1973 VOLVO P1800 ES - Lot 240

1973 VOLVO P1800 ES Serial number 1836353007975 Matching numbers Rare model on our roads Collector's registration The first Volvo P 1800 was unveiled in January 1960 at the Brussels Motor Show. The model gained popularity thanks to the TV series The Saint, in which star Roger Moore made it a veritable icon, offering Volvo greater publicity. Throughout its career, the P 1800 underwent several evolutions, mainly mechanical. Its power was first increased to 108 HP, then to 115 HP, before adopting a two-liter 118 HP engine in 1968. In 1969, it was fitted with Bosch electronic fuel injection and became the P 1800 E, now boasting 130 HP. In 1971, Volvo relaunched its model with a completely revised version: the P 1800 ES. Its rear end was transformed into a hunting station wagon by Italian designer Coggiola, giving it a unique style. The all-glass tailgate features hinges and a handle fixed directly to the glass, offering innovative aesthetics and practicality with a spacious trunk. Production of the P 1800 ES was limited, however, lasting only until June 1973, with just 8078 examples produced. This rarity, combined with its unique design, contributed to making it a sought-after collector's car. This Volvo 1800 ES was bought new in 1973 in California by a certain Mr. Bicher, and was initially registered under number 177 JQM. In 1985, Mr. Bicher decided to sell this Volvo to his daughter Deborah, a resident of Encinitas, California. The car, with 91,581 miles on the clock, was given a complete overhaul in April of that year. However, after just 119 miles on the road, the vehicle was put away. It wasn't until March 29, 2016 that the Volvo resurfaced, when a Dutch collector acquired it. It was subsequently acquired by a French player who undertook a complete restoration, as evidenced by a file available on request . In 2020, its current owner, a collector well known to our team, acquired it through our company. He has covered several thousand kilometers with the vehicle, maintained it regularly and has now decided to part with it. Today, this Volvo has the following numbers: Chassis: 1836353007975 (cold stamped) Engine: 8282-5681, Matching Numbers. Further information from the identification plate specifies that the vehicle is in its original Gold Metallic color (105.2), with black seats (450) and brown carpeting (878). The vehicle type is listed as 6078. It is therefore a Matching Numbers and Matching Colors vehicle. This Volvo P1800 ES is an ideal companion for family outings, combining comfort and driving pleasure. 1973 VOLVO P1800 ES Serial number: 1836353007975 Matching numbers Rare model on our roads Known history from origin French classic car registration The first Volvo P1800 was unveiled in January 1960 at the Brussels Motor Show. This model gained popularity thanks to the TV series The Saint, where star Roger Moore turned it into an icon, giving Volvo substantial exposure. Throughout its production, the P1800 underwent several mechanical upgrades. Initially, its power was increased to 108 hp, then to 115 hp, and in 1968, it received a 118 hp 2.0-liter engine. In 1969, it was equipped with Bosch electronic fuel injection, becoming the P1800 E, now boasting 130 hp. In 1971, Volvo launched a completely revamped version: the P1800 ES. Its rear was transformed into a shooting brake by Italian designer Coggiola, giving it a distinctive style. The all-glass rear hatch, with hinges and a handle mounted directly on the window, provided both innovative aesthetics and practicality with a spacious trunk. However, the production of the P1800 ES was short-lived, ending in June 1973 with only 8,078 units produced. This rarity, combined with its unique design, has made it a sought-after collector's car. This particular Volvo 1800 ES was purchased new in 1973 in California by Mr. Bicher, initially registered under the number 177 JQM. In 1985, Mr. Bicher decided to pass the Volvo on to his daughter Deborah, a resident of Encinitas, California. At that time, the car had 91,581 miles on the odometer and received a complete overhaul in April of the same year. However, after only 119 miles, the vehicle was stored away. It resurfaced on March 29, 2016, when a Dutch collector acquired it. It was then purchased by a French actor, who undertook a full restoration, as documented in a file available upon request. In 2020, its current owner, a well-known collector from our team, acquired it through our auction house. The owner has since driven several thousand kilome