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 1972 Volvo P1800E Unique 1972 Volvo P1800ES California Blue Plate Car Very Nice "Survivor" with Automatic & Air Conditioning!! _______________________________________________ VOLVO P1800E - HISTORY For more "mature" individuals like us, the Volvo P1800 is probably best remembered and known for the television show, 'The Saint' staring Roger Moore. During the entire production of the show, the Volvo Car Corporation supplied a total of five P1800 models. One of the vehicles was split apart so better interior shots could be ascertained. One of the P1800's was wrecked on accident in 1967. Some of the parts were salvaged by the production company and used to update one of the older P1800s. Originally, a Jaguar XK-E was going to accompany Roger Moore on his adventures but when Jaguar did not respond to the production company requests for vehicles, Volvo gladly handed over their P1800's. A decision Jaguar would quickly regret due to the show's popularity. However, in 1970 'The Return of The Saint' featured a white Jaguar XJ-S. The P1800 is a departure from the vehicles Volvo is known for making. The company reputation boasts safety, reliability, and large and boxy vehicle. The P1800, on the other hand, was a stylish, responsive, sports coupe. Volvo had attempted a sports car model which they dubbed the P1900. It was short lived. After less than 70 examples were produced, production ceased due to financial decisions. Volvo then tasked Helmer Patterson to acquire designs from Italian firms. Four designs came from Italian firms and one from his son Pelle. The design that was chosen by Volvo was Pelle's design. Frua was tasked at building a prototype while Pelle assisted in the development. The production of the vehicle was complicated. Volvo did not have the space required to manufacturer the vehicle so they contracted a British company named Pressed Steel Company to fabricate the bodies. Jensen, a factory located in England, was used to assemble the P1800's. Fueled by the popularity of The Saint, the P1800 became widely successful. It carried a rather inexpensive price tag when compared with other sports cars. The interior provided leg room for larger individuals; the weight of the vehicle and the size of the engine made it quick and agile. The design was timeless - during its twelve years in production, only minor aesthetic changes were made. Mechanically, the biggest change for the vehicle was electronic fuel injection. The P1800 is a true sixties car that proved to be an excellent companion for Roger Moore and 'The Saint' The P1800 was discontinued in 1973 (the P1800 ES wagon continued in 1973 & 1974) and the production of 1969-1972 cars was limited (only 9,414 produced) vs. almost 24,000 cars for the earlier "S" model (non fuel injected) P1800. 1972 VOLVO P 1800 Model: 1800 Engine Location: Front Drive Type: Rear Wheel Price when New: $5,100.00 Weight: 2456 lbs | 1114 kg ENGINE Engine Configuration: Inline Cylinders: 4 Engine: B20B Solid valve lifters Aspiration/Induction: Normal Displacement: 1986.00 cc | 121.2 cu in. | 2 L. Valves: 8 valves 2 valves per cylinder Valve train: Overhead Valve Horsepower: 130.00 BHP @ 6000.00 RPM Torque 130.00 Ft-Lbs @ 3500.00 RPM HP to Weight Ratio 18.9 LB / HP HP / Liter 65.0 BHP / Liter Bore 3.50 in | 88.9 mm. Stroke 3.15 in | 80 mm. Compression Ratio: 10.5:1 Main Bearings: 5 Engine Electronics: 12 volt Fuel Feed: Fuel Injected Bosch Electronic Port Fuel Injection Block: Cast-iron TRANSMISSION INFORMATION Gears: 4 Transmission: Automatic DIMENSIONS: Seating Capacity: 4 EXTERIOR Length: 173.301 in / 4401.8 mm. Width: 67.001 in / 1701.8 mm. Height: 50.501 in / 1282.7 mm. Wheelbase: 98.601 in / 2504.5 mm. Front Track: 51.701 in / 1313.2 mm. Rear Track: 51.701 in | 1313.2 mm. STEERING Cam and Roller 1972 VOLVO P1800E - THIS PARTICULAR CAR We have been asked to represent this particular Volvo for the estate of the recently deceased, long time owner of the Volvo P1800E. The blue and yellow license plates support that the P1800ES has been in California since the 1970's and, frankly, the lack of rust on the body are indicative of a car that has been garaged, well cared for and had very minimal exposure to the elements. His family explained that the Volvo was his "pride and joy" and that it was extremely well cared for over the years. We are regularly asked to locate original, unique European sports cars that have spent their lives in California. During the past year, or so, we have had several Volvo P1800Es (Wagons), but this is the first P1800E coupe that we have seen in several years. We continually receive requests for the P1800ES Coupe, especially "honest", low mileage examples. Frankly, these cars are becoming increasingly difficult to locate but this is one such car. With just over 100,000 miles, most knowledgeable Volvo enthusiasts will tell you that the car is just broken in! Additionally, many Volvo enthusiasts prefer the later model fuel injected version of the P1800 due to its increased performance and reliability. This car is also equipped with the harder to find automatic transmission and air conditioning. Many