Volvo 1800ES
Although not an obvious choice for everyone, this Volvo packs in lots of performance for the price
RICHARD BARNETT
The classic sporting estate offers speed, performance and looks
It does, but let’s scroll back to when the P1800ES was new: it had just two real rivals, the Reliant Scimitar GTE and the BMW ’02 Touring. Today’s market doesn’t put a high price on Scimitars, meaning values are comparatively low. The ’02 Touring is one of those cars that the market simply hasn’t got to grips with – it favours the saloon but not the estate. And then there is the P1800ES, which offers traditional Volvo build quality while its looks impart an air of upmarket taste and sophistication.
It’s taken time to get to this point
Certainly, the P1800ES wasn’t always understood by the market. Observers of a certain age will know the P1800 Coupe has always been appreciated, with values still rising (albeit slowly of late) but the ES was something of an orphan, despite its greater practicality and its ‘country house weekend’ aura. The past four or five years have seen values waking up as the market has warmed to it, and its appeal isn’t just to enthusiasts but to those who have a craving for a classic, but not something that’s too demanding.
What about this example?
There was more than enough in its favour, as H&H pointed out. It was said to have had ‘extensive’ body and paint work that had cost around £7000. The body and metallic gold paint presented very well, with typically decent shutlines, while the wheel arches and door bottoms were ding- and corrosion-free. Stainless steel bumpers were very good, as were the steel wheels (with the correct center caps), although some might have noticed the absence of trim rings. Inside all was just as well presented as the externals. The black leather seats had mellowed but hadn’t split, and the steering wheel, door cards and dashboard had also lasted very well. The brown carpet was smart and showed little signs of fading or wear. Mechanically, H&H pointed out a replacement battery, radiator and fuel pump had been fitted, while the braking system had been overhauled.
Sum it up
P1800ES models do appear in classic sales, but not in any great numbers. The believed five previous owners was a good sign and, showing 110,000 miles, it was barely run in. Wellpresented and with recent mechanical fettling, it was a sharp buy for someone after an early
sporting estate.