
  • timing belt, water pump, and the tensioner are brand new
  • front and rear brakes are brand new (they do squeak a little)
  • there are no shimmies or pulls when you brake, drive, decelerate, or accelerate
  • plugs, cap, rotor, and plugs were recently done
  • oil change and coolant are fresh
  • AC and heat work
  • I have two keys
  • All manuals are present
  • all power options work (windows, locks, cruise, heated seats, gauges, seats, sunroof (does NOT leak), stereo)
  • there are NO DASH WARNING LIGHTS ON
  • the turbo has no issues
  • headliner was just replaced
  • radiator is brand new


Cosmetically this vehicle is as good as you will find for a 1997

  • the paint is NOT perfect, but it is CLOSE, I would say 9.5 out of 10
  • the back seat looks like it may never has been sat in
  • the front seats are NOT cracked but have some minor wear
  • the headliner IS NOT falling down

A few things to mention

  • I have the radio code
  • The dash pad is pulling up. Happens to about every 850 ever made

I have the CarFax and can send it to anyone

  • - Carfax shows the mileage to be true and actual
  • - CarFax shows 4 owners
  • - CarFax shows no accidents reported

I have over 50 pictures but could only list 24

I am asking $5,000 for this Volvo

I did actually speak to Mecum about it, and if there was a event closer I would run it there but the time away from my business would make that tough

I am open to offers

You can call or text 912-306-0191, or email g-riehl@hotmail.com

Clean title in hand

$500 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit due within 48 hours of purchase, balance due with in 48 hours from receipt of the deposit

GA residents will pay GA TAVT TITLE TAXES

Buyer is responsible for ALL SHIPPING FEES

Money order or personal checks can be mailed. If PayPal is used, the buyer will have to cover all fees incurred by me and them