Volvo P1800E, 1971
Excellent low mileage example
I purchased this car from a local collector, suffering from Lyme's disease and unable to drive it. Was stored in his garage for maybe 7 years. Body was perfect, same with floor pan, very nice paint, beautiful original interior, leather seats, perfect headliner, very good chrome and trim, really looked almost like new.
Brought to a local expert shop and had a lot of work done: checked compression, 175-190 psi (like new), oil pressure when warm (70 psi like new), zero smoke, excellent clutch and transmission. Had all fluids (engine, trans, diff) changed, new brake fluid, brakes all checked, new shocks, installed a new set of alloy wheels and new 195/65 radials (do have the originals if a buyer prefers them), fitted a new exhaust system, checked the fuel system (fitted a new pump and filter, had the pressure checked, even had the cold starter injector checked). Result...starts instantly, runs perfectly.
Car has factory air conditioning and I had a new modern rotary compressor installed, system converted to modern R134a refrigerant, works better than new. All heater controls lubricated and the result is a literal oven, incredibly efficient as one might guess for a car from Sweden.
All gauges and light work, same with even things like the interior lights. 4 speed transmission (the stronger M41 unit) and overdrive works like new. Recently had a problem with going into reverse, had the transmission removed, new shift linkage bushings fitted, had a new clutch disc installed (the old one was almost like new), now works perfectly.
A modern stereo/CD was installed (with USB input), new door speakers, whatever I could think of, I had done. And in the trunk...original rubber matting, jack, lug wrench, etc.
Been driving it since the Summer and it has never missed a beat. On cold or hot days, the a/c and/or heater work perfectly, cruises nicely at any speed and have seen well over 100 mph. With the new door seals I had installed, the cabin is quiet and the car has a remarkably refined feel. Having owned Astons, Ferraris, Jaguars, Porsches, what is so appealing about this Volvo is its classic Italian look (body was designed by Frua in Italy) coupled with a feeling of 'run forever' reliability. As the B20 engine and M41 transmission was used in Volvo sedans, parts are plentiful and not very expensive, and the world record car for mileage is a similar P1800S in NY with over 3 million miles with the same owner.
Wipers and washers work fine, I installed a very expensive Nardi wood steering wheel (and yes, have the original), will seat two kids in the back OR with the fold down seat, provides extra luggage room, has a new battery, radiator was flushed, new brake fluid, basically, I took an excellent super low mileage, rust free Volvo and had every imaginable item (uh, oh, just remembered...also a new electronic ignition) to create as close to an 'as new' luxury, performance GT for my use.
And then........was offered a 1971 Lotus Elan +2S 130 which appealed to my English car sensibilities. Hence the decision to sell my recently finished Volvo. Which some lucky buyer will enjoy, much as I have.
Car is for sale, first buyer who crosses my path will get an incredible car. And yes, it is advertised elsewhere so I reserve the right to end this auction any time and for any reason. I can even store it for a time and assist in shipping anywhere in the world. If you have any questions, the best way to ask is to contact me at 203-377-6746 during business hours (EST).