I’ve always had a “thing” for Volvo’s 1800 and the shooting brake ES version, well, that’s even better – functionality wrapped up in a sporty package. Today’s 1972 example, discovered in a York, Pennsylvania parking garage and sitting for 35 years, looks better than one might expect so let’s check her out in detail. Here on eBay is where you’ll find this cool Swede and it’s available for a current bid of $1,136 with nine bids tendered so far.
The seller suggests, “Although it is not a classic, it is still a rare find.” I agree with the rarity factor and would suggest that it’s a classic too. As for rarity, Volvo only produced about 8K ESs in ’72 and ’73 so they do classify as members of the seldom seen. As stated earlier, this example has been parked since 1990 and the seller believes that the original owner is the one who parked it in 1990. All-in-all, this Volvo shows pretty well, its Alpine Blue Metallic finish (code 111) is obscured by garage mung but still seems to be mostly fair though the driver’s side fender shows signs of peeling and/or fading. There is definitely some rust blooming under the edge of the rear glass liftgate but it may not be too serious. Beyond that, the exterior is intact.
The seller confesses, “I have no idea on the engine,” but the specifics should be a 125 HP, 2.0 liter, in-line four-cylinder engine, known as a B20E, which in turn drives the rear wheels via a Borg Warner, three-speed automatic transmission. This one’s a non-runner and there’s no indication as to whether the motor is stuck or free.
The black bucket seat interior is rough and as the seller simply concludes, “The interior looks very beat.” The passenger compartment image isn’t clear enough to render an opinion but what passes for carpet is not too enticing. In particular, the rear cargo area is worn and filthy so it’s a safe bet that the innards will require a lot of elbow grease at the very least.
The story around this car is interesting as the original owner was Swedish and emigrated to the U.S. It was his intention to restore this 1800 ES but he passed before commencing that activity. The owner’s son, I gather, isn’t interested in taking on that task so he wants to move it along to a new caretaker. I’d say that this is a great find and worthy of restoration but the devil’s in the details and there are quite a few unknowns here. What’s your thought, is this Volvo a worthwhile restoration candidate?
Just went down the rabbit hole of learning about “shooting brakes” and their origins. Neato! Interesting writeup, Jim
These are nice looking cars, and it was rather surprising a conservative-minded company like Volvo took a chance and produced it. Unfortunately this example probably needs a ton of work. I’d look to see how badly it’s rusted before making an offer. At least in comparison to rust repair, the mechanicals would be an easy job.
All these comments are great about this car understanding that this car is an AUTOMATIC! I have owned 4 of them and they are rather expense for interior and trim bits too.
They were not terribly quick vehicles with the 4 speed and are less so with the automatics.
I have a ’73 awaiting my attention that I’ve owned for over 20 years. As Terry says, rust is a beast that can get these, but barring that, this is an excellent restoration candidate. The BW35 is a three-speed automatic, not particularly desirable, but conversion to the M41 4-speed with overdrive is very easy. The mechanicals, again as Terry said, are dead simple. The B20 is easy to get parts for and incredibly reliable. The Bosch D-Jet EFI can be a little daunting for the uninitiated, but, with new high pressure hose, a good MAP sensor (I believe these are very hard to come by), and a good fuel pump (the OEM is hard to come by, but it’s external, and conversion to a later pump is a snap), and it should be pretty simple to get it running again. With only a little over 8,000 of these manufactured, they’re well worth preserving when possible!
This will do quite well. I have too many cars, to even think about bidding.
These are always antenna raisers. I liken their existence as a brain fart similar to SAAB and their wild Turbos of the early ’80’s. This would be a candidate for transplant of some kind, no?
I know the ‘71 B20E had high compression having owned a 142E, rare bird that one. Did the ‘72 have the same 10.5-1 compression? When was the B20F motor introduced?
B20F was 1973 only, and I think US market only.
1969-1981
JO
https://8020automotive.com/volvo-b20-engine-guide/
US got the B20F in 72, lasted through 75. 71 was the last year for the B20E here. Advertised 8.7:1 but I’ve seen some with lower C/R. Not much fun and even less behind the BorgWarner 3 speed.
Hood is ripped apart by the hinge mounts.
Irv was mentioned yesterday with the 1800S. He told me he checked the oil often and always dripped a drop or 2 from the stick on the hood hinges.
Tried to look for the body seams but I couldn’t tell in the supplied photos.
Valve cover and brake booster rust make me want to the underside.
Sorry, I meant in the 1800 specifically. I think the B20F came in partway through the run of 1973 models, and those were the last model year for the car. https://volvo1800pictures.com/wordpress/power-train/
My experience is with US specs.
1970 B20E had more hp than the 1971.
They had different head castings!
1972-1975 US Volvos came with B20F. Lower C/R, lower hp and different castings.
I don’t think this (from 1800 pictures link) is correct for any market.
1800E 1970 B20 30001-32799 130 SAE 1986
1800E 1971 B20 32800-37549 130 SAE 1986
1800E 1972 B20 37550-39414 135 SAE 1986
1800ES 1972 B20 1-3069 135 SAE 1986
1800ES 1973 B20 3070-8077 135 SAE 1986
these surprise me @ how small they are (small is G O O D) as
I do not remember them as such (cuz I wuz smaller then?).
They are a smart purchase in almost ANY condition.
This one a good bet, even the slush bx, 4 me.
Get safe, reliable on start’n stop, inspected
some mi on and decide on keep or
not. That is Not a flip but a
hobby w/o deep concern
for profit. One must
break even or
better~
I went through a “Volvo phase” about 30 – 35 years ago with a 1966 122S wagon, later a 142, 144 and 145 (wagon). They had SU carbs though, easy to work on with the Uni Syn carb tool to synchronize. The engines are noted for durability but the later fuel injection ones can be tough to figure. This one is desirable as rarer wagon maybe.
Could be a good one. Always thought the whole ES package was one of the best looking of the Volvo line and most other cars of the era. Tried to buy one on coming home from the Vietnam fiasco but couldn’t get any of the colors I wanted. Did get a chance to race one for a couple of years which was fun as it was easy to get a bunch of power out the stout engines.
Yes Bob the Volvo 1800ES, in my opinion, was the most beautiful car ever developed by the Swedes. I had a ‘73 British racing green over a tan leather interior 4 speed with a roof rack that set it off nicely. I never had the time at that point in my life to really enjoy it and had to sell it 1998 to make room for my new wife’s car. I’ve never let her forget that. I told that story to my gear head GI doctor once when I was getting a colonoscopy and after the procedure he confronted her on how inappropriate it was to make me get rid of the Volvo.
as mentioned above, they are pretty small inside, i’m 6’2″ with short legs and long torso and my head always hit the roof in my roommates. nuisance but a nice car
this is just the kinda find i like. As a Volvo fan (pre 2009), owner, came home in one from birth and Mom still drives one, im a bidder on this.
My first enounter was when i was about 7, my mothers friend brought her children to visit and the back was all set up with blankets and pillows in back, then i noticed the back of the car !, the glass, the fins.. Ive always wanted one. Thank You BarnFinds :)
If i get it, ya, that 4spd auto and a turbo. Maybe the 2.8 from an R car i got layin around.
Ohhh the car obsession; sigh.
This car was the deal of the week, hands down.