collector / enthusiasts are attracted to the late model P1800, fuel injected cars not only for the improved performance but also as a result of the additional benefits of the later cars. The 1972 P1800 has a larger displacement engine (2.0 liters vs. the original 1.8 liter engine), four-wheel disc brakes, an improved/strengthened transmission, and nicer overall appointments that the earlier P1800's. The Volvo offered its occupants very comfortable accommodations and, in fact, became known for the orthopedically designed seats in the late mode P1800's. Additionally, the car offered good handling in a compact and attractive package. This particular Volvo P1800 is a well maintained, very original car with no modification or changes from its stock configuration. The Volvo has all of the things that we look for when we are seeking a totally stock, unmodified and complete classic / collectible car. Volvo enthusiasts & collectors will be certainly appreciate this cars originality along with the following features of this particular West Coast P1800ES. Specifically, the Volvo P1800ES comes complete with the following: - The cars original owner's manual (With the original owner's name and address) - A Volvo Workshop manual included - The Factory original spare wheel & tire!! (Never on the ground!) - The Factory original tool roll (lug wrench) Every indication is that this car received excellent care, even in its early life. The car has front and rear blue & gold California license plates that indicate that the Volvo has "lived" in California for 25+ years and, according to the son of the owner, even longer. The Volvo P1800ES is best described as an original, "survivor." The car was is free from any signs of major damage and is extremely solid showing no body rust. For that matter, outside of the patina of age on the undercarriage (refer to photos) we can find absolutely no rust through in the body, trunk, engine bay, or chassis. There is also no indication of body or frame repair, or rust repair. Certainly, this Volvo will have particular appeal to the enthusiast that is looking for a collector car with the perfect combination of original and restored components. There is an old saying that applies to this car..."You can restore a car over and over again, but it is only original once." While this car has had one re-paint, it is in the original color and most of the major components on the car remain original. The Volvo has had improvements and regular maintenance over the years but retains the lovely patina of a well cared for, California car. Often times it is the little things that separate a truly lovely original car from one that has been over restored, modified, or abused. We encourage you to take a close look at the photos of the Volvo P1800 to notice the following: - Original, stock steering wheel (functional horn) - Original carpet - Original door panels - Original front and rear seats in excellent condition - Desirable factory original paint color (Blue metallic) that appears to have had one re-spray in its original color - Recent mechanical evaluation / minor repairs & service - NO RUST, Northern California Car - Original factory steel wheels and trim rings - Original heater sticker on dash, original dash knobs, shift knob and interior trim - Excellent exterior chrome trim As a result of the Volvo being a 1972, the Volvo is exempt from California's smog requirements (and virtually all other States). If there is any question in your particular State, we ask that you confirm its smog exemption, but as a 36-year-old vehicle it is almost certain to qualify as smog exempt in any part of the United States. We must emphasize that the lack of exposure to salt and inclement weather is apparent on this P1800ES. Close inspection of the trunk, under the hood, rocker panels, fenders, floor pans, and the usual areas of rust, reveal a clean, rust free car. As the photos indicate, the car is extremely straight and clean, and does not even have the surface rust found on many Midwest/East Coast cars of this vintage. Prior to re-paint, we are told that the car had virtually no body damage, dents, major dings or rust. Any minor issues, were addressed when the body was prepared for prime & paint. All of the work was completed by paint and body professionals. The P1800 is virtually 100% stock, including the original wheels and exterior trim. The front seats are in excellent condition as are the rear seats and the fold down "package" area. The car has the original seat belts, very good headliner, sun visors and other interior components. The glass is all good. The current mileage showing on the Volvo is approximately 103,185 (upon delivery it may be slightly higher as a result of use / test drives). The odometer is a 6 digit and the "0" is shown before the "03,185." Due to the age of the Volvo we cannot attest to the actual mileage, but can say that based on the condition of the interior, and overall car (coupled with the way that it runs) that there is little question that the mileage is accurate at just over 100K. The radio in the car is an older, AM/FM Cassette radio that remains functional. Note that