The 1800 Coupe was by far the prettiest car Volvo had ever sold, but by the second half of the 1960s many believed that its styling was starting to look dated. The always methodical Volvo settled on a revision rather than a complete redesign of their performance model, and were keen on a practical hatchback rear. A P1800S coupe was then sent to Carrozzeria Coggiola, the firm established by ex-Ghia designer Sergio Coggiola. By late 1968, he had finished an attractive prototype three-door hatchback, and by 1972 the 1800 ES was introduced for sale. Mechanically, the ES was identical to the E it replaced, including the B20 engine, a 1986 cc Bosch fuel-injected straight-four that made 135 horsepower. Overall, the ES was very well received, especially in the important US market, where journalists praised the car’s practicality and loved the elegant rear glass and clever hatch. Volvo cleverly advertised it as “sort of a flying trunk”, and from 1972 it was the only body style offered for their gorgeous 1800. A little over 8,000 P1800ES’s were built and, just like the coupe versions, they make fantastic vintage automobiles that are rugged and reliable in addition to being fun to drive and great to look at.

This 1972 Volvo 1800 ES is a beautiful California car finished in metallic light blue with a black interior. It also features sport wheels, blackwall radial tires and a four-speed manual gearbox and comes with its full set of original manuals. The upholstery, carpets, door panels and engine bay are all fantastic and like new, and the chrome has mostly been replated. The dash, which in these cars is prone to start to crack and disintegrate early, has been replaced and is very pretty. The show quality paint is also exquisite. Since Volvo 1800s in general are so durable and affordable, many are in mostly original, sometimes worn out condition, and few have been given anywhere near the level of treatment that this one has. Straight, sound and beautiful, it is ready for its next owner to enjoy the longevity and pleasurable motoring that these Volvos are so famous for.