You are bidding on a 1972 Volvo 1800ES Sportwagon.
The ES models are a rare body style variation from the original Coupe, only 8,077 vehicles produced in the two years on the market (‘72-’73). This model includes the iconic frameless glass rear hatch.
The ‘B20’ engine is Bosch D-Jet fuel injected, 2-liter, inline-4. The head is the ‘F’ variant, considered to be the better flowing head by enthusiasts, making approximately 125hp when new.
The transmission is a manual 4-speed with OD.
The car is sporty, roomy and fun to drive.
If you are not familiar with the Volvo 1800 series, I recommend reading up, they are cool cars.
This example spent its life in southern California, until I bought and brought to Chicago in 2012 and has not seen water since being garage kept and rarely driven since (~2k miles)
I entrusted the car to Randy and Lester at Swedish Car Specialists of Schaumburg, who specialize in older Volvos, for its work, and they remarked on how good of condition the body and underbody are in.
Since purchasing the car, I have made some considerable mechanical improvements. Over $13k in receipts that I will include.
Brakes
Replaced front + rear calipers
SS Brake Lines
Chassis
New Engine and Transmission mounts
New suspension bushings
Bilstein Shocks front and rear
Rear axle limit strap
Engine
Replaced Bosch injectors
Replaced fuel pump + lines
Replaced spark plugs with NGK + wires
Replaced distributor cap + rotor
Stainless Steel Sports Exhaust (Throaty sounds!!!)
Engine, coolant and transmission fluids
Compression tested (140/145/140/140)
Elect
Replaced battery for Optima ‘RedTop’
Added disconnect switch
Replaced voltage regulator
Speedo cable + lights
Body
Rear glass butterfly handle replaced incl. new lock cylinder
Condition
Engine. The car starts easily, idles, runs and drives comfortably having invested in the engine, brakes and chassis improvements. The clutch is fine, the transmission engages gears confidently. Overdrive was working when I received the car, but is not currently, I have made no attempt to diagnose, and have driven very little since it stopped.
Cosmetics. The body and glass are as received. The body and underbody are, in my opinion, the top selling point of this vehicle: they are both in remarkably good condition for the age, and having not been driven in a winter climate (salt, grit, water, etc). The chromes are all present, and are showing some rust and a few dings. I encourage you to spend time with the photos, I have tried to capture the condition as honestly as possible, what you see is what you will receive. The paint by the previous owner is not showing any growing spots of corrosion in the 12 years I have owned the car, it appears today as I received it in 2012. The color is also blue, but not matching the original paint (as seen in the engine bay), I made no attempt to remove the window tint films. The glass is all in excellent condition, especially the rear glass, except the windshield which has a large chip (I received, and will include, an additional windshield in good condition, that I did not get around to installing). Tires were replaced by the PO in 2012
Electrical. The car does not have AC installed; the fan, vents and heater do work. The gauges need attention, the speedo is OK, the tach needle bounces (though it didn’t always), The radio is faint. The lights, brights, blinkers, wipers and horn are working. (Overhauling the electrical was the next major item on my list, but I am choosing instead to step away.)
Interior. The front seats were re-cover by the PO and look good. I believe the PO replaced the dash cover as well. The driver’s seat is in good condition, the passenger latch mechanism is fiddly and needs some attention. The rear seat is original and folds. Seatbelts are working but original and a bit frayed so retract slowly. I had the shift boot replaced. Please see the photos.
Title - The title is clear.
The car is being sold AS-IS.
Additional photos available on request.
Though the car is rare, it’s still a Volvo. Parts are available at reasonable prices, there is plenty documentation available, and the online communities are knowledgeable and friendly. If you are in the Midwest, Randy at Swedish Car Specialists specializes in vintage Volvos, he has done all of the work listed.
Also included with the sale.
Wing Mirror (received with the car)
2nd ECU (Bosch D-Jet - unconfirmed if working, received with the car)
Windshield (received with the car, good condition)
Some Magazines with road tests (C+D Jan ’72, R+T March ‘72)
Receipts for the service work.
Why am I selling the car?
Because Life. In the time since buying the vehicle, I’ve been married, had three children and moved twice. My disposable income (lol) and time (LOL) are now invested elsewhere. I have put off selling it for years. I still adore the car, and I have always prioritized keeping it garaged, but I never drove it enough (2k miles in 12 years…) nor did I fulfill my dream of learning to work on it myself, or more ambitiously, convert it to EV.. and I have come to terms that I never will. I could keep the car another decade(s) with the hope these things will change, but I bet you will be a better owner/driver/mechanic/steward, and that is what the car deserves. I will buy myself a nice 1/18’th scale model from the sale proceeds for the memories.
If you have a question, message me.
Terms
AS-IS (Please read the descriptions and see the photos)
There is a modest reserve, much lower than the Buy It Now price.
Buyer is responsible to collect the vehicle, or arrange shipping.
$500USD deposit within 48-hrs of sale
Remainder of Payment via Cashiers Check (NO PERSONAL CHECKS)
Also known as… (Did you know, only the 1st generation coupes, built by Jenson, were named P1800? All later models (coupe and wagon) dropped the ‘P’ from their model names)
P1800, P1800ES, P 1800, P 1800 ES, 1800, Volvo, Sport Wagon, Sportwagon, Shooting Break, Shootingbreak, Long Roof, Estate