With the production of its P1800 series nearing the end, Volvo introduced one final variant in 1972, a sports wagon they called the 1800ES. The ES had a short run lasting only two years, and by 1973 it was the sole model of the P1800 the company produced during its final year. 8,077 seems to be the number agreed upon of how many 1800ES examples were produced for ’72 and ’73, so they’re not exactly a common sighting these days. If you’ve been in the market for an early seventies Volvo project, this 1972 1800ES may be a good candidate. The car can be found here on eBay and is located in Olympia, Washington, with bidding having only reached $530 so far, and with no reserve perhaps there’s a bargain waiting to be had here.
According to the seller, the body is very straight and in good shape with the exception of the rockers, which are showing some rusted-through areas on both sides. The quarters are actually looking pretty decent overall, and the owner does still have both missing bumpers and the front grille, but the rear valance looks like it’s going to need some attention. The seller makes it clear that this is a full project that will require lots of work, and also provides a separate link with around 80 photos, so it’s reasonably clear what the next owner is getting should they choose this as their next Volvo project.
The inside hasn’t fared very well, with most everything in there needing some sort of refreshing. It’s kind of a mess, with some missing instruments plus a few wires hanging down under the dashboard. The back seats look OK, but those front buckets are pretty far gone, and the headliner looks like it’s either soiled or moldy. The floors are stated to look good, but there is a spot on the passenger side mentioned that will require patching. Underneath, the condition of the bottom side is stated as pretty good, and the seller specifically states that the cross member and frame rails look good.
Under the hood is the stock B20 engine, which is not running nor has the owner attempted to start it, so whether or not it will turn over is a mystery. The stock M41 manual transmission is also still in place, which is said to shift fine when the clutch pedal is engaged. I’ve never worked on a Volvo myself, much less attempted to restore one, but they’ve always piqued my interest and these wagon styles are kind of groovy when they’re done up right. What do you Volvo guys think? Is this one a good starter to take to the next level?
See? Just one example after the next lately, it’s up to almost $1300, which is unbelievable. Okay, I’m not looking through 80 photos, I’m a busy man,,,and you’ll be hard pressed to find a low mileage one of these, they were ALL driven, and a LOT. While not many put an astonishing 3 million miles on one, like the late Irv Gordon, but hundreds of thousands were common, as seen here. Original miles unknown,,mm-hmm, these rust structurally, so maybe for parts, I can’t imagine someone would restore this. They were really nice cars.
I love Volvo.
I can recall the P1800’s coming on the “scene” eight to ten years ago….and caught the eye of rudimentary collectors and flippers.
Most anything Volvo makes is pretty cool and non-derivative.
👍🤓
Shooting brake
Current owner of a couple C30’s, including one converted to 4WD. Love me a Volvo. Glad this one is going out of my price range. I’m 77 and eventually “rust” will overtake me.
Roger how involved is the 4wd conversion? Have a c70?myself. I have found anything Volvo related always needs piles of money.
Was on eBay looking for parts and saw this one for sale completed in Florida. There are several websites about the conversion – all standard Volvo parts. Time may have reduced the expense. Good luck.
Awesome looking car. This was always my favourite car Volvo produced, the P1800ES. It’s attractive while still being well-built. It’s a damn shame that Volvo discontinued the 1800ES after this. Given its condition, $500 is a good price for the car. That’d leave enough left over to make any restos needed to get this car running and driving, assuming parts are still available that is.
Last year I sold a rusted out 1800ES to Stransberg Volvo Salvage in western Wisconsin. Tha car was low mileage and the front seats and interior were very nice and would help the buyer of this car a lot.
The rust is repairable on a rather straight original body ie, all the seams are present.
Almost all of the Djet is missing along with the under dash AC.
Carpet, dash pads, seats and the rest of the interior adds up.
Might be an ok deal for someone that can do all the labor.
These have appreciated a bunch the last few years.
I used ta use IPD also up there in the NW (Portland?) but they were for all the speedy wowlo bits (think abarth for the Italians). No 4wd I’d expect.
A changed chassy or motor (some Duratec 4’s a 2L – ford/volvo/mazda developed) can B frnt, rear or ‘4WD’ I believe. Transverse mount in all apps (room for tranny in frnt of driver). Jump on 1 of the Sites (look w/in it for this mod) for ur make/model/yr might turn up something on where to start w/a 4WD conversion Jonathan.
No one has mentioned it yet, so I will- this 1800 is an excellent candidate for an LS/6 speed swap. I’d probably ditch the og seats entirely and install a set of Corbeau’s or Recaros. As far as the rest of the interior goes, that dash needs a ton of work, I’d try to find one in a junkyard that has all the gauges and no cracks and swap it out. This thing will look great with a set of period correct wheels and a new paint job.
If it were closer for me…The first joy it to strip it out and enjoy the body lines. Then prep the body, enjoy the body lines more. Then the dash in analogy guages and personalize more from there.