1973 Volvo p1800

ES (wagon) Wagon

4 - Cyl.

Manual

1836354004058

Gasoline

Because I have to relocate, I'm selling my beloved 1973 p1800 ES Volvo. BASICS: Attention-getting collectible Volvo wagon...from before they went boxy Excellent mechanical condition, with minor rust. Currently in daily use, registered, insured 4-speed manual with overdrive, 122K miles Ready for cosmetic overhaul, or ready to drive as-is. This car has been a real gem. I've been slowly and methodically restoring this p1800 since early 2009, when I bought the car from its second owner. Throughout, it's been a head-turner and conversation starter, but alas, I'm moving to the east coast, and the winters will NOT be kind to this car. Rather than pay a lot to garage it, or let it fall into disrepair, I'm (sadly) letting her go. SHORT VERSION: This is NOT your 1980s boxy volvo, but rather, the last car to carry Volvo's curved 1960s design. This rare car has been mechanically restored over the past two years and is in exquisite running condition. It's been registered and insured throughout, and is ready to roll, as-is. The only thing remaining for a complete, cherry, competition restore is the cosmetics: new paint job, and new seats/interior. LONG VERSION: If you don't know anything about this car, read this: http://bringatrailer.com/2008/06/30/restored-sportswagon-1973-volvo-p1800es/ or this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_P1800#1800ES The 1800 ES kept a lot of the curved 1960s stylings of porsches, ghias, and other great designs. Basically, this is a longer, more funny looking version of the 1960s 1800, which is a sporty coupe that people like Roger Moore used to drive. (For the ES, Volvo's Jan Wilsgaard modified the Frua design, and actually improved the performance of the model. . .) This is the "sport wagon" version of the 1800, which means that instead of carrying two people and a suitcase, you can transport two people, surfboards, and a bunch of stuff. (I've actually driven around with people in the backseat, but to be honest, it's more of a highly functional 2-seater with a lot of storage space, than a true "wagon"...) It's 4-speed stick with an additional electric overdrive for highway which works marvelously. Volvo's standard B-20, 4 cylinder, fuel injected engine. Volvo made just about 8,000 ES wagons for sale in the U.S. in 1972-3; they are increasingly difficult to find, and usually in pretty bad shape. This one, however, has been cared for. I'm the third owner. I purchased the car in early 2009 from the second owner, who had it garaged for a decade in the north bay. I have all the papers back to the original owner, who bought it off the lot in Georgia in 1973. When I bought the car it ran (but barely) and had been sitting non-op for a few years. I've slowly restored the car, either doing some of the work myself, or with a very knowledgeable Volvo mechanic in the San Francisco Bay area. For those interested, I'm happy to give you his direct contact information so that you can ask him any more details about the car's condition. Again, the ONLY reason I'm selling the car (sigh. . .) is because it won't survive East Coast winters, and I won't need a car for the next foreseeable future. Here's a list of what I've done since purchasing the car in 2009. Where possible, all of this work has been done to OEM spec. Parts are either from iPd Volvo directly, or from Don Thibault, the Massachusetts-based p1800 guru: MECHANICAL (BASIC): -removed original gas tank, replaced with OEM Volvo replacement tank, resealed unit & undercarriage -completely replaced fuel system from tank to engine, including all lines, fuel pump, tank floater, and all clamps/hoses. -dropped engine, replaced all gaskets & seals, both pan set and head set -replaced radiator, hoses, and all belts, replaced thermostat -complete new exhaust system, single shaped unit from engine block to tailpipe. (2 muffler tandem, extremely smooth, and surprisingly quiet for a 1973 car.) -fuel injectors cleaned -new distributor cap, starter, alternator, plugs, battery -brakes: rotors and pads replaced, lines checked, master cylinder checked (cylinder replaced in 2004-5) -two wheels stripped and smoothed, two replaced -5 new tires: 4 on car, plus full-sized spare in trunk -new motor and wiring for windshield wipers -new speedometer cable -recently tuned engine (June 2011), gets about 22-23 mpg highway, and runs marvelously all the way up past 3500 RPM / 75 mph. MODIFICATIONS: -removed factory-installed optional A/C unit from car. (Hey, it's northern California. you don't need it.) -deinstalled large clunky unit & vents from beneath dash, removed 65 lb. compressor from engine block (thus dramatically improving engine performance and mileage) COSMETIC/BODY: -removed all upholstery and detailing from rear interior of car ("bed"of the wagon), stripped/sandblasted, and repainted interior. -purchased interior upgrades: rear cargo area vent covers (100$) -purchased replacement folding rear seat back & matching cushions (all black vinyl, approx. 