- Seller: Thomas C (Contact)
- Location: Revere, Massachusetts
- Mileage: 33,839 Shown
- Chassis #: 1826353037775
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: B20E Fuel Injected Inline-4
- Transmission: 4-Speed with Overdrive
Volvo used to build some fantastic cars. They were safe, dependable, and easy to work on. As great as the 544 or 122S are, they aren’t the sportiest-looking cars ever built. Thankfully, Volvo did build a car that offered the same great features of those cars, but in a sleek and sporty body. Enter, the Volvo 1800! This example is a 1800E, which means it’s equipped with fuel injection. It’s been parked since 1983 and is being offered here on Barn Finds by its original owner!
The styling work was done by Pelle Petterson while studying design under Pietro Frua of Carrozzeria Frua. Initially, the car was called the P1800 and was built for Volvo by Jensen. The first example left Jensen’s factory in 1960. Given Volvo’s history of building high-quality cars, they decided to terminate the contract with Jensen and take over production to ensure quality control was to their standards. They also changed the name to the 1800s to denote that the car was built in Sweden. In 1970, the fuel-injected 1800E was introduced with Bosche D-Jetronic injection, a revised camshaft, and four wheel disc brakes.
The condition of the interior would seem to support the seller’s claim that it’s been protected by this carport. The leather seats show some minor wear, and the piping is a bit wavy, but they may just need some conditioning. Even the carpets appear to be original and in usable condition. And from what can be seen in the seller’s photos, the dash appears to be in good overall condition.
While 1800 initially meant that the car was equipped with the 1800cc B18, starting in 1969, the car was upgraded to the 2.0-liter B20. Using fuel injection meant the engine produced more power while also being more efficient. Volvo rated the B20E at 130 horsepower, which was nearly 15 more than the 1800S. The seller states that this car hasn’t run in years, so it’s hard to say what it will take to revive it. Thankfully, these engines are quite durable, so as long as the major fuel injection components can be salvaged, it shouldn’t be too difficult to bring them back to life.
This example is definitely a project, but being a one-owner car that’s complete is a huge bonus. Restoring it back to perfect condition would be costly, but well worth it if you are a fan of the 1800. As long as it’s solid, you could just revive it and make it a safe driver. It sure would be eye catching to see it on the road with the exterior looking as found! So, will you be this Volvo’s second owner?
Nice, honest example. It won’t be around very long.
Revere is right next to the Atlantic Ocean-great views! A thorough PPI would be a prerequisite here.
No interest here.Crappy pictures. What’s the car look like in one piece? They did rust. Any rust on this one?
Man, you beat me to it. What’s the problem with taking pictures of the whole car, not just parts. See that too much. Yeah he’d have to pull it out of the garage, but he””s trying to best position it to sell it isn’t he? Laziness. Ok, rant is over. Love these cars.
So what got it parked? Inherited vehicle, put aside and days turned into years? Something (expensive?) broke?
These were very good cars, slow but strong. However, “back in the day” all kinds of hop up parts were available. (Hello IPD?)I almost bought a new one at the end of production. An ES model. But the only cars that they could find for me were automatic transmission. I sat in the 1,000,000 mile car that toured around the country. He stopped at every Volvo dealer. (I was a Volvo service manager at the time.) Parts for these were unobtanium from Volvo in the late ’90s. So you better find a good source for parts before buying this one.
1971 was the last year that the US got the B20E. .B20F with lower C/R and HP was the mandated choice for 72 forward.
Rocker seams and other spots show bubbling. How’s the underside?
Loved these cars since I first saw Roger Moore drive one in The Saint tv series. I agree with other posters though. More complete, thorough, better quality photos need to be taken.
Seriously. Totally agree. Pretty ridiculous.
No comment on the “presentation”. It was already commented on anyway. Only someone that could look at it in person would buy this.
If it helps anyone I did go and look at this car yesterday. Nice honest people. I did have intentions to buy this but it just missed for me. Nice clean interior and original owners with actual low miles. Missing body moldings, they could turn up? The engine is probably seized and needs all the normal stuff that a car needs after sitting outside under cover for an extended amount of time.The body does have some surface rust issues along with some minor rust on the underside but not enough that would be a real issue. The original paint does have issues. With that said for a price its a pretty solid car.
‘Minor rust’ on these cars can become eye-watering expenses. Tips-of-icebergs. 1800’s have very complex body composition, and there’s layers within layers.
Yup I know I’ve had 2 1800e’s. This one is much better than a lot of others out there.