Many Volvos models look like smaller versions of American cars. For example, the PV544 looks like a prewar Ford and the 120 Series Volvos look like Chryslers from the early 1950s. Then there is the P1800S model that looks like an Italian design. It’s very popular with many Volvo lovers and it is becoming difficult to find nice examples. The P1800 is based on the Volvo Amazon which was sold in the US as the 122S. The S after the model number could stand for lots of things, but in Volvo speak, it stands for Sverige, or Sweden as we say in English. The P1800 was built by Jensen in England for the first few years but they had quality control issues. Perhaps the Dark Lord Lucas cursed the effort or perhaps the English Volvos were rusting like, well, English cars. This Volvo is listed on eBay in Tacoma, Washington with an unmet opening bid of $9,200.
The title of the auction boldly proclaims “NO RESERVE” but the opening bid is higher than Hagerty’s “fair condition” number. This car appears to have serious rust issues despite the claims of “just bubbling paint” in the description. Here’s is a similar 1800S listed on eBay for $8,500. Compare the two and see which Volvo you think might be a better deal. The seller found this Volvo rotting away in a carport and purchased it. He then took it to a Volvo specialist and spent $6,500 having it mechanically restored. The complete interior is said to have been removed. If all the parts are included, it looks like one could repair the driver’s seat then clean and install the interior. One would have to repair the holes in the floor first, of course.
This is a before and after picture of the engine. It cleaned up quite nicely after 2 months in a Volvo shop. The little 1.8 Liter 4 banger is good for 108 horsepower.
Here’s some of the rust the seller describes as paint bubbling. Perhaps the paint is not bubbling but is instead buckling because it is holding the car together. With this much rust showing, it’s scary to think how much there might be hiding out of sight.
This Volvo has been mechanically restored but it appears to need extensive rust repair as well as cosmetic restoration. The seller seems to have quickly found himself upside down in this project by having a shop do the mechanical restoration work. It’s fortunate that this Volvo has so far been saved, but its future is now a bit cloudy. The seller may have discovered just how much the rust repairs may cost. If the suspension, frame and other structure under the car are solid, one might be able to enjoy this Volvo with some interior work and ignore the cosmetic issues. Restored, this Volvo could be worth up to $30,000 and if someone is willing to do the work and not count their labor, the project might be viable, depending on the amount damage done by the rust. Otherwise, one can purchase a nice driver for $15,000 to $20,000 instead. Once again, it all depends on what is revealed by a close inspection. Sadly, if the rust is extensive, this might just be a parts car.
TYPO!!
This is $9200 Opening bid
The other one for $8500 has a slight rust issue on the drivers side (Or is that for the driver to stick his foot out to slow the car if the brakes fail?)
If the price was reasonable on both you could get a decent runner out of them
IMHO
Wow, a very, I say, very, understated description of “bubbling” – more like rust bubbling?
Foghorn Leghorn couldn’a said it better.
I sa, I say, I say.
You should know better, it’s not rust until it’s broken through the paint. I’ve learned that through reading countless ads that say, “no visible rust”.
Steve R
The design looks Italian because it is. It was penned by a subsidiary of Ghia. Been there, had one, loved it.
It was designed by a Swede, Pelle Petterson, who studied under Frua when Frua was part of Ghia. Pelle was very young when he penned the 1800–I want to say early 20s?–and he went on to be an accomplished sailor and boat designer as well.
As far as this car goes. Jeez. The mechanicals are so so easy to restore. Any half way decent amateur can do that. I have no idea why one would start by paying someone else to do the mechanicals rather than pay someone skilled to do the body. And rust repair in these takes some skill. It’s much less straightforward than rust repair on a 544 or Amazon. And whoever did the mechanicals didn’t bother to properly hook up the crankcase ventilation system so who knows what else is a little off there.
Anyway, this one is way overpriced IMO.
$9200 for a rustbucket? No thanks…
These are very nice cars and worthy of preservation, but this example would require a major structural rebuild.
One would be better off spending the extra money on a good’n.
My boss has a ’66 122S 2-door that drives like an old F-150, but it sure does get a lot of looks and is crazy reliable. The heater will burn you up in the winter!
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen a P1800 with wire wheels before and I must say, it’s a fitting affectation with the green over beige interior, but maaan that rust is intimidating.
Wow, that’s a lot of money to lay out in engine bay, given the hideous condition of the body. That body might not even be salvageable, but damn that engine bay looks great!
I wouldn’t touch a car that you can poke a screwdriver through the body.
What about if you could poke your thumb through it? ;-0
Great cars , but 2 things off the bat, the rust, and the wire wheels. I agree with Gene,of the dozens of these I’ve seen over the years, I’ve never seen one with wires. It actually looks neat,I’ve always liked the looks of wires, but after having them on my MGB and my brothers 100-6, I swore, I’d never have a car with wires again. Stupid tubes. The way the body is designed, rust really does a number on these. A lot more than meets the eye, I bet.
You would have to be a Saint to own one of these.
Rust is severe here. That is why it’s being sold. If you need a parts car….or a winter beater to thrash around…
Waaay too much money for a parts car ! There are still quite a few 1800’s around in reasonably rebuildable shape for considerably less than this car. To
get a B-18 rebuilt is not difficult. The SU carb stuff is readily available from Moss Motors, and NAPA has most of the ignition bits.
I recently had the pleasure of attending a VCOA meet put on by the Sacramento and Golden Gate Chapters in Davis, California , and there were lots of parts for sale, along with many beautiful cars to look at – 444s, a 445, 544s, Amazons (122s) , 140s, 164, 240s, 1800s, even a 1900 ! One fellow even brought a Volvo military vehicle that uses the B-30 from the 164 series.
This is an annual event, usually held in April in a city park.
I’ll attempt to upload a photo of the 1900.
OK Doug, the jig is up. You just go to these vintage Volvo VCOA meetings to check out the hot chicks. I do it too.
Is it just me or does this model have strong similarities to an Austin Martin? I always thought so even back in the day that I saw them on the road regularly.
My 63 1800S barn find. I muck up the body every 4 or 5 years and keep driving it! Real fun car to drive!
How many times can we say rust? If I wasn’t so lazy I would count them. Lol
Been driving, loving, repairing and restoring “push-rod” Volvos for over 40 years now, all models, everything from the early 1950’s to the mid ’70s. Even made some money with it. But, in our shop there was a saying (ain’t there always?);There are three types of work; repairs, then restorations, followed by resurrections. With the latter, you do require divine, celestial intervention!
Given that 1800s are getting up into crazy money, it’s astounding to see what’s now coming out of the woodwork. This car looks to be one of those. I’d nickname it the Titanic, cuz what you see on the surface, then what you’d see once it was on a rack would take your breath away!! As most of you know, anything can be accomplished given enough time and money, lots and lots of both. Just don’t lie to yourself .