1973 Volvo 1800ES, Automatic with Air Conditioning

Price: - Item location: Austin, Texas, United States
Description:

1973 Volvo Other ES

This is an automatic 1973 Volvo 1800ES wagon with factory air conditioning. I purchased the car in 2014 and had it shipped from Oregon, did quite a bit of work on it, and have used it as my daily driver for over a year. It runs great, passes inspection, and definitely turns heads!

Volvo's 1800 has the world record for having the most miles on a car. This model was manufactured in February, just 4 months before all P1800s stopped being produced. Only around 8,000 were made during the short, 2-year span of production. The B20-F was Volvo's first electronic fuel injection engine. The AC was an add-on, and in the Texas heat, it's been great to have working.

Odometer reads 37,775 which are original, according to the previous owner.

Recent work the car's had
  • New front bushings (polyurethane!)
  • New starter
  • New radiator
  • New cooling system thermostat
  • New fuel injection thermostat
  • New tail pipe
  • Exhaust repairs
  • New ball joints
  • New wheels
  • New AC compressor
  • New belts and hoses
  • New "Vintage-looking" Bluetooth AM/FM stereo
  • New rear view mirror
  • Interior door handle repairs
  • New driver side lock
  • Recent oil change, coolant, and tune up including new spark plugs

The only major work remaining is the gas tank – the top is rusted, so there can be a gas smell in the cabin when you fill the tank completely. I typically just fill it about half to alleviate the issue.

Smaller repairs still needed
  • Hatchback lock needs repair (currently does not lock)
  • Rubber stripping for the doors and windows (rain can leak in during heavy storms)
  • Bouncing speedometer (may just need connections to be cleaned)
  • Washer fluid pump needs repair
  • Dashboard clock... works, but runs fast and drains the battery when plugged in. (May need to be on a different fuse.)
  • Door stops
  • One of the hood hinges is rusted
Cosmetic stuff
  • Rekeying the driver door to match the other 4 locks
  • Original dashboard, but cracked; common in 1800s
  • Body scratches and dings
  • Upholstery for both front seats (I use seat covers, included)
  • Back emblems (included; just need to be added on)

Mechanically, the car is in terrific shape. Especially with the brand new bushings, it drives great, and is ready to be taken to the next level by its new owner. Please contact me with any questions. Happy bidding!

Additional Photos

This is what the seats look like under the covers. They need to be reupholstered.

This is what the seats look like under the covers. They need to be reupholstered.

This is what the dashboard looks like beneath the cover. This is the worst crack, others are less severe.

Spare tire compartment. All tools are intact and included.

The area behind the back seats when laying them down; in excellent condition.

Center console, open. Lining is intact and in good shape.

Vehicle Details:
  • Condition: Used
  • Make: Volvo
  • Model: Other
  • Type: Sports Estate / Wagon / Shooting Brake
  • Trim: ES
  • Year: 1973
  • Mileage: 37,775
  • VIN: 1836364-00621
  • Color: Cream
  • Engine size: B20-F
  • Power options: Air Conditioning
  • Fuel: Gasoline
  • Transmission: Automatic
  • Drive type: RWD
  • Interior color: Blue
  • Vehicle Title: Clear
  • Want to buy? Contact seller!