1973 Volvo 1800 ES

2 door with glass hatch

B20 4 cylinder stock/rebuilt

manual with overdrive

1836354005392

Clear

Gasoline

These wonderful cars are one of the last true affordable collector cars. The rarity of the one and a half year model, the end of the superb 1800 series sports cars from Volvo, was by far the best and most attractive. This one has enjoyed life in sunny southern california and we find no detectable rust or corrosion anywhere. The car is simply in outstanding condition, cosmetically and mechanically. It is not without some small areas that could be improved, mostly by detailing the engine to a high standard, and some minor refitting in the rear of the headliner. Other than that, the car makes a beautiful impression cosmetically and runs like a dream after extensive refurbishment over the last few years.The car was in the hands of the original owner until approximately 2014, when I bought it, making it the third ES I have owned. I fell in love with it because of its black color which was a color change done to a very high standard by the original owner from the orange. I normally don't approve of color changes, but the car is such a beautiful shape and looks stunning in black, that I approve of what was done and how well it was done. The body was stripped completely and had the front and rear glass out for paiting while the bumpers were all rechromed to a high standard. When I bought it I received all of the side(belt line) trim as it was never re-installed and creates a very beautiful look for the car. Those side trims come with the car. The only other change from the original is the IPD supplied profile wheels and tires which have very low miles on them, and along with the improved bushings fitted, make the car handle beautifully yet still driving silky smooth. I have the original wheels which will come with the car as well. The engine and many other features of the car were rebuilt at approximately 188K miles, and then only 3K miles ago I took the car to Mike Dudek at IRoll motors who had assisted me on my previous Volvos with parts and advice and I chose to have him rebuild the entire overdrive gearbox, fit a new clutch, new u joints and many other associated maintenance items as well as install the top of the line air conditioning compressor bracket to my newly restored A/C system. He also replaced the turn indicator switch, the rear hinges and locking mechanism for the tailgate, and many other items for which all documentation will be included. The costs were in excess of $6500.00 and worth every penny. My wife and I had the most joyful drive down the California coast to our home in So. Cal and have enjoyed this reliable delight ever since. The A/C rebuild included replacing the radiator core, installing new electric boost fans for when the air is on, and replacing the compressor to Sanden style rotary, new condenser, dryer and all hoses and lines. The evaporator, the original FrigiKing as fitted by the Volvo dealers, was leak tested and refurbished. It works beautifully. A/C is a non negotiable in So. Cal and the car never overheats or fusses. The brakes were redone with rebuilt calipers all around, and rotors. The original fuel injection is unmolested and works beautifully. the carpet was fully replaced, and the front leather seats rebuilt with gorgeous new leather and foams. The dash looks so good it must be a replacement but it is NOT a dash cap: no cracks upper or lower, and the heater and all else work perfectly. The rest of the interior is excellent and some rather pricey new sun visors were secured (see photo) as well as a new correct rear view mirror albeit black rather than tan. There is some sagging to the very rear of the headliner but an easy fix. The clock has not been rebuilt, but is an easy job also. The glass is all perfect, and rubbers around are new. The rear tailgate has all the correct drainage holes and zero corrosion as well as a new rubber surround as in the doors. The underneath is excellent and I wish I had a hoist for better pictures but if there is a concern there, I can try to get some more photos. It is solid everywhere. The original manuals come with the car, as well as a workshop manual, as do the original tools including the "volvo" branded screwdriver! This is not the car if you want to be working on it all the time; this is the one to drive, improve some of the under hood detailing, and thoroughly enjoy. There is one tiny blemish in the paint by the left headlamp. I cant get it to show in pictures but that is all I find anywhere. Low reserve on this and I promise a smooth transaction; see my feedback. I'll never find one as nice as this that I can afford. I hope a true enthusiast grabs this, and enjoys the ride!