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Curated Auction

1973 Volvo 1800 ES

At a Glance

Extensively Restored | Reported £60,000 Expenditure | Manual with Overdrive

  • Mileage~91,971 on Clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.0-Litre
  • LocationNorwich

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated auction
Ends in
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Current bid
£1,000 See bidding
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

See Bidding
Video #2

Introduction

Dom Ginn
Professional Consigner

A beautifully presented example of Volvo’s distinctive sporting estate, combining the elegant front end of the 1800 coupé with a practical extended roofline and its unmistakable frameless glass tailgate.

Introduced for the 1972 model year, the 1800 ES was the final development of Volvo’s celebrated 1800 series. Its extended roof and increased luggage capacity transformed the stylish coupé into what would now be described as a shooting brake, without sacrificing its sporting character.

Production lasted for just two model years, with 1973 representing the final year for the entire 1800 range. Only 8,078 examples of the ES were produced, making it considerably scarcer than the preceding coupé models.

Beneath the bonnet is Volvo’s fuel-injected 1,986cc four-cylinder engine, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox and electrically operated overdrive. Hydraulic disc brakes are fitted to all four wheels.

This right-hand-drive example is finished in an attractive cream colour, complemented by a pale-blue interior, blue carpeting and extensive chrome detailing. The odometer displayed approximately 91,971 miles during our visit.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Michael the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

My oldest friend owned this Volvo and invested a considerable amount in having it professionally restored.

Michael is handling the sale of the Volvo following the death of its previous owner, who was his oldest friend.

The previous owner commissioned an extensive professional restoration, with approximately £60,000 of expenditure reported during the filmed road test. The standard of presentation throughout the bodywork, interior and engine bay demonstrates the considerable attention the car has received.

The car has reportedly covered approximately 3,000 miles over the past five years. A replacement battery is recommended, as the existing unit is believed to have deteriorated through limited use.

Michael would be happy to answer any questions in the comments section.

Michael
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

The cream finish suits the long bonnet, low roofline and distinctive sports-estate profile particularly well.

Wheels and Tyres

The Volvo is fitted with its traditional steel wheels, complemented by polished trim rings, chrome wheel nuts and red Volvo-branded centre caps.

The wheels present very well overall and retain an appropriately period appearance. We did not notice any significant kerbing or obvious damage during our visit, although occasional light marks may be visible upon closer inspection.

The tyres appear to retain a suitable level of tread and contribute to the car’s authentic stance.

Black Volvo-branded rear mudflaps provide a practical finishing touch.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

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Bodywork

The bodywork presents to a very good standard and reflects the extensive restoration reported by Michael.

The panels appear straight overall, with consistent-looking shut lines around the bonnet, doors and rear glass hatch. The doors operated during our visit, while the large rear hatch opens to provide excellent access to the luggage compartment.

The extended roofline and large side windows distinguish the ES from the preceding 1800 coupé, giving it a profile that combines sporting proportions with genuine practicality.

We did not notice any major dents or obvious areas of significant bodywork damage.

The underside of the bonnet is also particularly clean and neatly finished, providing further evidence of the attention given to the restoration.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

image

Paint

Finished in a warm cream colour, the paintwork presents to a very good overall standard.

The colour appears consistent across the main panels and retains an attractive gloss. It works particularly well with the extensive chrome detailing and pale-blue interior.

A small number of chips and minor marks can be seen upon close inspection, including around some of the lower and more vulnerable areas of the body. These are limited and remain consistent with careful use following restoration.

Overall, the finish remains smart, eye-catching and well suited to the elegant lines of the 1800 ES.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

image

Glass and Trim

The frameless glass tailgate is the defining feature of the 1800 ES and presents particularly well.

The rear glass appears clear and is supported by gas struts when raised. The large side windows and windscreen also appear to be in good order, providing the bright and airy cabin for which the ES is known.

Chrome detailing features extensively across the grille surround, headlamp bezels, bumpers, window frames, door handles and side mouldings. These components present well and provide an attractive contrast against the cream paintwork.

The front grille, Volvo badging, headlamps, amber front indicators and rectangular rear light units all appear complete and in good condition.

The surrounding rubber seals and exterior fittings also appear presentable, although occasional age-related imperfections should be expected on a vehicle of this period.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

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VIEW ALL
INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

The pale-blue cabin creates a distinctive contrast with the cream exterior and presents to a particularly smart standard following restoration.

Seats and Carpets

The individual front seats are trimmed in pale-blue upholstery and present extremely well.

Their sculpted shape and integrated headrests remain characteristic of the later 1800 series, while the upholstery appears clean, supportive and largely free from significant wear.

The matching rear seat provides occasional additional accommodation and can be folded to increase luggage capacity. Pale-blue door cards continue the colour scheme throughout the cabin, while the light headlining appears clean and securely fitted.

Blue carpeting covers the floors and rear luggage area and presents well overall.

A substantial aftermarket audio installation occupies part of the luggage compartment. This includes multiple speaker and subwoofer enclosures, together with associated equipment. The installation will appeal to buyers who enjoy an upgraded sound system, although it does reduce the otherwise generous carrying capacity of the ES.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

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Dashboard

The dashboard retains the traditional wood-effect fascia and collection of Smiths instruments associated with the 1800 series.

