1973 Volvo P1800 ES Automatic
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Highlights
- Rare “sporting brake” Volvo
- Magnificent gold finish
- Superb condition throughout
The Appeal
Some classic cars have it all! Here is a nicely sorted, mostly original, and well-built two door sports wagon. A car that all enthusiasts know of but hardly ever see. Produced for two years only and with fewer than 1000 produced in right hand drive, how many of them would have been equipped from new with an automatic gearbox?
Okay, let’s add a leather interior and glowing gold paint to the mix, and then a full history folder, and a mere 70 odd thousand miles from new. Plus some practical upgrades to further improve the driving experience?
If you really want to stand out from the crowd in a classic that is rare, attractive and oh so cool, then look no further!
History and Paperwork
- First registered August 1973
- Current V5c in seller’s name
- Owned for past 3 years
- Full list of previous owners
- Current MoT valid until 4th May 2023
- 30 old MoTs on file back to 1979
- Less than 73,000 genuine miles
- Huge history file
- Invoices back to 1982
- Service manual, books, two sets of keys
- Concealed electric power steering upgrade
- Rebuilt suspension
- Unleaded fuel conversion
- New exhaust
- New headlining
The Interior
- Original interior in great condition
- Black leather with tan carpets
- Newly fitted headlining
The interior of the Volvo is mostly original and in good condition throughout. The only non-standard additions are the stitched leather top to the dash which matches the leather seats and blends in well, and the variable wiper switch which wasn’t a period part. The black leather seats are in nicely patinated condition with some age related creasing but no holes or burns.
There is a minor split on the driver’s seat side squab near the base (see pics) but you’d have to hunt to spot it. The seats are very comfortable and supportive. The small rear seats are in even better condition, and the rear seat back folds to give a large and practical boot area. The tan carpets are clean and unmarked with no overly worn areas. We noted that the passenger side seat adjuster had broken as is held together with tape; not a big deal and an easy fix.
There is a minor split on the driver’s seat side squab near the base (see pics) but you’d have to hunt to spot it. The seats are very comfortable and supportive. The small rear seats are in even better condition, and the rear seat back folds to give a large and practical boot area. The tan carpets are clean and unmarked with no overly worn areas. We noted that the passenger side seat adjuster had broken as is held together with tape; not a big deal and an easy fix.
The instrumentation and gauges all appear to work correctly, although the owner tells us that the oil gauge consistently under reads. The oil pressure has been checked, and it is definitely a tired gauge, not low oil pressure!
There is a Kenwood CD/cassette/radio fitted in the dash, and electric aerial and Pioneer speakers neatly mounted in the boot panels.
The Exterior
- Exceptional gold paint, with excellent chrome and trim
- Original steel wheels with trim rings and Vredestein tyres
- Large Webasto sliding sunroof
Along with the fabulous “sporting brake” look of the Volvo the most striking aspect is the attractive gold paint. The finish is excellent, almost perfect, with only a couple of minor chips. There is a small chip on the driver’s side front wing and an even smaller one on the tailgate. The chrome and trim is generally excellent, with much of it having been replaced by the last owner, and some recently refurbished. There are a couple of small dents in the side trim consistent with knocks from doors.
Whilst both doors require improvement to their check plates to hold open, they close accurately with a reassuring clunk. Overall the paintwork is exceptionally good for a car of this age.
The wheels are original steels with trim rings and Volvo centres. They are in excellent condition with no marks or dents. A bill on file suggests they were refurbished in 2015. The tyres are Vredestein Sprint Classics showing only light wear.
The tinted glass, including the all-important lifting rear tailgate, is all in excellent condition. There are a few superficial scratches on the tailgate glass along the top edge, but nothing serious. The tailgate struts were recently replaced.
There is a period full length Webasto sunroof that slides back easily. A tinted plastic air deflector keeps the wind at bay when the roof is open, and folds below when shut. The external fit is good and tight when closed, and inside the new roof lining includes the sliding portion so that is smart and newly fitted.
All in all, the exterior is a nice as you’d want it. A few minor jobs to do if you wished, but it’s mostly original and untouched.
The Mechanics
- Electric power steering upgrade
- Three speed Borg Warner automatic gearbox
- Newly rebuilt suspension with disc brakes front and rear
- Disc brakes in all wheels
A quick look through the monster history folder reveals that all the owners have spent plenty of money to keep the Volvo in such lovely condition. There are wads of invoices, stretching back to 1982! In particular the previous owner replaced a considerable number of parts over the years in what must have been a partial restoration. More recently the seller has spent over £2,000 on new Bilstein shock absorbers, new sway bar and springs to restore the ride of the Volvo.
He also replaced the exhaust and the cold idle valve to cure a tickover issue. Another successful upgrade was the installation of an electric power steering system. Sympathetically installed, it is well concealed, and has dramatically improved the steering, with better assistance at slow speeds and no loss of feedback once on the move.
Disc brakes are fitted to all four wheels, an unusual feature in 1973.
He also replaced the exhaust and the cold idle valve to cure a tickover issue. Another successful upgrade was the installation of an electric power steering system. Sympathetically installed, it is well concealed, and has dramatically improved the steering, with better assistance at slow speeds and no loss of feedback once on the move.
Disc brakes are fitted to all four wheels, an unusual feature in 1973.
The Volvo starts easily, partly thanks to a Pertronix Ignitor electronic ignition system, and settles to an even tick-over. The gearbox is reported to shift smoothly, and the Volvo is a pleasure to drive even over longer distances. Being a solidly built car the acceleration isn’t sports car like, but the 2 litre engine with Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection puts out 125hp which is adequate and it is well matched to the Borg Warner 3 speed box. It can easily hold its own in modern traffic whilst looking way, way cooler than those around it!
The engine bay is smart and very original with no nasty modern cables or bits. Everything looks clean and tidy and correct for a car that will be 50 years old next year.
Summary
As you might imagine we see a lot of cars, and everyone has their favourites. Tastes vary and quite often we have different opinions regarding which classics we’d like to own.
But on this occasion everyone agrees on one thing; this Volvo is lovely, and most of us would like to own it. Have a good look through the photographs and we are sure you’ll agree.
But on this occasion everyone agrees on one thing; this Volvo is lovely, and most of us would like to own it. Have a good look through the photographs and we are sure you’ll agree.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1973
- Make Volvo
- Model P1800ES
- Colour Gold
- Odometer 72,862 Miles
- Engine size 1986
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Sussex
- Country United Kingdom
22
bids
- Ol•••• £23,500 07/06/22
- me•••• £23,250 07/06/22
- Ol•••• £23,000 07/06/22
- me•••• £22,750 07/06/22
- Ol•••• £22,500 07/06/22
- me•••• £22,250 07/06/22
- Ol•••• £22,000 07/06/22
- me•••• £21,750 07/06/22
- Ol•••• £21,500 07/06/22
- Sp•••• £18,250 06/06/22
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