1973 Volvo 1800 ES

Produced during the second year of ES production and the final year of ‘1800’ model availability, this red-over-black 1800ES was first registered in 1973, and has enjoyed the company of just 5 keepers in total over the years, and has benefitted from a significant restoration at the hands of the keeper prior to our vendor, who - as a professional panel beater by trade - restored the bodywork to a very high standard, along with attending to any corrosion-related issues. A full photographic record of this restoration is included at the end of the gallery below.

During its time with the current keeper, this ‘ES’ has been used as a weekend toy, and was purchased with intention of being used sparingly by our vendor, who has - in his words - “always admired the design of the 1800ES” though changing family commitments unfortunately means this particular example is now looking for a new home.

Alongside sparing and considered use, the vendor has also commissioned a major cooling system overhaul (including a coolant flush, new thermostat, radiator flush, new radiator, cylinder head skim, new head gasket and other associated works) along with a standard oil and filter change. As a result, the vendor has reported no cooling system-related issues at all during his ownership since the works were carried out.

Whilst in the care of the previous owner - alongside the bodywork restoration mentioned above - the car was also treated to a new water pump (October 2021) along with a new carpet set (2016) and extensive attention to the rear brake system in March 2015.

Resplendent in red, the attractive lines of this Fiskbilen (Fish Van, as the Swedes nicknamed the ES) are on full display, and the bodywork has clearly been restored to a high standard by the former keeper, with only the driver’s door being in need of any obvious attention, and no signs of any impact damage, dents or dings along the flanks of the car.

The paintwork, however, does show some typical wear (such as light marks around the door handles, stone chips to the front end and other miscellaneous wear commensurate with a carefully-used vehicle) along with some more noticeable marks along the lower nearside sill area, and some micro-blisters / bubbling along both sides of the vehicle, as a result of a paint reaction.

Elsewhere, the chrome bumpers both front-and-rear are in good shape but display some minor marks and blemishes, whilst all of the badges and trims are present-and-correct. Most importantly, the all-glass rear tailgate is free from damage or cracks, and opens/closes with ease.

Below the arches, all four wheels look fantastic from a distance, though up-close the finish shows scratches and blemishes on all four wheels, though this is purely superficial. More importantly, all four wheels wear matching Uniroyal tyres - usually a strong indicator of fastidious and considerate ownership, in our experience.

Inside, the black vinyl and wood interior presents well overall, with the Swedes once again showing that they know a thing or two about interior design.

The seats are, generally, in very good condition and free of any immediately obvious rips, tears or scuffs. Dig deeper, however, and there are a few small imperfections - most notable of which are a small patched-in hole on the inner passenger seat lower bolster, and a patch on the upper outside of the drivers seat - along with a rip in the cover of the drivers seat lower area, only visible when the seat is folded forward to allow access to the rear seats.

Up above, the headliner is taut and clean throughout, with only one tiny hole visible above the load bay area. The carpets - replaced in 2016 - remain very good throughout the cabin, with only some light wear visible on the driver’s mat in particular. We did note that the mat has a tendency to slide and foul the pedals slightly, so perhaps some velcro or non-slip backing added to the mats wouldn’t go amiss.

The high-traffic areas such as the door jambs, door cards, steering wheel, shifter and other key touch-points (such as the plastic rocker switches on the dashboard) show commensurate usage wear, though nothing that wouldn’t be considered in-keeping with the rest of the vehicle’s condition.

The vendor also reports that the clock and radio are both not working. All other systems appeared to work as intended.

Under the bonnet, the block, ancillaries and engine bay all look to be in fine fettle, with no signs of any heavy leaks or other obvious issues that we could find. The underside of the bonnet also benefits from brand-new insulation, which was applied when the vehicle was with us at our Abingdon HQ.

Starting with ease whether hot or cold and running smoothly, the 1986cc engine at the heart of this ‘ES’ appears to be in very good health, running happily both in traffic and on the open road, with the transmission being smooth and precise, and overdrive working as it should, toggled by the switch extending from the steering column.

On the road, the suspension and chassis showed no sign of any untoward noises, and the engine behaved as it should, though we did note that whilst the vendor reported no temperature-related issues, the water temperature gauge rose quickly to the upper side of the ‘normal’ reading just below the ‘Hot’ segment, and remained there until the engine had sat and cooled for a few minutes, though it never ventured into overheating territory.

Underneath, the chassis itself appears to be in good health as far as we can tell, with only some typical flaking paint and ‘road grime’ being obviously visible, whilst the arches and the majority of the underside appear to have been protected by the previous keeper - always a good sign, in our experience.

The vehicle was given an oil and filter change in September 2022, meaning no routine maintenance is needed any time soon. On account of its age, this Volvo is exempt from mandatory MoT examinations and, therefore, does not have a current MoT certificate.

Included with this Swedish ‘shooting brake’ is a strong history, comprised of wiring diagrams, a photographic record of the aforementioned bodywork restoration, parts lists, Haynes manuals (a must for any classic car owner!) and numerous workshop manuals, the original owners manual and enthusiast club magazines.

There are also a number of invoices for works carried out both in the current and prior ownership, including the following items:

- Cooling system overhaul (detailed above) and a standard oil/filter change in September 2022.

- New water pump in October 2021

- New heater ducting in 2021

- New carpets in June 2016

- Works to the rear brake system, including new calipers, brake discs, differential plate gaskets, etc in March 2015

The V5 is present, showing just 4 former keepers since new, and a full HPi check has been carried out with no issues reported.

With low ownership, low indicated mileage, an extensive documented bodywork restoration in recent years and its iconic shooting brake design, this 1973 1800 ES presents very well indeed, and offers a tantalising way in to the world of classic ownership with easy parts availability, a knowledgeable enthusiast base and performance that allows it to keep up with modern traffic easily.

Offered for sale with an estimate of £15,000 to £20,000 these rare ‘ES’ models are a true design classic, and one that will certainly turn heads wherever it goes. Good luck!

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.