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Former Solo 2 Champ: Volvo P1800 Race Car

Old race cars always make our hearts beat a litle faster, even those used on the amateur circuits. This Volvo P1800 was used extensively as a track car in Florida’s competitive autocross scene, even being crowned a Solo2 champion at some point in its career. For whatever reason, it was dumped on the trailer it was stored on in the woods of Jacksonville and is now listed here on eBay with no reserve and two days left on the auction. 

Here’s what the Volvo looked like in its prime, wearing some charming “Swedish Iron” graphics along with those of perhaps some local sponsors and other typical racing-related decals. The BBS-style cross-lace alloys look good, but it’s currently stored on steel wheels. The seller notes that there’s plenty of upgrades still attached to the P1800, including a limited slip differential, adjustable Konis, full roll cage and a host of engine upgrades, including a race-spec camshaft.

Speaking of the engine, therein lies the likely reason it was parked: the seller notes the block is cracked and it’s become a “little rusty” in the time it’s been sitting. The body is said to still be solid overall, but given the tires on the trailer have expired while it’s been sitting here, any potential buyers are either looking at this Volvo purely for spares or are hoping to get it cheap enough to mitigate any serious rot issues. I’d love to know why a successful track car like this wasn’t rebuilt.

The Volvo has become sort of a rolling closet at this point, with lots of junk tossed inside. Within the storage areas is likely the spare block and head the seller says is included with the sale, and maybe those are the log books sitting in the bottom right of the picture. Whatever the story is, my time spent attending SCCA events taught me this: these guys and girls see their race cars as throwaway vehicles. If you can’t afford to wreck it, don’t race it, and once it breaks, it may be cheaper to buy a new one. What do you think the future holds for this winning Volvo?

Comments

  1. Avatar Bavarian factory

    Possible candidate for a SDM
    —Swedish Domestic Import motor

    If you like the body or history then broker a deal and bring it back to road worthiness ✅

    It’s at 560 at moment 👍

    Yes I have sarcasm but when cars are missing major items or no title then price it accordingly like this one!😎

    Like 0
  2. Avatar BarnfindyCollins

    I sold my ’73 ES a year ago on eBay to a guy in California who sent it to France. Finding that block shouldn’t be a problem but finding the money or time to repair the rot that affects these two year only models and their older 1800 siblings is. A heck of a good looking car in any body style.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Rodney

    Volvo 1800ES

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  4. Avatar pperros

    P1800 was the designation for the early British-built 1800 coupes. This is (or sadly, was) an 1800ES. Probably the only one I could afford, as long as I didn’t care about it running.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Wrong Way

    This breaks my heart to see a 1800 broken down like this! I loved these cars! This one is a 1800 E , but I loved all the 1800 series! I see a car that is a great resource for parts especially those panels! Someone is watching this one, I almost guarantee! Awesome buy just for the parts!

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  6. Avatar SAM61

    BF needs to buy/fix this for your rally later in the year (ala your 240 wagon last year) then sell it off…bring it back to its original glory.

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  7. Avatar RickyRover

    Sad……..but it could be worse…….

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  8. Avatar gaspumpchas

    Geez- cheap $$ and comes with trailer. could be a cheap project, sure is cool….good luck somebody will have fun with it, if the guy has the logbooks better yet!!!

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  9. Avatar ccrvtt

    Very cool car. I feel a visceral connection since I’m half Swedish. Of course that and $1.25 will get you a cup of coffee at Wal-Mart…

    Still I’ve always liked the P1800 wagons, especially the rear windows. This is an intriguing car.

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  10. Avatar Whippeteer

    The perfect race car for blind racers. It comes with the rare opaque perspex windows…

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  11. Avatar Steve R

    It would be nice if someone can resurrect it for another stint at autocross or as a track day car.

    Steve R

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    • Avatar whmracer99

      Would seem that your idea would be more likely than a full restoration. Clean it up, throw the motor of your choice in it, and go.

      Like 0
  12. Avatar Rex Kahrs Member

    This car was on Craigslist for $700 last week, trailer included.

    Like 0

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