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Swedish Graveyard: Volvo Collection in California

While yesterday’s “collection” post focused on old air-cooled VWs, today’s is about Volvo P1800 coupes. A craigslist seller in California’s San Fernando Valley has posted up a vast collection of these pretty Swedes, along with photos of a few other classic Volvos. Prices seem reasonable but the seller is not parting cars out, so only show up if you have a trailer in tow. There’s also rumors of a Bertone coupe in the mix. Find the posting here on craigslist and go here if the ad disappears. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Jimmy for the find. 

The seller claims to have coupes ranging from 1961 to 1972, and the photos seem to back up the claim with numerous rows of the car that gained big screen fame in The Saint. The values on these coupes is hard to pin down, but tends to fall into two camps: project or pristine, with few cars rarely falling into the “rolling project” category that many of us play in. The good news here is, unlike what you’d find in my part of the world, many of these rust-prone Volvos look quite solid and worthy of restoration.

Despite the seller only referencing a Bertone coupe as the sole outlier, we can also see here he’s got what looks like an early Volvo PV444. This is actually my personal favorite of the cars that he has listed, and it looks like a genuine California black plate example. Still wearing its original hubcaps and steel wheels with a nice, even patina, I’d certainly consider rescuing this one if I were closer – and also inquiring if he’s got any P1800 wagons hiding out.

With so many P1800s, the question becomes: which one would you take home? As you scroll through the pictures, you’ll notice a very complete white example, along with this sunburnt car that looks quite straight going down the sides. There’s also a green/blue coupe with full glass and mildly shiny paint that may be the best one of the bunch. As the seller mentions, he is not parting cars out – but he may have what you’re hunting for if you call ahead. This looks like a great find for the vintage Volvo enthusiast; let us know if you intend to check it out.

Comments

  1. Avatar chgrec Member

    Might be more upside if you can find one of the early Jensen body cars….the rarity would help keep you on the plus side of any restoration.

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  2. Avatar Rex Kahrs Member

    If $3800 is the price for the worst of those cars, then he’s over-priced. $8500 should get you a running/driving example, and about 12K should buy a fairly nice one.

    Tampa CL has a nice ES wagon for 12K, just needs the FI sorted. I bet that Tampa car could be had for 10K.

    The California seller needs to list the cars one at a time, with ample photos of each car, and a price for each car. Once the calls start coming in, he’ll wish he had done that. And frankly, he should auction these cars on ebay, as the Europeans are buying these like crazy.

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  3. Avatar James Burdzinski

    He Finaly selling these off? . I am Shocked ! . Been there many times .”Nothing ” for sale. He does have some gems hidden away . He owns a “Hack ” body shop near me . I ended up buying some in Ojai for $300 ea. Then we got 20 more cars for $200 to $400 ea. Its NO fire sale here i am sure .

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  4. Avatar SMS

    Excited to see those and also a little sad. Those 1800’s rust so easily.

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  5. Avatar eggsalad

    PV444 have two-piece windshields. Since these cars do not, they are PV544.

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  6. Avatar scottymac

    I think before I’d sink money in one of these, I’d consider locating a nice C30 T5-R and enjoy. Although, would have liked to have seen the red one with the Mach 1 hood scoop in its prime.

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  7. Avatar Shane

    Oh how I want an 1800 ES wagon

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    • Avatar SMS

      I’m with you Shane. Think the 1800ES is one of the best looking cars ever.

      Like 0
  8. Avatar Peter

    Must be the Patron Saint of Volvo Graveyards.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar DRV

    I shop a sister to this yard in Ravenna Ohio. He has 140s out the wazoo also. http://www.drennenservice.com
    Funny thing about junk yards like this is that any part you want from it has already met its demise just like the one you’re replacing.

    Like 0

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