1973 Volvo 1800ES Sport Wagon

1986cc SOHC 4-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Fuel Injection
112bhp at 6,000rpm
3-Speed Borg-Warner Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*From the last year of production
*Nicely presented and maintained
*Sporting red over black colors
*A truly practical and sporty car

THE VOLVO 1800

Introduced in 1960 and popularized by The Saint television series, Volvo's pretty P1800 sports coupé, although no hairy-chested tire-shredder, was nonetheless something of a radical departure for the sober-sided Swedish concern. Based on the 121 saloon, the P1800 was built by Jensen Motors until production transferred to Sweden in 1963 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. The introduction of the successor P1800S in 1963 brought with it a capacity increase to 1,985cc, power going up to 108bhp as a result. Fuel injection was standardized in 1969, maximum power increasing to 130bhp, with four-wheel disc brakes arriving at the same time. By the end of the 1960s, the model was beginning to look dated but the introduction of the 1800ES sports estate extended its lease of life into the early 1970s.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This final year 1800ES is finished in red over black leather and fitted with an optional Borg-Warner automatic transmission. The car was later in long term possession of a careful owner who maintained it in the fine condition it is found today. Largely as it left the factory, it features a later cassette radio and sportier steering wheel. Accompanying the car from the prior owner's tenure is a thick stack of records including literature, manuals, and more. Since entering the garage of the current owner, it has been sparingly used and looked after.

Sporty in the front, practical in the back, stylish all around—the 1800ES is the car The Saint would have driven had he done part time work as a carpenter or been a long board surfer.