- Seller: David B (Contact)
- Location: Branford, Connecticut
- Mileage: 42,000 Shown
- Chassis #: 1826353039117
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: B30 Fuel Injected Inline-4
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual w/Overdrive
Volvo enjoys a well-earned reputation for producing solid, safe vehicles that can last for decades with nothing but basic maintenance and servicing. However, the company demonstrated with vehicles like this 1972 1800E that sports cars formed part of its armoury. This two-owner classic is a rock-solid survivor with a known ownership history. The seller confirms that the Volvo runs and drives well, making it the ideal affordable project candidate for those wishing to stand out in a crowd. The time has come for this Swedish classic to find a new home, as the seller is listing the 1800E exclusively with us at Barn Finds for $8,750.
Development of the car that would hit the market as the Volvo P1800 began in 1957. Although the company had failed to achieve success with its first sports car, the fiberglass P1900, it elected to proceed with the 1800’s development. Acknowledging its lack of expertise in producing such cars, it handed the initial build to Jensen. However, quality control issues forced Volvo’s hand, and the build was moved in-house in 1963 after 6,000 cars left the line. The 1970 model year saw the introduction of the 1800E as the company added fuel injection to the car’s four-cylinder engine. This 1800E left the factory in 1972 and is a two-owner survivor with a known history. The Blue paint exhibits deterioration, and there are areas of Gray primer, but the good news is that its rust issues are isolated. There are spots in the lower front fender/rocker region that are prime candidates for well-crafted patches. The passenger-side floor has a layer of fiberglass under the carpet, but the underside shots reveal no problems. This classic’s condition was helped by rarely experiencing adverse weather, spending winter tucked away in a garage, and by receiving an annual Waxoyl treatment to keep rust at bay. The panels sport a few minor bumps, and the grille is bent. However, the indications are that lifting the appearance markedly should be relatively straightforward and rewarding.
Powering this Volvo is the company’s B20E four-cylinder engine, teamed with an overdrive manual transmission. The Volvo B-Series engines are exceptionally robust, as one glance at the Guinness Book of Records confirms. A Volvo P1800 holds the world record for the most miles travelled by a single automobile. It has clocked over 3.2 million miles, and its engine bay still houses the original motor! The B20E generates around 130hp, and with the 1800E being a relative lightweight, performance is better than the modest power figure might suggest. The owner has lavished plenty of TLC on this Volvo since becoming its custodian in 1982. The car recently received new front suspension bushings and now benefits from fresh Bilstein shocks at all four corners. The motor springs to life easily, and potential buyers should consider this Volvo as a trunkey proposition that runs and drives well.
One area of the Volvo 1800E that has deteriorated is the interior. It isn’t horrendous and is undeniably serviceable, but it is begging for love. The driver’s seat is ripped and split, although the passenger and fold-down back seats are in good order. The buyer’s shopping list will include new door cards and a carpet set. The dash pad has succumbed to age, a typical interior flaw. The seller states that the owner has another dash, but needs to locate it to include it in the sale. It is worth noting that replacement trim and interior components are surprisingly easy to find, allowing the buyer to restore the interior of this Volvo to a factory-fresh state.
Purchasing a classic car as a project candidate is always a risk, but there are several reasons why this 1972 Volvo 1800E deserves serious consideration. The image gallery shows minimal rust, allowing the buyer to tackle the build at their leisure. The known ownership history is a positive attribute, indicating that this Volvo has been treated respectfully throughout its life. However, the final piece of the puzzle is the seller’s approachability. He is willing to supply additional photos and videos and will happily negotiate in-person inspections for interested parties. That’s why this Volvo deserves more than a passing glance.
These are very nice looking cars,but I’ve been told have
heavy steering.
When I went to see a guy in our area that has an Austin A90,
he had a Jensen P1800,that is really nice.
They do, way heavier than you’d expect for such a small car (or at least my ’67 does). It’s weird, because the wheel is huge. Still, it’s nothing out of the ordinary if you’re used to driving old cars without power steering.
Heavy steering because these are heavier than they look, as little low-slung tanks from Sweeden.
Highly like this is due to heavy metal bodywork thickness. Italians had 3 thickness levels the lower for the cheaper cars, the Ferraris, Maser, Lambo had the most thickness, Fiats the less with the exemption of the X1/9 that had the highest. IMHO the Volvo due to the Nordic weather has a thick and heavy bodywork
Does anyone know if those are the original bucket seats? They seem a little over scale for this car.
The current owner hasn’t changed them and they were in the car when he bought it so we’re going with original.
1972 and 1973 1800E/ES had those seats with headrests that I hate.
The light colored inserts, I don’t think are original.
Perfectly restored show quality 1968 P1800 fs $71k. https://www.thelastdetail.com/1968-volvo-p1800-c-1546.htm.
If you over-inflate the front tires, it becomes a little easier to steer.
Smart solution. I did the opposite w. my Chevy Matiz from 2.1 to 1.9 bars and was transformed to a more steady vehicle. Possible the factory did it by thinking about 4 to 5 adults, plus luggage.
I see too many modifications to say perfectly restored.
This looks like a good car to start with on the path to a fun weekend ride.
Minor note, ‘71 got the B20E…’72 saw a compression drop with a B20F, and with it a drop in power to 115hp iirc. Fortunately a quick shave of the head brings it back to E levels.
It’s not that simple
To get to E specs from F.
Us spec 1800e
1970, 71 and 72 each had different he a d castings and ports.
B20E had different ecu, manifold pressure sensor for the different compression ratios.
When we raced with the Djet efi, we could get enough fuel for the power curve but were in the land of compromises.
Djet is not tunable.
B30 should be changed to b20.
Us spec 1972 1800e had lower compression/hp b20f.
1970-71 got the 10.5:1 cr b20e.
I hate lifting the carpet and finding fiberglass
I’d rather see fiberglass than the road.
A white one starred in the 1970’s UK tv series The Saint starring Roger Moore. Registration number ST 1. Looked brilliant.
Perhaps it wasnt available in the USA?
Always loved the looks of these little cars since I first watched The Saint as a kid. Thought they were very stylish and seemed like very dependable cars. Overall it looks pretty solid. I’d prefer a 60’s edition myself but appears like it wouldn’t need too much to bring it back to cruising comfort.
It’s not that simple
Too get to E specs from F.
Us spec 1800e
1970, 71 and 72 each had different he a d castings and ports.
B20E had different ecu, manifold pressure sensor for the different compression ratios.
When we raced with the Djet efi, we could get enough fuel for the power curve but we’re in the land of compromises.
Djet is not tunable.
Hi everyone,
Site won’t let me log in, so I’m going clandestine .. LOL
I’ve driven this car and while sitting, the steering is heavier than most non power steering cars of the era, however, when driving I didn’t notice much difference.
It definitely has some foibles, but all surmountable.
I have over 350 photos and several videos available.
I’ll be keeping an eye on the comments, any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Thanks!
I guess it automatically logged me in when I hit reply .. so here I am .. LOL
I did a Waxoil treatment underneath my X1/9 when new before almost 50 years ago and it still holds strong. At the time Waxoil was an oily substance that u applied with a brush and after some time, less than a day, it became like wax. It was providing a very long warranty but i later heard that the company went bankrupt due to damage claims.
I see too many modifications to say perfectly restored.