Volvo’s P1800 coupe remains one of those attainable classics that provides access to an enthusiastic community of owners and decent parts supply. This particular example is in need of an engine and general bodywork/rust repair, but becomes a more compelling purchase when the seller mentions the option of buying a wrecked 1800ES parts car for an additional $1,500. Find the coupe here on eBay with an opening bid of $1,999 and no action as of yet.
The 1800 is one of those cars that stands out as timeless to me, with a design that remained pretty throughout its production cycle (if not somewhat boring). The trouble is with cars like this is better examples exist for reasonable money, which begs the question as to whether it’s worth restoring one that has rust. The seller doesn’t disclose just how pervasive the rust is, which makes this one more of a gamble. I do dig the period luggage rack, however.
The interior looks reasonably complete but the seat covers are hiding some fairly destroyed upholstery. The seller casually tosses out, “Car is complete as far as I can see,” which isn’t exactly helpful when assessing how much work is actually needed. Door panels appear complete, with the storage pockets getting a bit saggy; hard to tell if the dash is cracked underneath that cover, but I’d wager it is. With the opening bid as listed and no reserve, there’s a chance you could snag this for a decent price – but it all depends on the damage wrought by the tinworm.
For me, this is where the P1800 gets more compelling: the seller will include this 1800ES shooting brake for $1,500 more, with an engine he claims was rebuilt shortly before it was wrecked. It’s missing the hood, front seats and fuel pump but is otherwise complete. If you can work out a deal for both cars for $3K or thereabouts, this package of P1800s becomes more compelling than just the coupe by itself. Would you take on the P1800 project pair or buy a more complete example?
I noticed this car a couple of days ago, and I was (or maybe I wasn’t) surprised to see that there was no opening bid. The rust appears significant, and would cost a King’s ransom to repair.
That said, one wild-card saving grace of this car MIGHT be the fact that it’s a 72, the last year for the coupe. What I’m saying is that IF the serial number was near the end of the run, this may have some significance and make the car worth restoring. Or maybe not. I was offered the opportunity to buy a 72 coupe with a s/n exactly 100 numbers from the last one produced, but I decided against it because the car was too rusty.
I know it’s blasphemy to suggest that these cars should be parts donors, but that’s what I suggest, especially for the car with no engine. The wagons are hot right now, so maybe the wagon is the dark horse in this pair.
@Rex.
Totally agree with you. Scrap the coupe and restore the wagon. Much rarer car.
Weren’t these just called 1800’s,( 1800S, E, and ES) and the “P” was dropped? Anyway, I’m sure the coupe is a mess underneath, but seeing what’s come through here, I suppose anything can be fixed. I had a friend with a green coupe like this, fantastic car. Very desirable car today, so any 1800 that even resembles a 1800, should be saved. If you could glue it together underneath, be a cheap way to get into an 1800.
Yes, the P1800s were the ones built by Jensen in the UK, which had the early front bumpers. The 1800S were all built in Sweden, and the 1800E had fuel injection instead of the SUs.
I love the shooting brake. I’d be tempted to focus on IT and use the coupe as a parts car, given the recent engine rebuild.
This is a 1800ES sport coupe. Back in 72′ you had your choice of SU carburetors or fuel injection. The Sport Wagon (attached pic, at my local Volvo shop) later on was copied by Toyota (Corolla 77′ ) and a Volvo made a re-issue (C30) .
Another classic I would definitely buy. In the market for bigger fish. Motor-coaches and school-buses.
Relisted at $1799 .. no bids yet