Cars can teach us an important lesson in the perils of procrastination. For example, think of how many times you were determined to buy a certain make or model only to discover that it was no longer priced within your means. Count the Volvo 1800S among the free life lessons my favorite hobby has afforded me, as a nice 1800S is now worth several times what it was a decade ago. As always, however, there are Volvos for the taking if you’re willing to settle for some flaws, and this 1969 model on eBay in National City, California, is no exception. With a current high bid of $3,900, somebody might get a decent Volvo at a bargain price.
We might as well get the worst of the news out of the way; please see the rocker panel pictured above. The seller says that the car was repainted in 2018, but it was left outside and now there are “some spots on the body where the paint is bubbling.” Based on other pictures the seller has posted, the work is going to need redoing, preferably with a welder and some sheet metal this time. Fortunately, the commonly corroded undercarriage looks pretty good, although the undercoating appears to be laid on pretty thick.
Inside the engine compartment, the rebuilt carburetors are fed by a new fuel tank out back. For 1969, the Volvo B20 engine replaced the previously used B18, although the extra 200cc of displacement only brought about a three horsepower improvement (to 118). As you know, emission controls had become a little more stringent by the late 1960s, and Volvo reduced the compression ratio from 10:1 to 9.5:1 for 1969, which might explain the underwhelming numbers. The seller says that it “starts right up” and drives well, but he would check the brakes and perhaps replace the tires before attempting any high-speed driving.
The interior has been redone, although the speedometer and tachometer do not currently work. For 1969, the 1800S got a new three-spoke steering wheel, and it was the last year for the beautiful turquoise-colored gauges. For this reason (and the grilles on later models), I would only consider a 1969 or older 1800 (no offense intended to those who love the 1800E of 1970 and beyond).
Yes, I am endlessly fascinated by the 1800S; it was old-fashioned yet somehow right up to date, all at the same time. The basic styling lasted into the mid-1970s, even though its fins evinced a design language that was disappearing even upon the P1800’s introduction in 1961. I can’t fault others for latching onto a good thing, and it’s my own fault for not coming to the same conclusion a little earlier. This ’69 model is going to need some fairly invasive bodywork, but it could be a lot worse, and if you can do the work yourself, you may come out looking as smart as this 1800S does in red.
Even though I’m 10-7, on the side due to comment anomalies, and I expect no different this time, but one can’t post a car like this without mention of the late Irv Gordon, who amassed a remarkable 3.2 million miles on a red ’66 1800. He was a teacher from NY, that clearly loved his Volvo. I believe in recognition of that milestone, Volvo gave him a new Volvo, but died shortly after.They are remarkable cars, $4grand is an insult here.
Gordon’s was a P1800ES (wagon) and the car outlived him. As far as the price, that’s just one bid. It will definitely go up.
Irv Gordon’s car wasn’t a wagon, Terrry. It was a ’66 1800S similar to the featured car. I saw Irv’s car in person at Motor Muster at Greenfield Village.
https://www.volvocars.com/au/news/electrification/2023-october-one-careful-owner/
Terry,
Irv had an 1800S. I met him a few times at vintage races.
Nobody had a P1800ES!
P1800
1800S
1800E
1800ES
The first time I saw one of these I was in elementary school. I fell in love with the lines then. It was the most “Un Volvo” Volvo I ever saw. Other than the rockers this one looks pretty good, not sure how the quarter panels and floor, etc are. This one reminds me of Irv Gordons ’66 Volvo too, like Howard. He seemed like a really nice guy I would’ve loved to have met him. Thanks for mention him @Howard. @Aaron thanks for writing this up, I enjoyed it a lot, you took me back quite a few decades there.
Aaron,
Do you like to just sit and look at steering wheel, gauges and Grille?
I prefer 1800E (70-71 in US) 4 wheel disc brakes, more power, improved ventilation and just in case the collapsible steering column. I drove mine.
I had a 1965 1800S. I paid $800 for it in 1971. lowered it, stiffened the suspension and did some other handling tweaks. It was my autocross weapon back in the day.
Sure wish I still had it!
Bought a 63 122S new, drove it for 10 years, loved it.
Trouble free car.
I agree with all the comments that suggested this Volvo 1800S is way undervalued. If it stays in this price range it will be a fantastic buy for someone.
With regard to Irv Gordon, I was the head of PR for Volvo and I met Irv when he had “only” around 650,000 miles on his car. I told him if he could make a million miles, I would make him famous. He did it, and I delivered! Irv loved his car and put another 2.2 million miles on his beloved 1800. And that was even after we gave him a new Red Volvo every time he would turn a million miles. The first was a 780, the second I don’t recall, and the third was a XC90! After Irv passed away, I arranged for Volvo to purchase his 1800 for the Volvo Museum and it is now part of the display in The World of Volvo Exhibition Center in Gothenburg, Sweden! Irv’s reputation and accomplishments will live on forever. He was a wonderful man!