Volvo P1800ES
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This Volvo drives exceptionally well. The gearbox feels tight, gear selection positive. Steering is a little heavy at parking speeds but soon lightens up when out on the road, giving good driver feedback. The engine provides strong performance and acceleration is smooth, with no fl at spots. Although drive comes from the rear wheels, the back end of the car never feels like it’s going to get away from you and the handling in general feels balanced. The brakes work as they should and feel through the pedal is positive. The car stops in a straight line without any squealing or vibrations.
BODYWORK CHECK
The car has recently had a new fl oor and a complete professional bare metal respray. The work has been carried out to an exceptionally high standard and the paintwork looks immaculate, with just the chrome requiring finishing. It is not bad by any means but would really need refreshing to bring it up to the standard of the rest of exterior. There is a photo fi le included in the sale showing this recommissioning of the bodywork. The original steel wheels also appear to have been recently refurbished and are in excellent condition. The Firestone tyres present well and have good tread. There is no rot either in the wheel arches or underneath the car.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The period interior has stood the test of time incredibly well. The dashboard has not cracked or weathered and all of the Smiths gauges work perfectly. The seatbelts have lost some of their inertia but still work. The seats have a little patina, especially on the driver’s side, but they are intact and undamaged, as are the door cards. A look under the carpets in the cockpit and the boot reveals no evidence of any water ingress and the material itself is in good condition.
UNDER THE BONNET
The gaskets and seals appear to be doing their job because there are no fl uid leaks from the engine. The engine bay itself is clean and there is no rust anywhere. The braking system is new, as are the fuel tank, fuel pump and battery. There is a faint smell of fuel upon start-up but this soon dissipates and there’s no other evidence of a leak. Both oil and coolant look good and sit at their correct levels and there’s no tell-tale suggestion of cylinder head gasket-related woes on the underside of the oil filler cap.
THE CCW VIEW
Arguably the prettiest car Volvo ever made – and reliable to boot – this P1800 ES benefits from recent new paint as well as some choice mechanical replacements, and with an air of exclusivity thanks to the rarity factor, it’s an exciting and practical proposition. Not cheap, but prices are only going to go one way.