1973 Volvo P1800 ES

Lot details
Registration No: SPE118L
Chassis No: 7184
Mot Expiry: June 2007

Based on a design exercise by Pelle Peterson (though with some subtle reworking by both Ghia and Frua), the Volvo P1800 sports car was unveiled at the 1960 Brussels Salon. Not entering production for a year, its two-door monocoque bodyshell was equipped with independent front suspension, a coil-sprung 'live' rear axle and disc / drum brakes. Powered by a 1782cc OHV four-cylinder engine (complete with five-bearing crankshaft and twin carburettors) allied to a four-speed manual gearbox, it was capable of over 100mph. Never a major contender in the racing world, a P1800 did, however, finish second in class at the 1967 Daytona 24-hour race. Introduced in August 1971, the P1800ES was arguably one of the world's first 'lifestyle' estate cars (a genre now typified by the BMW 3-Series Touring). Boasting notably greater luggage space thanks to its extended roof line and sharply raked glass tailgate, the model came with a more powerful Bosch fuel-injected 1986cc OHV four-cylinder powerplant as standard. Further benefiting from four-wheel disc brakes and the choice of either four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission, it remained in production until 1973 (by which time some 8,078 are thought to have been made).
Finished in red with black leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its 1986cc engine, four-speed manual plus overdrive gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. A daily driver, 'SPE 118L' is said to have had "approximately £10,000" spent on chassis restoration since entering the current ownership in June 2003. Entrusted to Classic and Collectors Cars Ltd, work included the installation of correct 'single-groove' replacement sills (as opposed to the twin-groove ones found on a P1800 coupe). Reportedly possessing the further advantages of "a Britax sunroof (not leaking!), 40-50psi oil pressure and working overdrive", the P1800ES was shown at last year's Eastnor Castle National Volvo Rally. Stated to exhibit "excellent reliability" and to be "a pleasure to drive", this eminently usable classic Volvo is offered for sale with a run of old MOT certificates, bills dating back to 1987, chassis restoration invoices and current MOT certificate valid until June 27th 2007.

PLEASE NOTE: Since the catalogue went to press we have been informed that 'SPE 118L' did not have its sills replaced during the recent chassis restoration work. We apologise for any confusion and would ask potential purchasers to examine the accompanying paperwork closely.