Here’s a challenging prospect with rust, an engine that won’t start, and an bedraggled interior, looking for its “forever home”. Whether that’s with a restorer who keeps it intact, or with a junkyard where it’s piecemealed out is an open question. In its favor is the relative rarity of the 1800 ES, made for only two years and in a count of 8077 – many of which have likely met their demise. Prices have been on the rise as more examples are restored or simply preserved by owners who cherish and use these stylish sportwagons. This example is listed in a no-reserve auction here on eBay and the bidding sits at $280 – that’s right, I didn’t miss a digit, just 28,000 pennies. You probably have that in your seat cushions.

Here’s that recalcitrant B20E inline four, good for 112 hp – a power downgrade versus previous years thanks to a lower compression ratio. The fuel/air mix is managed by Bosch D Jetronic injection. Disc brakes at all four corners handle the “whoa”, and a four-speed manual with overdrive was standard. An automatic was an extra cost option, as was air conditioning, but Volvo took pride in offering a long list of desirable standard equipment. This car’s underside is crusty, but that’s not the half of it…. the sills are rotting off the car.

The interior is ratty, with missing door cards, torn leather upholstery, a dash with waves like the sea – but important bits remain on premises including the gauges, steering wheel, seat frames, and trim. The ES has a generous cargo area – spacious enough for golf clubs or skis though this one contains extra parts of various persuasions.

The first 1800 was drawn by Pelle Petterson, working for Pietro Frua at Carrozzeria Ghia. So it was natural that Frua would have a crack at styling the ES. He and Sergio Coggiola – working at his own carrozzeria – each submitted ideas for the shooting brake version of Volvo’s popular sports car. Both designs contributed to the final version, but in the end, in-house stylist Jan Wilsgaard arbitrated the two submissions into the production model we know today. The frameless rear hatch glass and the muted fins – combined with what’s easily recognizable as the 1800’s front end – form one of the more elegant vintage wagons ever sold. As noted, collectors have bid up nice examples – it’s not unusual to spend over $20k for a well-kept four-speed. This one might be best used as a donor; what do you think?