Highlights

Delivered personally by the owner of the Volvo dealership on 25 December 1964 as a Christmas present to the seller's mother
Myriad original accessories: tool kit, radios, luggage net, inspection light, Volvo touch-up paintwork
Rare original red leather interior, very well preserved
Documented history with original title and photos of delivery on Christmas Day 1964
Assembled in Sweden with curved side mouldings, bull horn bumpers and honeycomb grille
Kept in the same family since new

The most

We could tell you about Irv Gordon, the TV series The Saint or Italian style, but this time let's let the salesman do the talking, because this car has an incredible story to tell. Make yourself comfortable.

The seller says:

"December 25, 1964, cold, sunny, and quiet as a Christmas morning in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. We were starting to open our presents when my young ears, always on the lookout for a motor, heard something outside. I ran to the window, and instead of Santa, I saw a man in a suit and tie tying a big red bow on the windscreen of a storm grey 1800S parked on our lawn.

"It was the owner of the William Berg Volvo dealership in Easton, delivering my dad's surprise present to my mum. We all ran outside, my mum in a bathrobe with a coat over it. Lots of excitement, and then Mum got in and drove off down our country road. She drove that car like a pro. It was always kept in her garage, then later in mine."

"It has had an excellent paint job in its original colour, probably 30 years ago. Up close you can see a bit of speckle, but it shines well. The red leather seats (not imitation), pampered every year with Lexol, and the interior are 100% original. I've never seen another 1800S with its original seats - the others are always redone awkwardly, and horribly."

"A few years ago, William Berg retired. A well-known local figure, he was interviewed by the Bethlehem newspaper, which asked him what his most memorable moment at the dealership had been. He replied: delivering my mother's car on Christmas Day.

A remarkable story - and that's not all: photos of this unforgettable delivery are included with the car. This jewel, lovingly preserved, is also accompanied by accessories and original documents of exceptional rarity.

Original examples in such good condition are extremely rare. And none will have a history like this. For Volvo collectors, Car & Classic is proud to offer this unique opportunity.

History and Documents

Assembled in Sweden, with curved side mouldings, horn bumpers and cast iron grille - a rare configuration.
First registered in December 1964 as a Christmas present to the current owner's mother
Kept in the same family since delivery
Original US title still present
Complete file including first and subsequent registrations
Original manuals and documentation supplied
Vintage photos of 25 December 1964 and participation in an amateur rally in 1966
Original tool kit and jack included
Original touch-up paint still present
Meter replaced at approximately 20,000 miles (32,190 km) (original models were fragile)
28,365 miles (45,650 km) displayed
Seller says drives very well

General Condition

Repainted once about 30 years ago in its original colour
Some exterior chrome was triple coated on this occasion
Original red leather seats treated with Lexol every year
100% original interior, in remarkably well-preserved condition
Original roof lining present but sagging in the centre (new correct fabric supplied, not fitted)
Original carpets in good condition with little wear
All windows reported to be original, with a slight scratch to the rear window and a wiper mark to the front
Original seals in good condition, except engine compartment seal
Pirelli Cinturato tyres with good profile, but starting to dry out with age
Minor corrosion repaired in rocker panels and one engine side member: stripped, acid neutralised, rustproofed
Vintage Volvo AM-FM radio functional (original Volvo AM radio also included and functional)
Windshield washer motor not functional
Oil temperature gauge slow (typical behaviour); other gauges functional
Capricious city/country horn, probably due to a relay

Mechanical

1.8-litre B18 petrol engine
4-speed manual gearbox with overdrive
Clutch recently replaced due to noisy bearing
New brakes: front callipers, pads, discs along with new rear shoes and cylinders
New ball joints, steering knuckles, front shock absorbers and silent-blocks
Has never overheated
New front geometry
Engine starts instantly and maintains good oil pressure
Charging system functional
No oil seepage reported - in keeping with Volvo quality
Heater bypassed due to old leak; light underneath repair done
Seller reports all lights working and overdrive operating correctly

BEFORE BUYING

This sale is subject to Car & Classic's terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. Car & Classic's returns policy applies.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your bid is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is "sold as seen", on an "as is where is" basis and without warranty. A full vehicle inspection prior to purchase is strongly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final Auction or Bid price, as specified in the advert.

✓ Buyers are responsible for the collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic can refer you to a third-party transport company. For more details, please email [email protected]. Prices start at €150 + VAT within the same country or €400 + VAT for cross-border journeys.