400$) (***There is an existing bench and seat in the car. you're getting 2 sets***) -purchased replacement center driver's/stick shift console with locking case -purchased replacement hard dash cover -purchased replacement interior panels for back seat sides and cargo area -replaced rubber seal on rear hatch Like I said, the car runs fine. all gauges (fuel, oil, temp, speedo) work. The original AM/FM radio is still in the car and works, although I detached the dead speakers from the cables. Here's more about the condition and a basic list of what you'd need to do to have a cherry restoration, in order of $ investment: 1. Sandblast/repaint body. The car has a few tiny dings, but has not been in any accidents. No bondo jobs, etc. Currently has original off-white Volvo paint, minor superficial rust in a few spots, but extremely minimal. I've priced this out, and it's between 3K and 6K, depending in the quality of the job you want. The body has surface rust but no significant pitting. Nothing that a standard sandblasting would not address. The overall condition of the chrome is decent. 2. Replace interior carpeting. I was going to just buy this and do it, but it doesn't make sense until you strip the car and have it repainted. iPd sells a custom replacement Dupont plush kit for $120, which looks fantastic. 3. reupholster front seats (originals are shredded, I have covers on them) ditto on waiting until repainting. Don Thibault offers a custom restoration service (leather, new foam) for 600$; vinyl and non-custom is cheaper, too. 4. Replace rubber seals on front doors, around hood, and windshield. Entire seal kits are also available from iPd. 5. Electric/wiring: the fuses for (a) the overhead interior light and (b) the one controlling both the horn are currently disabled. I haven't gotten into intense wiring issues, but as far as electrical goes, the following work, and are in fine order: lights, directionals/turn signals, fan, hazards, radio. The rear defroster was not functional when I bought the car, and I've not bothered to buy the wiring kit to fix it. 6. Replace interior panels I removed while doing interior body work. ALL panels, plastic covers, and related hardware are included with the car. In short, the car is fine to drive as-is, and has served wonderfully as a glorified grocery getter and means to get to the beach for surfing. The engine is solid, and the car has been a reliable, dependable ride. I've mused seriously on doing these last restorative steps, but because of time constraints, I'm more interested in selling as-is and letting someone else continue with the restoration. This car has been truly good to me - she's hauled tons of band gear, moving boxes, surfboards, and CSA produce all over the bay area, and made longer treks to Ventura and other spots in southern CA. I hate to let her go, but have other priorities (job, school) and would hate to see an old gem fall into a state of disrepair. PRICE: I'm setting the "Buy it Now" price at 6500 to reflect the money and labor that I've put into the restoration thus far, but am more than willing to negotiate. Please note: my reserve price is significantly lower than the "Buy it Now" price. Also, I will accept a reasonable Best Offer, too. The price range on 1800s vary. Total restorations, show-quality 1800ES models sell for anywhere between 12K and 24K. NADA classic lists "Low Retail" price at 15,200, but that's assuming only minor reconditioning for cosmetics. A search of eBay sales since May 2011 shows that non-ops in bad shape are usually a few grand, around $3,500. If you search for p1800 ES on eBay, you'll see a range between 3,500 (non-op, okay body) to 24K (cherry, OEM restoration, ready for show) As I've put a lot of work into it, and it runs splendidly—but needs the cherry paint job— I'm somewhere in the middle. Therefore, I'm asking 6500, but am definitely willing to negotiate a bit for the right person (ideally local to northern CA) who wants to restore it (as opposed to simply piece it out!) A few pictures here. I'm happy to share more, and show the car to anyone who is serious about buying it. It's currently in the garage through Monday or Tuesday, as I'm having the last little things checked for a smooth sale: parking brake cable, wiring, etc. PAYMENT TERMS: 10% Deposit via Paypal within 72 hours of close of sale. Remainder via cashier's check, certified check, money order, or eBay or similar financing through Paypal, etc. SHIPPING/TRANSPORT: Buyer to make arrangements and pay related costs associated with picking up or shipping the vehicle. Buyer will pay for shipping. I would ideally like to find a local buyer (within ~200 miles), and am willing to drive the car or otherwise deliver the vehicle for a very nominal fee (e.g., cost of gas). Shipping Zip Code is 94112 VEHICLE INSPECTION: As mentioned in the ad, the car was tuned up in June 2011, and is currently being checked for last details, such as parking brake, etc. The car is in fine mechanical condition, and I am happy to either bring you into direct contact with my mechanic, or allow you to have the car inspected by a third party, at your own time and expense, prior to the close of the sale. On Aug-23-11 at 12:04:42 PDT, seller added the following information: ADDITIONAL PHOTOS ADDED 8/23 Please refer to additional photos of undercarriage, shot and added on 8/23. I will also upload additional interior shots and additional images of the extra accessories (seats, etc.) either later today (8/23) or tomorrow, 8/24.