1973 Volvo 145 DeLuxe

MODEL HISTORY
At the end of November 1967, Volvo presented the third variant in what was now developing into a complete car family known as the 140 Series: the Volvo 145.

The Volvo 145 was a 5-door estate with a rear section that had a virtually vertical tailgate. Everybody agreed that this was a safe, comfortable and extremely practical and spacious car. The cargo volume was more than 2 cubic metres and the floor of the cargo area was completely flat. This design of the rear section has since become a well-known characteristic of all Volvo estates. The Volvo 145 quickly became an extremely popular estate and played an increasingly important role within the 140 Series. It was also the first prestige estate car before the likes of Audi, Mercedes and BMW were offering production estate cars.

EQUIPMENT
California White paintwork, Dark blue leatherette upholstery, 3-speed automatic transmission, Front seat belts, Laminated front windscreen, Power-assisted disc brakes front and rear, Rear window wash wipe, Dash clock, Padded sun visors, Adjustable head restraints, Flat-folding rear seats, Cigarette lighter, Ash tray, Spare keys, Spare wheel, Immobiliser, Rubber floor mats, Original sales brochure.

EXTERIOR
Despite dominating the estate car market in the late 60s and early 70s, Volvo 145s are a particularly rare find today. This cossetted 2 owner example is finished in its original colour of California White, the paintwork presenting to an excellent standard with a deep and uniform shine across every panel. Having resided within a large private collection for many years the car has been carefully stored to preserve its excellent rust-free condition and low mileage of just 81k.

Now 48 years old, the 145 has recently been treated to a sympathetic refresh by the current owner (of 16 years). Amazingly well preserved and highly original throughout, the car was not to be restored but simply to be brought back to her former glory while retaining as much originality as possible. Cosmetically this work included a meticulous glass-out repaint to a very high standard. Carried out by a well-respected Aston Martin-approved bodyshop in Surrey – and costing an eye-watering £13k – the finish is superb throughout.

Amazingly the car still retains its original bumpers, body trims, and Volvo-etched windows all round – even the windscreen is original. The underside was fully rust-protected from new, and the car has almost always been garaged. All in all, an unrepeatable example that truly defies its years.