the radio plays through the stock speaker, and there are no speakers mounted in the door panels. Please refer to the information below for a more specific idea of the quality of the P1800 by "category." ADDKITIONAL SPECIFICS ON THE CONDITION OF VOLVO ARE LISTED BELOW BODY/TRIM/TOP The body is finished in its original, desirable color of medium blue metallic, a very attractive car for the Volvo. The interior is factory original black. The door panels and the rest of the interior are finished in black. The body is very straight and solid. The cars original blue color can still be seen in the engine bay and every indication is that the car has had one re-spray. It is clear that the Volvo has never been painted another color and has always been finished in its factory original blue. Of course, the car also came from the factory with the black interior. While the paint on the Volvo is good and still has shine, it is faded in several areas (very characteristic of the medium blue colors). However, the paint is still "serviceable" and as a result of the cars straight body and excellent trim, would be fairly straightforward to re-do should the new owner have an interest in making the Volvo look like new by applying a new paint job. However, the car is very presentable as is and, depending on your standards and use for the car, it could be a great car with no cosmetic changes. Close inspection reveals the usual minor flaws but this car has been "babied" over the course of its life and it shows. At some point in time, it picked up a few areas (left side door and fender) where it was "keyed" While the scratches do exist; they are slight enough that they cannot be seen in even the close-up photographs (the key marks are not through to the metal, just a few light scratches to the paint). There are virtually no chips, front end "rash" or other significant issues with the paint. As the detailed photographs reflect, this Volvo P1800Es is a very straight example, indeed. Perhaps most important the car has excellent "bones" and there is absolutely no indication of any suspicious history, accident damage, or rust. The doors, hood, and trunk line up well, with even gaps, and close and lock easily and securely. The doors do no sag, and the hinges are solid and rust free. The undersides of the hood and trunk are free from rust, and significant dirt and grease and in excellent original condition. The entire engine bay has the original color paint. The exterior trim is also in absolutely lovely "California condition." Both the front and rear bumpers are extremely straight. The bumpers are also free from accident damage and fit with no unusual gaps or misalignment. The chrome on the bumpers and other exterior parts is quite good. The other exterior trim including the chrome side view mirror, door handles, headlight trim rings, large chrome gas cap, and other chrome bits are also free of rust/pitting. We lived in the Midwest for many years and are still amazed at the difference between most Midwest & East Coast cars and the cars that have remained on the West Coast. This car clearly shows like a California car that has been used sparingly over the years. The glass on the car is in excellent condition and the side windows roll up and down freely INTERIOR The interior is very nice, original and complete condition. It is consistent with the exterior and other parts of the Volvo and reflects the car that the car has been given by its limited owner's over the years. The steering wheel, gauges, switches and other components are original and in good condition. The radio was installed years ago (it appears to us in the late '70's or early '80's) but still works, including the Cassette! The radio antenna is in place but the shaft is broken. The previous owner listened to a lovely Jazz Cassette (included) so it was not an issue. From the seats to the dash, door panels and carpeting, everything has held up extremely well over the over the years. The seats still retain the adjustability for fore and aft movement and the adjustment of the back portion of the seat, as well. It does not appear as if too much has been changed when it comes to the interior but the Volvo interiors are very durable and this is certainly proof positive of that fact. The dash is good but has one small crack (difficult to capture in the photographs) that does not significantly detract from the appearance of the dash / interior. The interior, as the photos suggest is free from any rips, tears or damage to the seating, door panels and other interior portions. The headliner is original as are the carpet on the front and rear floor and the area on the package shelf (back of the rear seats when they are folded down). This carpet is slightly faded but not damaged. The rear seat mechanism / lock work fine. The side door panels are in very good condition and free from the warping and water damage. The upper portion of the doors are not cracked or damaged and the arm rests are in excellent condition. All of the doors function properly as do the door locks, and the trunk lock. There are no speakers mounted in the door panels. The headliner is in very good original