1973 Volvo P1800 ES Sport Wagon Showcased at DFW Car & Toy Museum

The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, is showcasing a stunning piece of automotive history: a vibrant blue 1973 Volvo P1800 ES Sport Wagon from the Ron Sturgeon Collection. This vehicle represents the final evolution of the iconic P1800 line, which first gained fame in the 1960s through its starring role alongside Roger Moore in 'The Saint' television series. Originally designed as a stylish coupe to break from Volvo's conservative image, the P1800 was celebrated for its sleek design and remarkable reliability. The ES variant, introduced in 1972, transformed the model into a unique 'shooting brake' or sport wagon with its extended roofline and distinctive wraparound glass tailgate, creating a new niche that combined athletic performance with practical cargo space. Produced for only two years, the P1800 ES has become one of the most admired and collectible station wagons ever made.

This specific example, originally sold by Turner Motors Volvo in Sacramento for $7,962.37 in November 1973, is a well-preserved specimen featuring period-appropriate amenities like an AM/FM stereo radio. It has undergone mechanical refurbishment and is powered by a fuel-injected engine producing 130 horsepower, mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox with overdrive. The car boasts modern features for its era, including four-wheel disc brakes and sport-tuned suspension, making it both a practical classic and a true driver's car. Ron Sturgeon, the museum's founder and a veteran car collector with over 30 years of experience, praises the P1800 ES for its rare blend of practicality and cool factor, calling it 'refined, reliable, and completely unique.' The vehicle is part of a larger collection of over 200 rare cars displayed alongside 3,000 vintage toys at the museum.

The DFW Car & Toy Museum, formerly known as the DFW Elite Toy Museum, has relocated to a new 150,000-square-foot facility in North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway, offering free parking and admission. The museum's website, DFW Elite Toy Museum, remains a key resource for enthusiasts, while the new site at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com provides updated information. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, the museum is dog-friendly and encourages photography, also offering climate-controlled car storage and event facilities. This exhibit highlights not only a classic automobile but also the enduring passion of collectors like Sturgeon, who built his career from repairing Volkswagens as a teen to creating one of the country's largest auto salvage operations and now curating this impressive museum.