1973 Volvo P1800 ES Sport Wagon

1973 Volvo P1800 ES Sport Wagon
Chassis no. 1836354-007241
1,986cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Fuel Injection
124bhp at 6,000rpm
4-Speed Manual with Overdrive
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Extensively refurbished mechanically and cosmetically in recent years
*California car from new with just a few owners
*Finished in the factory original livery of metallic blue over a caramel brown interior
*Stylish and usable Volvo Sport Wagon from the end of the run

THE VOLVO P1800 ES

Introduced in 1960 and popularized by The Saint television series, Volvo's stylish P1800 sports Coupe, was something of a radical departure for the sober-sided Swedish concern. Based on the 121 saloon, the P1800 was built by Jensen Motors until production transferred to Sweden in 1963. Breathing through twin carburetors, the sporty Volvo was a true 100mph-plus car. Fuel injection was standardized in 1969, maximum power increasing to 130bhp, with four-wheel disc brakes arriving at the same time. By the end of the 1960s, the model was beginning to look dated, but the introduction of the 1800 ES sports estate extended its lease of life into the early 1970s. These remain among the most collectible and iconic station wagons ever produced.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This striking 1973 Volvo P1800 ES was completed at the Göteborg, Sweden-based Volvo factory in a metallic blue exterior color, much as it appears today. The new Sport Wagon was exported to America, and here sold through Sacramento-based Turner Motors Volvo in November of 1973. Optioned with an AM/FM stereo radio, the new Volvo cost the healthy sum of $7,962.37. The car is believed to have remained in the dry inland California State climate all its life and was purchased by the consignor from an elderly Swedish woman in Auburn, California, in 2012. Period-correct blue California state license plates remain on the car, quite possibly the very set the car was delivered with from new.

Under the supervision of the Sacramento based consignor, the P1800 ES has benefited from a comprehensive restoration carried out in recent years. The car received a respray in its original color of metallic blue and presents beautifully. Chrome and stainless trim have been polished, and new tires fitted. The interior received new carpets and various other trim pieces, while a new Moto Lita steering wheel was fitted for a period, sporting look. The cars mechanical components were gone through and refurbished or renewed as well. This is a lovely example of Volvo's classic Sport Wagon, ready for spacious touring in great style. Equipped with the desirable 4-speed overdrive manual gearbox and finished in a smart livery of metallic blue over a caramel-like brown interior, this Volvo looks and feels just right.