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Rusty But Running: 1971 Volvo 1800E

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Thanks go to Barn Finds reader Matt K. for this find! This 1971 Volvo 1800E is said to run, but that it needs a lot of work. I’d have to agree with the needs a lot of work part! It’s in Boyertown, Pennsylvania and is up for sale here on eBay where the buy-it-now is $1,995 but you can offer less. We don’t know much more about this one except what shows up in the pictures–or really, what doesn’t show up. There’s a lot of metal that should be there that isn’t. Maybe this one is better off as a parts donor to a solid 1800? The car seems very straight and shows no accident damage that I can see, just rust. Lots of rust. Anyone got a solid 1800 body out there looking for a drivetrain transplant? Or are you looking for a project to showcase your welding ability?

Comments

  1. Avatar Stuart

    That’s definitely parts. I had a ’73 1800es that I loved, perfect interior and mechanically great, but the rust was beyond hope. It had started out in Canada and from the waist up there was beautiful blue green paint, but the rest was swiss cheese, front clip just shot. such pretty cars.

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  2. Avatar Hex

    I’ve also got a ’73 ES in that blue-green colour – but it’s not been defeated by rust – which is what kills them all, given half a chance. The asking on this is optimistic. It’s most definitely a parts car, and until recently something like this could be bought for a couple of hundred euro in this neck of the woods (Ireland). Values are now appreciating on the 1800’s, but not to this extent!

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  3. HoA Howard A Member

    Well, first of all, I’m sure that speedo hasn’t worked in years, as Volvo put 6 digit odometers in their cars for a reason, they were great cars. ( Renowned Volvo owner, Irv Gordon put over 3 million miles ( and counting) on a P-1800. I had a friend that had a car just like this, and it was a fantastic car. Power, handling, comfort, I feel, this was the nicest car( and the ES) Volvo ever made. Overdrive was a popular option, and the present owner may not even know this car has that ( actuated by the stalk on the right side of the steering column). These aren’t exactly rare, and cost a fortune to repair. ( brake calipers alone are like $150 dollars each) I agree with Stuart, too far gone, and it’s a darn shame, someone let it get to this point.

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  4. Avatar George Member

    I have a ’73 ES, and parts are surprisingly available due to support from Volvo and commonality of parts with other models. 47,000 or so of the various models were made. Survivor rate is high, but when they go, it’s because of rust……and like this car, those cars donate parts to better cars.

    This would be challenging.

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