condition and is free from any rips, tears or major damage. While it shows some minor discoloration from age, it is good as are the sun visors that are somewhat soiled, but not torn, or damaged. MECHANICAL CONDIITON The Volvo P1800 has recently received a complete mechanical evaluation, and the owner had work done to bring the car into good running condition while it was stored for several months following the passing of his father. Actually, the car did not need much as it had been regularly maintained but it received fresh fluids, and all of the operating systems were evaluated to ensure that everything worked. While there are a few minor items that are not 100% functional (as with almost any car of this vintage), they are minor and the major components are strong (engine, transmission, brakes, steering, etc.). We report on the "areas of opportunity" later in this report. We should note that due to the circumstances of the sale and the inability to located the deceased owner's repair / maintenance file, we cannot address the cars specific repair history and can only rely on the comprehensive mechanical evaluation that took place within the past 100 miles. It is those results that are being reported in this narrative. Since the car was used very minimally, we wanted to be certain that major operating systems (engine, brakes, cooling, fuel, etc) were thoroughly inspected to ensure complete functionality. We took the recommendations of the repair facilities and, literally within a few hundred miles. Please note the following: - Brakes: 85% Remaining (front) 75+% Remaining (rear) - Emergency Brake Working - Tires good with 75% remaining front and 50%+ rear - All Suspension components OK - No major fluid leaks (some seepage from oil pan gasket and transmission pan gasket) Note: may be from lack of recent use. - All Undercarriage OK (Engine mounts, transmission mounts, u-joints, fuel lines, - Headlights, turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights,etc. OK Due to properly functioning fuel injection system, the Volvo starts immediately without pressing the accelerator. The car warms up quickly and runs very strong, and idles evenly and smoothly. Unlike many of the British sports cars that we see, the Volvo does not have any significant oil leaks, does not smoke, or have any drivability issues. The transmission is excellent and there is no slipping or noise from it or any other part of the drive-line. The Volvo P1800ES was very progressive for its time and is equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes that stop the car straight and sure. The brake pads/linings are in very good condition, and the parking brake is functional and is properly adjusted. At highway speeds, the P1800ES is a really nice car to drive. At 65-70 mph the car is revving relatively low and is comfortable, and quiet. As a "closed car", it is free from the wind and disturbance of an open sports car but still has the feel of a true sports car when it comes to handling and the "fun to drive" factor. It also has amenities that the older British sports cars do not have (roll-up windows, radio, comfortable seats, etc.). As mentioned earlier, the major components of the P1800ES are very strong. The gauges tell the story. The oil pressure reads well within acceptable range, the car stays and runs cool (even on very warm, California days). The charging system is excellent and the battery stays charged even after the car has been sitting for weeks. The wheels are / trim rings are original and outside of the normal, expected scrapes are in good condition. The same is true with the trim rings. The tread on the tires is very good according to the inspection report. The lighting systems are fully functional including; headlights, brake lights, emergency flashers and high beams. OPPORTUNITY AREAS WE are often times asked "What does the car need"? It is certainly a fair question. Of course, much of what a 35+ years old depends on the view of the new owner. It's very safe to say that the use of the car now will be very different than in its early life when it may have been used as a "regular" everyday car. In any event, we will do our best to highlight the areas of "opportunity" that exist when it comes to this particular Volvo. The air factory conditioning is disconnected and appears to have been for some time. For what it's worth, during the previous 12 months, or so, we have had 4 Volvo's and none of them had functional air conditioning. We have not investigated whether it is functional but the belt is removed. Also, the heater fan appears to be working intermittently. The cars exhaust is louder than stock and there is a "Bullet" muffler in place of the standard muffler. There may be some leaks in the system that is causing the additional exhaust note. It isn't terribly loud but certainly louder than a stock P1800ES. We imagine that this is a simple fix. The cosmetic description provides a detailed summary of the cars condition. PURCHASING A COLLECTOR VEHICLE - THINGS TO CONSIDER As always, we recommend that you carefully review the seller's background of any collector car being sold over the Internet. We