The seller questions whether this 1968 Volvo 1800S is a project or a parts car. What’s undeniable is that it is affordable, and having supposedly covered only 35,000 miles, it should offer years of trouble-free motoring if someone decides to revive it. It has rust issues that need attention, but the seller says this Swedish classic is structurally sound. They have listed it here on eBay in New Windsor, New York, for $2,500 OBO.
After initially contracting Jensen Motors to build the P1800, Volvo brought production in-house due to quality concerns, with cars rolling off the Lundby Plant in Gothenburg from 1963 until sales ended in 1973. The production-site change also brought a model-designation change, with the “1800S” signifying Swedish production. Our featured car rolled off the line in 1968, ordered by its first owner in Cherry Red. It was 1-of-6 colors available that year, and the only shade that remained available throughout the car’s entire Swedish production run. The seller is candid about this Volvo’s overall condition, noting that a previous owner partially dismantled it. The floors are solid, suggesting the vehicle is structurally sound. The listing images show exterior rust, including small areas in the front rockers. This will be the most challenging to address, because it is triple-skinned. I have heard owners cut away the inner and outer sections to ensure the middle is solid before welding in new steel. That would be wise to prevent problems from making an unwelcome return visit. The removed body hardware and trim are present, and the glass looks okay.
Volvo’s 1,778cc “B18” four-cylinder engine is among the most robust in automotive history, still seeing regular action in Scandinavian domestic rally competition almost six decades after the company produced the last motor. This car’s B18 would have sent 115hp and 112 ft/lbs of torque to the back wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, and it appears this car doesn’t feature the optional overdrive. The seller doesn’t provide evidence to verify the mileage claim, so it should be taken at face value. A previous owner mysteriously pulled the fuel tank, but the seller has briefly coaxed the motor to life with starter fluid. So a full mechanical revival might be possible, or the drivetrain could find a new home in other project builds.
This Volvo’s interior is a surprise packet. Trimmed in Black leather, the seats show no evidence of significant wear or material failure. It has flaws that I believe a specialist could address to achieve a respectable result as part of a driver-grade restoration. I noticed the driver’s door card is warped, but applying steam and pressure to the back might fix it. The best news, though, is the dashpad, which isn’t cracked or split. Pads often fail, so I think the buyer should install a cover as protection, since replacement pads are quite expensive. The AM/FM radio/cassette player is the only addition to an interior that could present nicely with some deep cleaning and new carpet.
It will be interesting to see whether our Barn Finds readers think this 1968 Volvo 1800S is a viable project candidate, or if it will end its days as a parts donor. The seller’s BIN is definitely affordable, and their willingness to negotiate may improve the situation. It has generated significant interest, suggesting people are drawn to cheap, cheerful classics. Would you return this Volvo to its former glory, or do you believe its race is run?
Rather than start these comments on a negative note, it’s a great deal. Now that’s out of the way, if you think this car has 35K miles , you are grossly mistaken. See, thing is, with a 5 digit odometer, there’s no way of telling how many times it’s been ’round. No mention of O/D, that all 1800s had, I certainly hope the seller didn’t get it thinking it was low mileage.
Now,,I can say, it’s not an Irv Gordon car, with 3 million miles, but several hundred thousand miles is not out of the question. Always bums me out to see these unfinished projects. They won’t get to experience what great cars these are. 100 viewers, so there’s interest, just not in a project anymore. $2500 is a joke for this, and may be some salvation in “affordable” classics again.
Thank you so much for your comment, Howard A. I tend to be wary of mileage claims, especially without supporting evidence. That is why I say that they should be taken at face value. We’ve all seen classics with six-figure odometer readings that present beautifully, and others neglected since Day One that look tired despite only modest odometer readings. Is this one accurate? The photos suggest it isn’t, which is why I recommend in-person inspections where possible.
Surprisingly, the underside photos don’t look too bad. Not surprisingly, the rockers look completely shot. That rust repair would require the best metal guy on the planet. There are repair panels made, it would likely cost a couple grand or more for them.
I have personally bought about 10 of these in similar condition and parted them out. I usually paid around $500 for a car like this. In some cases, the parts weren’t all that good to even be able to sell. Sure, I took ten cars out of circulation, but I also increased the rarity of the remaining examples!
I just saw a pair of rockers on Ebay for $150. They appear to be nothing more than fabricated parts and certainly not factory stampings, but it’s a place to start.