This 1973 Volvo 1800ES was refurbished in Light Blue Metallic over tan leather and microsuede upholstery circa 2013, and it was acquired by the seller the following year. Additional work under current ownership included installing a Sanden air conditioning system along with replacing the battery box, headliner, firewall insulation, exhaust system, and assorted air conditioning components. Powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four paired with a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive, the car is equipped with 15″ pressed steel wheels, a glass rear hatch, power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, and a retro-style push-button radio. This 1800ES shows 202k miles and is now offered with a seller-provided refurbishment summary, refurbishment records, a car cover, Volvo-branded floor mats, spare parts, and a clean Texas title in the seller’s name.
Introduced in 1972 as the last variant of the P1800, the 1800ES featured a shooting brake design with a glass rear hatch. This example was finished in Light Blue Metallic (111-2) from the factory, and it was reportedly disassembled for a glass-out repaint in the same shade during the refurbishment. The seller tells us the exterior chrome trim was replaced or replated as needed, and a replacement windshield seal was installed. Pitting is present on the taillight trim, imperfections are shown on the left door mirror, and the seller notes scratches in the paintwork.
The 15″ pressed steel wheels wear trim rings and are mounted with 195/65 Michelin Defender tires. The car rides on an independent front suspension with a live-axle setup with a Panhard bar out back. Braking is handled by power-assisted four-wheel discs. The steering linkages were replaced and the brakes and suspension were overhauled during the refurbishment, per the seller.
The factory Light Blue upholstery was removed during the refurbishment, and the seats were trimmed in tan custom leather with microsuede inserts. Replacement dashboard pads were also installed, and additional appointments include a retro-style push-button radio, three-point front seat belts, a fold-down rear seat, and replacement carpets. The seller notes that a Sanden air conditioning system has been installed, and that the headliner, firewall insulation pad, transmission tunnel insulation pad, and rear defrosting ducting were also replaced under current ownership. The dashboard clock is inoperative.
A three-spoke steering wheel frames Smiths instrumentation including a 120-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and supplementary gauges for oil and coolant temperature. Additional gauges for oil pressure and fuel level are mounted in the center of the dashboard along with an analog clock. The six-digit odometer shows 202k miles, approximately 1,500 of which were added under current ownership.
The 2.0-liter B20 inline-four is said to have been overhauled under previous ownership, and it is equipped with Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection, a replacement chrome valve cover, and ceramic-coated manifolds. A replacement receiver drier, expansion valve, and condenser were installed under current ownership. A K&N air filter was added following the seller’s acquisition, a replacement battery box was welded in place, and the hood pad and firewall insulation plugs were replaced. The oil was most recently changed in May 2024.
Power is routed to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission with Laycock de Normanville electric overdrive that was overhauled during the refurbishment, and the clutch was replaced at that time. Additional work included rebuilding the driveshaft and replacing the transmission mounts. The seller notes that a tear in the right floor pan was repaired with a steel patch panel, and a stock-configuration stainless-steel exhaust system was installed under current ownership.
Manufacturer’s literature, a California blue plate, spare parts, refurbishment records, a car cover, spare parts, and Volvo-branded floor mats are included in the sale.