There are still some hidden gems out there on the vintage car marketplace, offering both exclusivity and a highly entertaining driving experience for reasonable money. And, if you decide to give a car like this gorgeous 1972 Volvo 1800ES a closer look, you’ll find it’s also highly utilitarian. The 1800ES was made in limited quantities, with its fate sealed by chances in crash protection standards, and they pop up fairly infrequently today. This 1800ES listed here on craigslist is a very tastefully refreshed example, sporting a variety of rare upgrades and smart maintenance to make it a wonderful driver for years to come. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mitchell G. for the find.
The 1800ES was referred to Volvo as a “souped down Ferrari” on one of its pieces of genius advertising collateral back in the day, which would set the tone for the company’s ongoing insistence that its wagon offerings could double as performance cars. The 1800ES wasn’t so much a sports car as it was a cruiser that enjoyed the occasional spirited romp, with the added convenience of plenty of luggage space behind the handsome front and rear buckets. This was such an intriguing mix of features: sports-car like seating, room for overnight bags and then some, a gorgeous rear glass hatch, manual transmission, and a torquey B20 four-cylinder.
The seller has done a wonderful job of balancing originality with some very attractive improvements. The most notable of which is a Megasquirt 2 engine controller, that in his words, “…provides upgraded performance, reliability, and tuneability.” Other improvements include an IPD exhaust system, which has to be one of the rarer accessories to track down for an obscure model like this. The listing also notes that this 1800ES sports Bilstein shocks and IPD sway bars. It also has newer tires and all of the removed factory parts are included with the sale. In stock form, the 1800ES made 112 b.h.p. and 115 lb-ft of torque.
The 1800ES was previously in Oregon and Washington State, two places known for keeping vintage cars on the road well past the expiration date in snow country. This car is now in Portland, Maine, which is another haven of vintage Volvo lovers. The seller lists out a bevy of improvements that speak to careful mechanical stewardship, and the asking price of $21,500 seems reasonable given the rarity, condition, and reconditioning. Personally, I think these cars are undervalued at the moment – what do you think?
Must be Volvo month. Beautiful car here. The 1800 series cars, including the ES, did have a presence on the race tracks of the world. In the US the Sports Car Club of America still has them racing in their events.
One 1800ES race car.
Don’t ask me about the picture. Don’t know what happened but couldn’t fix it.
Got it rotated for you!
Why is this being sold on a bill of sale and not a title? Is this an Oregon thing?
Wrong coast.
Truly one of my bucket list cars. Finding a rust free example is the challenge.
Price seems fair. Wish I wasn’t in the middle of a 190SL legacy thing. I love the old Anti-Volvos of that era.
Since I was a kid going on vacation every summer to CT and seeing these on the road a lot in that area, I always liked them.
Maine does not require a title before 1995
Hey Terrry, it’s Irv Gordons red Volvo wagon,,,,it’s okay, pobodys nerfect,, :)
The power numbers seem low. Are they from a dyno report or a spec sheet? The carbureted 1800S had the listed numbers, but the E models—142E, 1800E, and 1800ES from 1971-73—came with MFI which gave a boost to 130hp. And with the Megasquirt add-on, that number should be even higher, or at least better managed. My stock ’71 142E was a blast to drive!
Right on man. I loved my ‘71 142E. My favorite car.