A large speedometer and rev counter sit directly ahead of the driver, accompanied by smaller gauges displaying fuel level, oil pressure, oil temperature and coolant temperature.

The odometer indicated approximately 91,971 miles during our visit.

The dashboard and instruments present very well overall. Some additional switches and equipment have been installed beneath the main fascia, reflecting the car’s upgraded electrical and audio systems.

A retro-style radio is fitted within the dashboard, supplemented by speakers mounted in the door cards and the larger audio equipment in the rear compartment.

image

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A black three-spoke Momo sports steering wheel has been fitted in place of the original Volvo item.

The wheel presents well and provides a more compact, sporting feel than the factory design. It should be regarded as a visible modification from original specification.

The floor-mounted gear lever is topped by a knob displaying the four-speed shift pattern and overdrive function.

Together, the sports steering wheel, manual gearbox and compact driving position give the interior a suitably purposeful character.

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VIEW ALL
'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

The fuel-injected 2.0-litre engine and manual gearbox with overdrive give the 1800 ES the dependable and relaxed touring ability for which these cars are known.

Engine and Gearbox

The Volvo is powered by its 1,986cc overhead-valve four-cylinder engine, equipped with fuel injection.

The engine subsequently started successfully and was shown idling and responding to light throttle input.

During the road test, the engine normally starts at the first attempt and the car drives very well.

A replacement battery is recommended. The existing unit is believed to have weakened because the Volvo has seen relatively limited use, with approximately 3,000 miles reportedly covered during the past five years.

The engine bay presents to an exceptionally high cosmetic standard. Polished and chromed components include the rocker cover and parts of the inlet system, while the surrounding inner wings, bulkhead and underside of the bonnet are clean and neatly finished.

These detailed finishes should be regarded as modifications from standard factory presentation, but they create a particularly impressive appearance when the bonnet is raised.

Power is delivered through a four-speed manual gearbox with electrically operated overdrive. The gearbox was described as smooth during the filmed drive, with no specific transmission concerns raised.

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Suspension and Brakes

The 1800 ES is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes at all four wheels.

During the on the road segment, the brakes brought the car to a stop strongly and without pulling to either side. No unwanted vibration or other specific braking concerns were reported.

The suspension was described as feeling tight and suitably sports-car-like. Despite the uneven roads used during filming, no knocks, bangs or other unwanted suspension noises were noticed.

The steering also tracked straight and did not display any reported tendency to veer or wander.

Overall, the steering, suspension and brakes contributed to the impression of a properly assembled and well-restored classic.

image

The Drive

The engine started successfully from cold before the journey. Once moving, the gearbox was described as smooth and the car tracked straight without veering through the steering.

The brakes performed strongly and stopped the Volvo without pulling to either side. The suspension felt tight and sporting, with no unwanted knocks or bangs apparent over the uneven road surface.

The car was described as driving smoothly and displaying the characteristics expected from a fully restored classic.

Approximately 3,000 miles are believed to have been covered during the past five years. This limited use is understood to be the principal reason that the battery now requires replacement rather than an indication of a wider starting concern.

With its supportive seats, excellent visibility, manual gearbox and overdrive, the 1800 ES should be equally well suited to relaxed touring and enjoyable journeys along quieter roads.

Please watch the cold-start and on-the-road video to see and hear the Volvo being demonstrated.

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Electrics and Other

The Volvo retains its traditional Smiths instrumentation and period-style dashboard switchgear, together with several later electrical additions.

The most obvious modification is the upgraded audio system. This comprises a retro-style head unit, speakers mounted in the door cards and several larger speaker and subwoofer enclosures within the rear luggage compartment.

Additional switches and equipment can also be seen beneath the dashboard.

The existing battery is believed to require replacement following an extended period of limited use. Prospective buyers should therefore allow for fitting a suitable new battery.

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VIEW ALL
Video #2

History and Paperwork

Michael reports that the Volvo’s previous owner commissioned an extensive and costly professional restoration.

Michael is handling the sale following the death of the previous owner, his oldest friend. The Volvo is now being offered on behalf of the beneficiaries, creating an opportunity for its next custodian to acquire a rare final-year 1800 ES that has benefited from substantial professional restoration.

Plenty of paperwork and history with the car as well as a good amount of spares/extras.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
28/08/2025 MOT 91833
12/09/2024 MOT 91557
03/08/2023 MOT 91112
26/09/2022 MOT 90945
09/08/2021 MOT 90227
10/08/2020 MOT 89996
25/04/2018 MOT 89714
25/04/2017 MOT 88897
13/05/2015 MOT 86635
02/06/2014 MOT 84809
06/06/2013 MOT 84331
31/05/2012 MOT 83729
10/06/2011 MOT 82768
20/05/2010 MOT 81296
08/06/2009 MOT 5937
20/05/2008 MOT 79009
14/06/2005 MOT 75548
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model 1800 ES
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 05/04/1973
  • CC 1986
  • Mileage ~91,971 on Clock
  • Colour White
  • Interior Colour Blue
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # 5937
  • Engine # 850
  • Former Keepers 2
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Vehicle Registration OPE 777
  • Auction ID 4120
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Norwich

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    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid .

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    Vehicle Location

    Norwich

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