Lot 72
1972 Volvo P1800 ES Sports Wagon
13 August 2021, 11:00 PDT
Carmel, Quail Lodge & Golf ClubSold for US$44,800 inc. premium
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1972 Volvo P1800 ES Sports Wagon
Chassis no. 1836353-002665
Chassis no. 1836353-002665
1,986 cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Electronic Fuel Injection
125bhp at 6,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Gearbox w/ Overdrive
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
Four-Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes
*Stunning, single-owner example with just over 64,000 miles from new
*Uncommonly original and lovingly maintained in as-delivered condition
*Desirable factory 4-speed manual example in Cypress Green over Tan livery
*Fully documented with original sales documents, Window Sticker, records and literature
THE VOLVO P1800 ES
Introduced in 1960 and popularized by The Saint television series, Volvo's stylish P1800 sports Coupe, was 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. Breathing through twin carburetors, the sporty Volvo was a true 100mph-plus car. 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 1800 ES sports estate extended its lease of life into the early 1970s. These remain among the most collectible and iconic station wagons ever produced.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Purchased new by the Consignor in June 1972, this handsome one-owner Volvo 1800ES was used daily for just two years until it was reserved for special occasions. During to a four-year work assignment in Japan from 1982-1985, the Volvo was entrusted to the consignor's father-in-law in Houston, where it was garaged and started regularly to ensure good running order. Subsequent relocations to California (1991) and Houston (1994) saw the car carefully shipped in a moving van. Throughout its lifetime, the Volvo received fastidious care and attentive use; nonetheless, minor mishaps did occur, with expert repairs and regular maintenance performed with the objective of maintaining the vehicle's integrity and originality to the fullest. For example, in 2007, the Consignor obtained a new exhaust system from Sweden, fabricated of stainless steel and consistent with the original design.
Following the consignor's eventual retirement to Nevada in 2008, the faithful Volvo was sparingly enjoyed and refreshed with a thorough major service in 2016, followed by further selective work completed during 2017 and 2021 ensuring the vehicle's readiness for enjoyment. History is exceptionally well documented by the factory-issued books/manuals and original purchase documents including the window sticker, plus the original title and a wealth of service records, manuals and literature. Numerous spare parts and a fitted car cover are also included with the offering of this wonderfully maintained and presented 1972 Volvo 1800ES in Cypress Green, which will surely delight anyone who truly values the irreplaceable character and unmistakable feel of a highly original, never-restored European Sports/GT car.