1973 Volvo 1800ES

Highlights

• One of approximately 8,077 ES models produced between 1972 and 1973
• Rare automatic transmission
• UK-market car first registered in June 1973; moved to Jersey and later repatriated
• Subsequent light restoration completed, including paint refresh, new stainless steel bumpers, a partial re-trim, new front brake callipers and a major service

The Appeal

The 1973 Volvo 1800ES was the swansong of the iconic P1800 series, a two-door shooting brake distinguished by its radical all-glass rear hatchback, a design so striking it earned the nickname ‘Schneewittchensarg’ (Snow White's Coffin) in Germany. With only around 8,077 ES models built across 1972 and 1973 before tightening US safety regulations brought production to a close, these sporting estates have become increasingly collectable.

This particular example is made rarer still by its factory automatic transmission, an uncommon option that relatively few buyers specified. UK-supplied when new, it was imported to Jersey in the Channel Islands in 2002, before being brought back to the mainland, where it has since benefited from a light restoration. Work has included a paint refresh, partial interior retrim, new stainless steel bumpers, new front brake callipers and a major engine service. Showing around 47,000 miles, the car is now both MOT and tax-exempt. It is accompanied by a history file containing Jersey maintenance receipts, a collection of Jersey insurance discs, and documentation for the recent work carried out.

Key Information

• Mileage: 47,000 miles (Approx)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT-exempt; last tested in April 2025 at 46,882 miles, which was a first-time pass
• Technical specs: 125hp 2.0-litre inline-four petrol with Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection, three-speed automatic, four-wheel disc brakes
• Paperwork: History file with Jersey maintenance receipts, Jersey insurance discs, and receipts for recent restoration work

The Detail

• Cream paintwork
• 15-inch wheels
• Partial interior retrim said to have been completed
• Grey vinyl upholstery with wood inlays
• Cassette-stereo
• Push-out front quarter light windows
• Smiths GP battery condition gauge fitted
• UK-market car first registered in June 1973; moved to Jersey and later repatriated
• Subsequent light restoration completed, including paint refresh, new stainless steel bumpers, a partial re-trim, new front brake callipers and a major service
• MOT and road tax-exempt as a historic vehicle

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