While I have never visited Sweden, I have known people born and raised there. They describe the natural beauty of the country and how harsh winter can be. That means that Swedish cars need to be rugged to withstand all Mother Nature can throw at them, and nowhere is that trait better demonstrated than with the Volvo 1800. Introduced in 1961, it remained in production with largely evolutionary updates until 1973. The exception to the evolutionary philosophy was the 1800ES, which broke cover in the autumn of 1971. While the original 1800 was a distinctive creation with sporting credentials, the 1800ES was a station wagon derivative with bold styling and excellent practicality. Our feature ES rolled off the line in 1972, and its presentation and condition are impressive. Its most pressing need is a new home, with its owner listing it here on eBay in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It has attracted a single bid of $1,000, and the seller’s decision to offer it with No Reserve means it could prove an affordable classic if the bidding remains subdued. I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this Swedish survivor.
Transforming a two-door sports car into a station wagon is a risky undertaking because there’s a good chance that the final product could look disjointed or odd. However, Volvo achieved the feat with the 1800ES, and the solitary downside is that they only built the ES for two years. Its fate was sealed due to its inability to conform to tighter US safety standards, and a mere 8,077 vehicles rolled off the line before production ended. This ES has been part of the same family its entire life. It wears Code 105 Gold Metallic paint that shines beautifully. It is unclear whether it received any restoration work, but it is hard to find anything worthy of criticism. There are no significant flaws or defects in the panels or paint and no evidence of developing rust. The underside shots look clean, and the prone front rockers are spotless. The trim and tinted glass look excellent for a survivor-grade vehicle, and there are no issues with the wheels or trim rings.
Most readers will agree that the true story of the life led by a classic will be written into its interior trim and upholstery. Touching up exterior scratches and chips is not difficult, but hiding tattered and torn upholstery is more challenging. That makes me believe this Volvo lived its life treated with care and respect because its interior presents superbly. Carefully examining the photos reveals the dash pad has cracked and addressing that fault will hit the buyer’s wallet. Volvo 1800 interior trim components are not cheap, and a replacement pad leaves no change from $750. That’s an almighty “ouch,” but it appears to be the only shortcoming. The leather seats are free from wear and other issues, while the same is true of the remaining upholstered surfaces. There is no crumbling plastic or evidence of abuse. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions, which is surprising considering this family didn’t order this classic with a radio to relieve boredom on long journeys. If the new owner plans a cross-country adventure, they may need to brush up on their karaoke skills!
The 1800ES is no muscle wagon but features a drivetrain that has proven bulletproof for decades. Tipping the hood reveals the 1,986cc B20E fuel-injected four-cylinder engine producing 130hp. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission with electric overdrive. Volvo introduced fuel injection into the 1800 range in 1970, with the Bosch D-Jetronic system replacing the previous twin SU carburetors. The upgrade unleashed additional power and smoothness while delivering fuel consumption improvements. The seller indicates this ES is in excellent mechanical health. They hold some service records and recently treated it to a complete fluid change. It runs and drives perfectly, allowing the buyer the option of building a relationship with this classic by flying in and driving it home.
The decision to part with a car that has been part of your family for five decades is never easy, but that is the case with this 1972 Volvo 1800ES. It is a tidy and clean classic with few apparent needs. If anything surprises me about this Volvo, it is that it has only received a single bid at the time of writing. It is a “winner takes all” auction, and recent results suggest it should top $24,000 before the hammer falls. If it sells for less, it could be one of the best buys of 2022. Is that thought enough to tempt you to pursue it further?
Looks just AWESOME!
Beautiful car. Almost bought one new, wound up with a Blazer. Did get a chance to race one for a couple years and got all sorts of comments on what a good looking car it was.
$7600 currently, I doubt the bidding will remain subdued. I love 1800s so much I finally got one to add to my hoard, hauled it from Nashville back here to the armpit of Virginia.
The seats don’t show wear because they’ve been redone in the wrong color. Some or all is a repaint…. the rocker seams are filled. I’m extra suspect when I see a temporary battery terminal.
Regarding the engine, I’m pretty sure a ‘72 1800ES used the B20F head rather than the B20E. The difference is in compression. The B20E was used on the ‘71 142E and 1800ES and had a 10-1 compression rating which just craved high octane. In ‘72 Volvo went to B20F head and the compression delivered was something like 8.5-1. Had both and thought the B20E was slightly more spirited but then again we are talking Volvo.
Mike,
US market only got B20E in 1970 and 71. Some other markets got them for more years. They didn’t have the emissions requirements that we did.
This Volvo is at $8300 with 5 days and 5 hours to go. Should do well in the end.
As Rallye has noticed. She has had a fair bit of welding. Have a look along the seem where the outer wing is attached to the inner wing near th A post, also near the hood hinge point, also look at the line along the rockers to the inner sills.
Nice car if it’s not full of what you call bondo and weld patches.
Sir Roger Moore drove the coupe in the series Simon Templar.
This cars are called the glass casket. I prefer the caravan
along the coupe with its tiny interior space.
The show is titled
“The Saint”
The characters name is
“Simon Templar”.
It’s a B20”F” not B20”E”. Big difference.
I want to get a 1800 or one of these so bad as a tribute to my dad. He was an engineer with Volvo in the early 1960’s working on the engine compartment. I have a Waterford glass vase that they gave him when he left Volvo. Can’t afford the price these are bringing now days and this one has just hit $10k plus shipping to Denver, out of my range. Some day, it will happen.
Jon, there’s a 1800ES right now on Denver Facebook marketplace for $6500, says it runs and drives, needs restoration. Search for Volvo 1800.