As I learned from experience, the Volvo 1800, in either the made-in-Britain Jensen version or “S for Sweden” later incarnation, does not want to be left outside. They rust prodigiously, and they’re challenging to repair correctly.
That’s why this cache in Omaha, Nebraska on Facebook Marketplace is such a find. These cars appear to have been stored inside for quite a while, and only the rare Jensen edition looks like it would be a real project to return to the road.
The owner is in possession of “approximately 10 Volvo project vehicles (two-doors/wagons) which are rust-free and excellent to improve as ‘driver’s quality’ or ‘show quality.’ Some run and some do not. Most all parts are included with each car. Will sell as a package or individual.” An $8,000 price is quoted, but it’s unclear what that buys you. All of them? Probably not.
The cache includes mostly early and late 1800s cars, all before the fuel-injection 1800E models in 1970. There are three 122S models, including a very lovely white wagon. All of these cars, I repeat, all of them, are worth restoring. The early Jensen car is a bit rough, but it’s also sought-after, with bullhorn bumpers, an upswept chrome spear, and early hubcaps. The rust was free from Jensen, so Volvo took the project in-house.
To single out a few of the cars, a white 1800S from 1966 or 1967 (maybe my old car) has a crease in the passenger fender and the remnant of tape that apparently held the hood down. The grille and surround are missing, and there’s a rash of rust above the radio antenna. But it looks fairly good. There are two more white 1800S cars of similar vintage (one a bit earlier) and in better condition.
The two red 1800s are a mixed lot. One was recently repainted, and the other is a barn find, but neither one is rusty. A caveat here: The 1800 is brilliant at hiding its rust from the casual observer. Given a chance, it’ll completely rot out its frame rails.
The Jensen 1800 has surface rust but retains its rare badging and hubcaps and may not be as bad as it looks. However, the rear end is a mess.
We can’t see all of the 122S wagon with black interior, but aside from a bump or two, it looks decent. The rear is full of junk, and there are more parts piled on top. Is that a black-plate California license?
The red 122S interior above appears to be a 1969 model, with the headrests, later seat belts and 142 knobs. Swedish car fans will have a field day with this collection. Thanks to NW Iowa Kevin for the find. There’s even a really neat seven-passenger Saab 95 station wagon visible in one of the shots. Now, what exactly does the $8,000 buy?
The 122 wagon looks nice inside. All must be rust checked first and their mechanicals are easy.
I want the Saab wagon…..
@DRV, yeah, I *thought* I saw a Saab in that sea of Volvos!
I’ve always lusted after a 1800, especially after the old TV show “The Saint” with Roger Moore in his pre-007 days.
1968 US spec Amazons had headrests, later 4 spoke steering wheel, under dash pad, soft switch knobs and more. I think the red Amazon is likely a 1968.
Did 1969 have wider headrest?
The headrests in my 1968 Amazon Estate are completely different than others that I’ve seen.
This looks like Shane Ashelford’s collection.
Now talk about “Barn Find.” This is a rare find of the century. I recall decades ago a Vietnam War veteran was killed in combat. He had purchased a 1963 corvette split window coupe 4spd. Being single his mother had the daunting task of parting with his belongings. She posted the car as a Chevrolet and dirt cheap not knowing the cars appeal or true value. No takers not much interest. After weeks went by a curious buyer stumbled across the ad an decided to go look at it. You know the rest of the story as Paul Harvey would famously say.
The first time I heard that story was in 1970. The car was a ’53 Corvette and the guy’s mom was told that a “1953 Chevrolet” was worth $100. That’s the price she asked, that’s the amount she collected and the buyer got a real steal.
I’ll have that Glacier Blue SAAB wagon. We had a 1965 identical wagon! Four boys, we always fought to sit facing backwards! Mem’ries.
Yep, Swede has himself quite a stash there.
The $8000 car is the 1800 black car with the white stripe according to the Facebook advert. The rest are negotiable.
I went and looked at these cars today. They are actually across the river in Iowa. There were at least 17 1800s, as noted all pre-fuel injection cars. He said he had at least three more.
The projects started a little under ten, there were quite a few Jensen built in England, they were more expensive. For what I would call a pretty rust free rolling restoration candidate more like $20 plus, but that was an early cowhorn car, restored cars around $50k.
All pretty original and unmolested. None rusty beyond saving, but some looked like older repaints with some filler in them.
Cool to get a chance to see them.