1995 Volvo 850 T-5R

The blow of Volvo's big switch over to front-wheel drive was lessened when they introduced a high-performance version of their venerable 850 model called the T-5R.

For starters, the 850 is THE Volvo of the 90s. Conservatively styled, still boxy, reliable and somewhat sporty, it pleased many a soccer moms and dads in American suburbs. A bunch were sold, passed down to their kids, then driven into the ground. They aren't as revered as the 240, but they certainly carried out their duties just as stoically.

Sensing a need for speed though, Volvo partnered with Porsche to create the limited production T-5R. Only 5,500 were made, and this is one of just 185 that were cream yellow. It's a bright color but it fits the car's attitude. T-5R were also fitted with Pirelli tires hugging 17 inch smoked alloys, front bumper lip, side skirts, rear spoiler, and polished aluminum door sills.

Inside, occupants were treated to a pumped up version of the ergonomic 850 interior, with graphite leather and alcantara seats and walnut wood grain accents.

Perhaps most importantly was what hid underneath the hood, a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline 5-cylinder engine that had psi boosted thanks to a special ECU resulting in a total of 243 horsepower and capable of launching from 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds. That's impressive stuff.

Even more impressive is this survivor, with a healthy 145k on the clock, 1 previous owner besides the current seller/dealer and and no accidents. The turbo engine needs extra care, so maintenance history is key, but knowing it has a pretty simple past with no known major crashes is great. This looks like a well-kept, stock example of a rare and special Volvo.

Available here on ebay for $9,495 and the Make Offer option.

1984 Audi Ur Quattro

These are cult cars because they were raced in several rally championships, and were the first cars to do so using all-wheel drive. Audi hasn't really made anything like it since.

Although they were produced for over a decade, only 664 were sold here from 1983-1986. Fortunately, this example wears wider wheels and nicer headlights than earlier examples do. It also looks sharp in black (and mercifully not the often seen red or white) and seems to still be wearing the original decals.

Styling is not everyone's tastes and is more harsh boxy Volkswagen-ish than the soft curves Audi is better known for. Still, it's a great example of form over function, in that it looks exactly what it was intended to be: a high performance all-season hatchback sports car.

The seller is a classic car dealer who acquired this from a private party. Cosmetically, they state the paint is original and there is no rust. However, they do say there are some nicks in the paint and some light scratches and fading on the hood. Inside, the say the upholstery still smells strong but the driver's seat has some wear.

Mechanically, they note the engine is an original WX code turbocharged 10-valve 5-cylinder engine. The original displacement was 2.1 liters, but they upgraded it to 2.2.

They state the mileage as 150,000.

Fortunately, the seller says the vehicle is now running and shifting fine.

It seems ready to go.

There can't be many left, and the rally heritage boosts its value in the eyes of automotive aficionados.

Available here on ebay in Vergennes, Vermont with 29 bids at $7,700, reserve not met and 5 days left.