1973' Volvo 145

Volvo 145 Auto DMW 454L
Volvo 145 Auto – California White – 1973 – 83000 miles – 2 owners – Stamped service record – MOTs – Large history file
Fabulous condition throughout
£12, 500. 00
A remarkable piece of motoring history in quite magnificent condition, this 2 previous owner Volvo 145 is over fifty years old and presents very nearly as well as it did back when all the talk was about the UK joining the EEC, not leaving it!
Supplied new by Jack Miles Volvo main dealer in Salisbury on the 7th May 1973 and still retaining the sill stickers from this time, this two previous owners car comes with the original sales quotation and order form and all paperwork relating to its half a century travelling the UK roads.
Now extremely rare, it is believed that there are perhaps only five 145 Auto’s in existence and this is without doubt a collectors and possibly museum standard example.
It will not be a surprise to learn, looking at the condition of the bodywork, that the paint is not original. The second owner made the decision that after 47 years, the car deserved to be brought back to it’s absolute best and so commissioned Bentley approved coach builders, Medcalf’s and Co of Chertsey to carry out a comprehensive body restoration. Having had a proprietary rust prevention treatment from new, the car was showing no signs of rust or rot, and although the years had taken its toll on the lustre, the bodywork was in excellent condition prior to the 2020 intervention.
At a cost of over £13, 000. 00 the glass out panels off paintwork restoration presents as new and is just a sight to behold. After four years there is barely a blemish and the outward appearance simply cannot be faulted.
Complimenting the California White exterior, the dark blue leatherette interior is in original and excellent condition. A couple of minor splits in the front seat tops and the odd bit of sun fading only adds to the character of the wonderful patina aged cabin – with important items like the headlining and door cards in as new timewarp condition.
So, this rarest of Volvo’s is a joy to look at, a pleasure to be in and the drive continues to provide superlatives. A slight application of the choke and short twist of the key – after inserting the coolest 70s immobiliser card we have ever seen – brings the engine to life instantly. There is no drama, no coughing and spluttering, no smoke, nothing but a steady beat of a well maintained and legendary red block B20A 4-cylinder 1896cc engine.
Snicking the gear lever into drive and the car pulls away smoothly and simply drives magnificently. Suspension is modern standard compliant with more than acceptable combination of comfort and control. The 3-speed box is not the most dynamic, but does its job almost unnoticed which is as good as it gets or this era. Brakes are more than adequate and although the steering is heavy at parking speeds it is manageable and perfectly weighted when rolling on. It is fair to say that although a big car in it’s day, the driving characteristics are very accomplished and is easily comparable to modern standards.
The paperwork file that comes with the car includes a maintenance record second to none, with the original service booklet and other stamps showing 20 Volvo specialist services. There are lists and lists of parts and labour indicating work on everything from engine removal for overhaul to new brake discs to shock absorbers to trim clips – and everything between.
Quite simply this is the most together Volvo 145 you are ever likely to see and if you are in the market for something quirky, reliable, beautifully finished , historically important and wonderful to drive – this is the car for you. To be the custodian of an important part of automotive history and be able to move a wardrobe at the same time… what’s not to love?