1973 Volvo P1800ES

Oh do we have a treat for you here. This lovely PS1800ES is not only a lovely example of arguably Volvo’s best ever looking car, but it’s also wonderfully original and, other than a paint refresh, has never been restored.

“I’m the fifth owner and bought the car in August 2018,” explains vendor James Robinson. “At the time the DVLA confirmed that the car had not been MOT tested or taxed since 1981. During this period the fourth owner, who I am told displayed it in a Volvo dealership, took it to Volvo shows on a trailer. I have the MOT certificate dated 03/04/1981 showing the mileage at 52,248, so the current mileage reading would appear to be genuine.”

Prior to James’ ownership the braking system was rebuilt with new calipers, discs and pipes. The injectors were refurbished and the bodywork re-sprayed in the original Light Blue metallic colour (Volvo code: 111). The underside of the car had the underseal renewed at the same time.

After purchase James set about re-commissioning the car. “The following new parts have been fitted: four 185/15 Galaxy tyres chosen because the profile was as per the original, air, fuel and oil filters, horns, cold start injector, fuel pump, thermo time sender, fuel tank with sender unit, rear dampers, viscous fan coupling, rear hatch seal and many other small bits.”

The Volvo has recently had new locks fitted and fresh keys cut. As such, and as expected, it comes with two sets. The included V5 document confirms that the car has had a total of five owners and there’s a current MOT certificate that runs until the 16th of September 2021.

There’s no doubt that Volvo’s P1800 is a looker. Whether you prefer the lines of the original Coupe or those of the more practical ES sports estate is entirely down to personal preference. Personally, we think both look absolutely ace and the light blue hue of this particular example is absolutely mesmerising.

The paintwork is generally in excellent condition with just some very minor blemishes in one or two of the gutters and a few bubbles on the offside lower valance. Panel fit is absolutely superlative. We at The Market do love a restored classic car but for us, there’s just a certain unrepeatable essence that an original un-restored car has.

Chrome work remains in very good condition and is free from any traces of pitting. The wing mirrors are fresh items. The outside seal around the front grill has split along the lower edge, so could do with replacement. Each of the nine-hole steel wheels are clean and as mentioned before, shod with a fresh Galaxy Vitour tyre. The car wears Volvo branded mud flaps at the rear and is fitted with a handy tow-hook.

Overall, it’s just a lovely clean ES and one that you can spend an inordinate amount of time gazing at. It’s supplied with the original supplying dealer number plates, which is a lovely touch. However, with a view to future longevity James has had these backed with Perspex to prevent further cracking.

What use is a lovely exterior if the interior isn’t up to scratch? Well, sorry to set you up for a fall, but it’s just as good in here! The black leather seats are unworn and remain plump and supportive. Dials and Smiths instruments are all good and function as they should (except possibly the temperature gauge – more on that, below), and the original Sharp stereo remains in place.

The blue carpets (piped black) complement the exterior colour gloriously and nowhere better than in that large rear luggage compartment. Personally I couldn’t bring myself to do anything as insalubrious as defiling it with luggage or components of daddy’s next DIY project, but it could certainly house them if so required.

Up top the headlining remains clean and taut with no sagging. Door cards are blemish free and the gearstick’s laid-back angle positively taunts you into jumping into the driver’s seat and grasping it. There’s no doubt it’s one very nice cabin. “Templar, the name’s Templar.” Yes, I know I’m getting my gentleman adventurers mixed up, but it felt good to type.

We’ve had a few P1800s through our door and have no qualms in stating that this is one of the very best. It drives beautifully and is smooth and elegant. It really is a lovely, lovely thing. The engine runs as it should; gearbox synchros are perfect and the overdrive works instantly. Suspension is in good order with absolutely no rattles or clunks and the brakes have plenty of bite and are up to the job.

There a couple of tiny points of note: the speedo reads about 3% fast and the oil temperature can be slightly slow to rise, as you may expect. Under the bonnet and you’ll find a lovely and clean engine bay. Pop it up at a show and it’s highly likely you’d have a queue of people ready to engage in conversation.

Time spent checking the underside is rewarded with a very confidence-inspiring state of affairs; as the photographs in our picture gallery below demonstrate everything is very fresh looking and seriously well protected. The stainless steel exhaust system is also in rude health.

“I’ve had the offside front jacking outrigger replaced and at the same time a small plate (10cm by 10cm) welded in the floor just forward of the outrigger to replace a very small rust hole,” says James. “The sills and other hollow chassis and body sections have been inspected with a probe and found to be very sound. These areas have also been injected with a Bilt Hamber rust preventative treatment and also Waxoyled.”

The original (and very patinated) Volvo 1800ES Owner’s Manual is included in the car’s history file, which is nice to see. You’ll also find an A4 manila notebook with OTU 901L written on the front that comprehensively details works carried out to the car during James’ ownership, both in terms of respective dates and then current mileages.

As well as the V5 certificate there are a number of old MOT certificates, as well the current one that runs until the 16th of September 2021. There’s a raft of invoices for recent spends and big-ticket items include: a new clutch (£72.98); 4x 185/80/15 Galaxy Blackwall tyres (£351.12); a replacement fuel tank (£388.85); new locks and keys all round (£93.00); and a new Bosch ignition switch and electric fuel pump (£136.23). In addition to those listed above you’ll find others for a variety of suspension-related components and new bright work items including a fresh set of mirrors.

Last, but not least, there’s also a Haynes Owners Workshop Manual for the 120 & 130 Series Plus 1800 Sports models.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of the paperwork to support our claim that this car has been maintained to the highest of standards.

What a wonderful example of Volvo’s most iconic model. Vendor James demonstrates his excellent attention to detail not only by the car’s current condition (and recent re-commissioning) but also by the included history of the car’s time in his ownership. It’s supplied with the original handbooks, a workshop manual, and a detailed and easy to understand Volvo fuel injection fault tracing manual. There’s also an indoor cover with large Volvo insignia on the bonnet area.

As a car that presents in very good original order, we think that this lovely P1800ES will sell for somewhere between £15,000 and £21,000. For that price the next owner will get a low-mileage example that looks a million dollars and positively purrs along the road. Whether they choose to use it for shows or pootling along to a country pub on a summer’s day, or indeed both, will be their choice. As far as life goes it’s surely one of the better ones to have to make.

The P1800’s superlative styling has ensured it’s desirability since new and that’s something that you can be assured will never change. Buying one is win-win – you can enjoy the car and be safe in the knowledge that when it comes time to sell it, there should be a long line of prospective buyers.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located at The Market’s Abingdon headquarters; 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’.