Recently recommissioned after nearly 40 years in storage
Long MOT to May 2024 with no advisories
Solid and well presented P1800ES that looks very usable
Tasteful upgrades including SwedeSpeed handling kit
Recently serviced with few miles since
The Appeal
The world of sports cars designed to carry passengers and dogs is a vanishingly small one. And yet, glancing at this beautiful P1800ES, like us you might wonder why. Delicately styled by a designer under tutelage from the Italian Frua carozzeria, the short lived P1800ES is surely one of the most beautiful cars to ever emerge from those paragons of solidity and style, Sweden.
The original P1800 coupe was designed to find buyers in America. Towards the end of its life a one-off design proposal led to the ‘ES’ shooting brake, which cleverly aligned the sports car with Volvo’s more traditional turf of estate cars. Available for just two short years, it has become a bonafide design icon and one that Volvo has periodically returned to for its new sporting models.
Just 8,000 P1800ES shooting brakes were built. This is one of the last to feature the classic ‘pull handle’ switchgear. Carefully dry stored for nearly 40 years it has recently been sympathetically recommissioned to blend usability with originality. Equipped with many new parts, including a SwedeSpeed handling kit, it comes with the reassurance of a long MOT. Very rare and very usable, this is a grea opportunity to buy a distinctive daily or show talking point.
The History and Paperwork
First UK registered 11th April 1972
MOT expires 4th May 2024 with no advisories
Odometer indicates just 750 miles since MOT test but bear in mind the speedo cable needs replaced
Dry stored since 1984 and recently recommissioned prior to the seller buying the car
Current owner since 28th August 2023
Recommissioning work included:
New windscreen
SwedeSpeed handling kit including GAZ adjustable shock absorbers, 40mm lowering kit and adjustable Panhard rod
Brake pads and hoses
Brake master cylinder
Alternator
Voltage regulator
Water pump
Thermostat
Fuel tank
Fuel level sensor
Water temperature sensor
Fuel hoses
Fuel filter
Injector cleaning
New exhaust system
New engine, gearbox and differential oils
The Interior
Original interior that shows some signs of wear typical of age and mileage
There is scope to improve or simply enjoy this car’s originality
Factory correct caramel leather high backed rally-style front seats with small rear seats
Seats piped with contrasting light beige piping
Driver’s seat show wear and discolouration to the seat base but is not cracked
Rear seats and passenger seat in original and very presentable condition
Later P1800 model with wood-effect dashboard and black dials with white decals
Original brown carpets are presentable but show some fading and deterioration
Rear load area similarly presentable but with wear to carpet above the spare wheel hatch
Door cards appear to be original and presentable, only a small tear to driver’s side detracting
Door hardware is complete and presentable
Front seats equipped with lumbar support
Passenger side window winder poorly fitted
Driver’s seatbelt chrome buckle tarnished
Headlining appears to be original and shows light marks and sagging
Original stylish factory three spoke steering with slim rim
Light marks on right hand steering column stalk
Pull switch model with original switchgear showing light wear
Smiths dials are clear and presentable, only light tarnishing to edges visible
Sharp radio/cassette fitted which we are told has recently stopped working
Vendor advises that the speedometer has stopped working and requires a new cable
Heater matrix has been bypassed and a new one will be supplied with the car
Oil temperature gauge we are told is intermittent but a new switch is included
The Exterior
Dark green paintwork is very presentable likely reflecting the lack of use since 1984
Vendor believes that this is the only green P1800ES in the UK but we were unable to verify this
Seller states that there is no rust on the car and inspection of the photos supports this
Chromework appears to be original, remains presentable with light tarnishing
Front and rear bumpers are complete and in good condition but lightly tarnished
Fitted with 40mm lowering kit and 240GLT alloy wheels in fair condition
Alloys remain presentable but show light kerbing to edges
Some small chips around the car but not unsightly
Chips to offside front arch and inside edge of driver’s door
Non matching steel spare
Some wear visible on fuel flap
Crack in rear numberplate
Glasswork appears original and presentable, including the vulnerable single piece glass tailgate
Lights similarly original, with light discolouration of headlights
The Mechanics
2litre four cylinder fuel injected Volvo engine developing 135bhp
4spd manual gearbox with overdrive uses the stronger M410 box from the 164 saloon
Extensive and recent mechanical recommissioning with few miles since
Breakdown of mechanical refurbishment listed above
SwedeSpeed handling kit
The seller states that he believes the odometer has not gone around the clock
Summary
The P1800ES is that most Volvo of sports cars: one that appeals equally to the head and the heart thanks to providing space for family and luggage too. Available only briefly, its influence far exceeds its sales and the rare examples that come up for sale are keenly fought over.
This 1972 example shows why these beautiful cars are so revered. There are a few small jobs left to do, but with the major recommissioning freshly done it looks ready to really enjoy after its near 40-year hibernation.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
