LOT 109

1973 Volvo P1800 ES Sport Wagon Chassis no. 6078.6108

Estimate: US$35,000 - US$45,000Lot to be sold without reserve

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 109

1973 Volvo P1800 ES Sport Wagon

The Scottsdale Auction|16 January 2020, 11:00 MST|Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

1973 Volvo P1800 ES Sport Wagon
Chassis no. 6078.6108

1,985cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Fuel Injection
125bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission with O/D
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Stylish and practical Volvo Sports Estate
*Beautifully restored example
*Lovely Petroleum Blue over Cognac livery
*Just under 50,000 miles from new

THE VOLVO P1800

Introduced in 1960 and popularized by The Saint television series, starring Roger Moore, Volvo's pretty P1800 Sports Coupe, although no hairy-chested tire-shredder, was nonetheless something of a radical departure for the sober-sided Swedish concern. Lacking a sports car in its range, Volvo had started the project back in 1957, the man chiefly responsible being an engineering consultant, Helmer Petterson, who had designed Volvo's PV444. Carrozzeria Frua built the first three prototypes and it was intended that Karmann would undertake production, though this idea was vetoed by Volkswagen, Karmann's biggest customer.

Based on the 121 saloon, the P1800 was built initially by Jensen Motors in West Bromwich and employed Volvo's rugged, four-cylinder, overhead-valve engine in 1,778cc form. Breathing through twin carburetors, this unit produced 100bhp, an output sufficient to propel the solidly built coupé to a top speed of around 105mph. The running gear was conventional, with independent front suspension and live rear axle, and all versions came with servo-assisted front disc brakes. Production of the P1800 was transferred to Sweden in 1963.

A capacity increase to 1,985cc was followed by the adoption of fuel injection in 1969, maximum power increasing to 130bhp, with four-wheel disc brakes standardized at the same time. By the end of the 1960s, the model was beginning to look dated but the introduction of the Reliant GTE-influenced P1800ES Sport Wagon version extended its lease of life. Production of the P1800ES ceased in 1973 after 8,078 units had been built.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Beyond a line of 5 owners, little is known about the exact origins of this unique piece of Swedish iron, but in more recent times, this gentleman-like Wagon has undergone a thorough restoration. This work was conducted sometime around 2009 by a mechanic who was a previous owner. Some of the renovations included rebuilding the transmission, and installing new injectors, brakes, wiring harness, and pumps. The body was repainted to its original Petroleum Blue Metallic color and the Cognac interior received new carpets. Many further areas of the vehicle were addressed and documentation of the process containing further details was published once the work was complete. With such an uncommon and unique shape, these Volvos has endured as classics over the decade, now is the opportunity to pick up a fine example.

Saleroom notices

Please note, this Volvo is equipped with a 3-speed Borg-Warner Automatic transmission, not a 4-speed manual, and that a safety check and engine service is recommended to be performed before road use.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
Payment for purchases may be made in or by (a) cash, (b) cashier's check or money order, (c) personal check with approved credit drawn on a U.S. bank, (d) wire transfer or other immediate bank transfer, or (e) Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit, charge or debit card for returning clients only. Please note that the amount of cash notes and cash equivalents that can be accepted from a given purchaser may be limited.
Shipping Notices
Los Angeles & New York Auctions
If you have requested a shipping quote, we will send this to you via email within 5 business days of the auction ending.
Please note our shipping quotes are bespoke and require special care and handling from our team and shippers. Shipping will be booked after payment is received. Please allow 7-14 business days from the time of booking for packing and dispatch, depending on your chosen shipping method. If your purchase is time sensitive, or you wish to explore other options, please see our list of alternative third party shippers in New York and Los Angeles who may be able to assist you.
Oversized Lots
Please note that all lots marked with a W in the catalogue are oversized and subject to additional storage and shipping methods. All additional lots purchased with W lots are considered group lots and will be subject to the same terms as W lots.
W Lots will be transferred to offsite storage at DTD Fine Art Services at the buyer's risk and expense within five (5) business days following the auction. Please contact the Client Services team at [email protected] for the exact movement date.
The per-lot charges levied by DTD Fine Art Services are as follows (plus any applicable sales tax):
FURNITURE/LARGE OBJECTS
Transfer .................. $75
Daily storage........... $10
Insurance (on Hammer + Premium + tax) 0.3%
SMALL OBJECTS
Transfer ................. $37.50
Daily storage........... $5
Insurance (on Hammer + Premium + tax) 0.3%
Please note property is also subject to a Cross Dock Release Fee ($25 for Smalls and $45 for Furniture and Large Objects) & if charges are paid with a credit card, Door to Door Fine Art Services will charge a 3% Convenience Fee.
If you have any questions, please contact our Client Services team.
Boston & Marlborough Auctions
Please click HERE for detailed collection and shipping information for Boston and Marlborough auctions.
Special Car Dealer Notices
For all registerable Vehicles, Bonhams is acting as an Arizona dealer, number L00012102
- Cars