1973 Volvo 1800ES

Highlights

• Comprehensive engine work and restoration completed
• Stored in a secure underground garage
• Recent full respray and undersealing
• MOT valid until April 2026

The Appeal

When styling a new car, you go to the Italians, right? That's what Volvo did when designing an estate version of its wildly successful P1800. But, despite the elegance of Pietro Frua and Sergio Coggiola's prototypes, Volvo instead opted for in-house designer Jan Wilsgaard's proposal. The result, with its one-piece glass tailgate, the 1800ES was simply astounding and undoubtedly among the greatest pieces of automotive design to come from the 20th century
This 1973 example has undergone significant restoration and has been meticulously maintained ever since. A great deal of mechanical work has been performed during current ownership, and a full respray and undersealing ensure it looks as good as it performs. With a valid MOT until April 2026, this quirky classic is ready to be enjoyed.
The vendor tells us:
"I bought this car as I've always admired the styling looks beautiful in Volvo Cream white with blue tinted windows as standard, reality is though that I am not using it a lot and its got a beautiful engine that deserves to be used more."

History and Paperwork

• 46,892 miles indicated; unwarranted yet believed potentially accurate
• Owned by the vendor for around 20 months
• Logbook states 11 registered keepers
• Registered in Jersey in February 2011, returned to the UK in May 2022, covering little mileage within that time; the vendor is unable to ascertain much history
• Stored in an underground secure garage during current ownership
• MOT until 9th April 2026

The Condition

• Restored prior to current ownership
• Underside fully undersealed
• Exterior had a full respray; it looks very good with very few marks besides the odd chip an light scratch
• Straight and solid-looking bodywork with well-fitting panels, doors and glass tailgate
• No cracks in the dashboard
• Front seats recovered
• All carpets replaced
• Rear door lock key and barrel replaced
• We understand the cabin electrics to be in good working order

The Mechanics

• 2.0-litre B20 four-cylinder petrol
• Three-speed auto
• Not used frequently; the vendor states it has a beautiful engine that deserves more use
• Parts list indicates a lot of work has been done, resulting in a car that presents well and runs well

Significant engine work done during ownership:

• Water temperature sender unit replaced
• Oil temperature sender unit replaced
• Fuel injection checked and reconditioned including cold start injector, auxiliary air slide (idle control valve) and ignition start inhibitor switch
• New head gasket
• New starter motor
• New water pump
• Oil, filter, and antifreeze replaced
• Exhaust manifold gaskets replaced
• Wishbone bushes replaced
• New fuel tank and sender unit

Prior to purchase, the following were renewed:

• New fuel and heater hoses
• New brake light switch
• New brake master cylinder
• New brake hoses
• New front brake calipers
• New exhaust
• New auto transmission fluid pipes

BEFORE YOU BUY

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

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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