believe that it is important to ask yourself a number of questions including, but not limited to: - How long have they been in business? - How much experience do they have with collector cars? - How many positive collector car vehicle sales have completed (positive EBay feedback)? - How detailed/complete is the description of the vehicle? - Do the photos show details, or are they simply "Glamour Shots"? - Does the seller have a surety bond to protect the financial transaction? - What about insurance, licensing by the state, and a local business license? - Does the seller (if a business) have any DMV (Motor Vehicle) complaints and/or other history of legal action, grievances? - Do they enjoy a favorable local and national/international reputation? - Can the seller assist with funding sources, transport and out of state/country sales? ABOUT CLASSIC CARS LTD. * Classic Cars Ltd. has been in the same, small, California town for over 16 years. We operate a small, indoor showroom, and specialize in the sale, consignment, and purchase of sports, high performance and specialty vehicles of all types. We have a particular interest in sports cars and unique vehicles. * The majority of our vehicles come from local, private owners and collectors, and many were sold new in California. We appreciate that rust free cars, with excellent documentation and history are especially attractive to our buyers both locally, and around the country. As a result, we do not purchase our collectible cars from "distressed" sales, such as wholesale auctions, salvage sales, or lien sales. We do not sell vehicles with salvage titles, or those that have a history of significant accident damage or repair. * As a result of the quality, rust free cars in our area we frequently sell vehicles to out of state buyers and are familiar with out of state / out of country transactions. * We are fully insured, bonded, and licensed for collector car sales all over the United States/World. * We have operated a "brick & mortar" business in the same small town for close to 15 years * We are fully insured and licensed for collector car sales * Classic Cars Ltd. carries a $50,000 Surety bond to cover financial transactions * We have operated a "brick & mortar" business in the same small town for close to 15 years * We enjoy excellent relationships with a number of transport companies and, as a result, can often times obtain preferred pricing for vehicle shipping. Please give us a call and we will be glad to refer you to suitable transport companies. Needless to say, we would recommend a quality, enclosed transporter that is experience with moving high quality, collectible cars. * We frequently sell vehicles to out of state buyers / out of country buyers, and are proud of our 100% positive EBay feedback ratings on 550+ transactions. Please review our EBay feedback for specific comments on our service to our customers. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION * We encourage telephone calls to discuss in greater details the condition/specifics of this unique Volvo P1800ES. It is difficult to fully describe how nice a car this P1800 is, but we welcome "walk around" telephone discussions in order to answer any questions that you may have. * Yes, the car is held for sale in our showroom and is available for sale before the end of the listing on EBay. We ask that interested parties call us at 925-846-1451 for additional information/specifics. Note: No information will be given out over the internet regarding the Buy it Now price, or asking price. * Included with the P1800ES are the owner's documents that we have referenced and a Haynes reference/repair manual. * Please review our feedback on EBay (user name never22many) for our history of successful sales to out of state/country buyers. Our feedback consists of a total of over 550+ positive transactions on EBay. * As with any collectible vehicle of this vintage we are unable to provide a warranty or guarantee of condition. However, we make every effort to accurately represent our vehicles, and highlight both positive items as well as areas that require attention. We ask that prospective buyers consider our eBay history/feedback, standing in the community, length of time in business, and other factors when purchasing a collectible vehicle from Classic Cars Ltd. Thank you, Classic Cars Ltd. FINAL DETAILS / INFORMATION For California buyers, the Volvo P1800 is currently on "Non-Op" and will be licensed and registered in California upon sale of the car. Of course, California buyers are responsible for the appropriate sales tax, documentation fee, transfer costs and license/registration in their respective county. Out of state buyers need to know that it is California Vehicle Motor Code that if the car is driven on California highways by an out of state buyer the sales tax/fees must be paid (approximately 10% of the purchase price of the vehicle). We can make NO exception to this requirement, and ask that you plan on either shipping the vehicle, or if you drive the car out of state, paying the fee as indicated. Thank you! Classic Cars Ltd.
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