Fantasy Junction

Description

1973 Volvo P1800ES
s/n 1836353-007076
Yellow with Black Leather Interior

Introduced for the 1961 model year, the Volvo P1800 was a sleek and stylish car that embodied Volvo’s famous strengths of high quality, durability, and careful engineering, in a package that was unusually sporty for the relatively staid Volvo . The unibodies were initially manufactured by Jensen owing to a lack of excess production capacity internally, before being transferred to Sweden. Mechanically, they used the same driveline as the 122/123 series cars, the robust overhead cam four cylinder B18 engine that was initially carbureted, and later fuel-injected. The cars were developed continuously over their production run, with the ultimate iteration being the ES, which featured a practical “sports wagon” body configuration which increased luggage capacity and rear passenger headroom, rendering an already sensible sports car even more practical. 8077 examples were built, accounting for less than 20 percent of total P1800 production.

This particular example is an exceptional find, having covered just 25,000 miles from new. It retains its original interior, which is in excellent shape, and much of its original paint as well. It runs extremely well and has just completed a trip exceeding 1000 miles without incident. The car was purchased new by a Doctor in Minnesota, who kept it until the early 1980s, at which time it had accumulated 22,000 miles. His father then acquired it, storing it for over 25 years. The car was comprehensively recommissioned in 2013, including going through the fuel injection system, replacing fuel lines, new fuel tank, new brake master cylinder, new calipers as necessary, various electrical fixes, replacing the exhaust system as needed and a comprehensive service in December 2013. This included changing the engine, transmission, and differential oils, as well as the coolant. New oil lines and sending unit were fitted, along with new thermostat. The car was tuned, new spark plugs installed, and the valves adjusted.

The car presents well with a pleasing and honest patina throughout. The paintwork is attractive with a few minor touched up chips, and the brightwork presents well with some swirls and minor dents. The body is straight with excellent fit and gaps. The lights, lenses, and glass are excellent as well. The interior is excellent shape, with some patina to the leather seats and fading to the carpets, but an otherwise near time-warp presentation. The dashboard and instruments are extremely crisp and are in like-new condition. The headliner is very nice as well. The undercarriage has had some repairs done to high standards and is presently free of corrosion other than a small area in the rear section of the floor, as well as an area in the left rocker under the door.

The engine compartment is correct in appearance, and is quite clean and tidy but fundamentally unrestored with some soiling and aging present. The trunk under the floor is extremely clean, and the spare tire is in pristine condition, date coded February of 1973. The jack is present, as is a service manual and new leather luggage straps, still in their plastic. The car comes with miscellaneous records from the 2013 service work, as well as some invoices from the late 1970s and early 1980s. There is also a completed service coupon dated 21 June 1973 when the car had 1627 miles. The manual pack is complete with pouch, owner’s manual, operating tips booklet, dealer directory, and vintage road atlases.

Earlier in 2014, the car completed a road trip from Texas to Los Angeles to Emeryville, California, performing faultlessly along the way. This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a low mileage survivor P1800ES that is in great shape and is ready to enjoy. Because these cars were so usable and robust, most of them were driven extensively over the years, making this low mileage and substantially original example an extremely rare find.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608