Volvo's 1800ES achieved international cult car status a long time ago. Well-preserved, original examples are sought after by enthusiasts worldwide and will most likely continue to appreciate as long as there's fossil fuel available.

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Built for just two short years, 1972-73, only 8,078 of the exciting Sports Estates were ever produced. With this groundbreaking sportwagon design, Volvo successfully revived a decade-old model and gave fans of the 1800S Coupe much-needed additional luggage space in the bargain.

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Derisively called Schneewittchensarg ("Snow White's Coffin") in the Old World, the Volvo actually had its detractors when it was new. Today, with many cross-over designs making waves at international car shows, the Shooting Brake styling seems fluid and modern.

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This sports-car-plus-wagon was anything but cheap. Though being a high-profile car -- it was even named PLAYBOY's Playmate Car of the Year in 1972 -- of beautiful finish and construction, very few Volvisti were willing to pay the steep asking price. It seems the 1800ES was just too far ahead of its time. Today, the few survivors of the mere 8,077 examples ever built are coveted collectors' items.

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Forty-plus years after its conception, finding an unmolested original car that has never been restored, yet still presents itself in superb condition, is almost like winning the lottery. The 1972 Volvo presented here is such a rare gem.

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Built in December of 1971, this Volvo is car number 834 built. Sold new on March 9, 1972, VIN *1836354-00834* spent its entire life in Salt Lake City, Utah, before being shipped to California after the second owner's passing in 2013. To date, just 73,839 actual miles - 1,750 miles anually, on average - have accumulated on the car's odometer, and it looks and drives every bit like the low-mileage example it is!
Let's have a closer look!

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This Sportswagon comes with all its factory books and manuals, not only the original (not reproduction) owner's manual, but also the stamped service booklet, radio manual, air conditioning booklet, Volvo Club of America sticker, and a few assorted service receipts.

The Volvo's belly is all original, rust free, and un-repaired, still wearing its factory original undercoating. A virgin! There is no indication that this car has ever been involved in any kind of accident. Even the battery box area is fully intact and original. Aficionados of the model surely know that this very delicate region is often MIA, i.e., completely rusted away -- not so here! Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

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The above photos show the undercarriage in more detail. Make sure to enlarge them to their full size.

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Volvo's coachwork has benefitted tremendously from the loving care of its long-term, enthusiast owner. There are no bubbles, holes, or other indications of the dreaded rust cancer. There are no dings or dents, no scrapes or scratches. The flanks are arrow straight, shut lines ("gaps") of doors and hoods simply perfect.
Fantastic yellow finish presents itself supremely smooth and glossy and appears to be factory original. Only with the help of a state-of-the-art paint measuring device that measures paint thickness in thousands of a millimeter were we able to determine that it's in fact a superbly executed repaint. Wow!

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Volvo still wears its original steel wheels that show a slightly gold color, something we've never seen before. There are five (5) superb Vredestein Sprint Classic radial tires in the correct 185/70-15 size mounted. Arguably, these Scandinavian-made tires are the best money can buy today.

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As you would assume from a vintage Volvo known to be almost bullet-proof, the fuel-injected 2-liter engine, residing in a toothbrush-clean engine bay, is in super healthy condition. It starts on the first turn of the key, runs smoothly, doesn't need diapers, and does not smoke at all. Hood pad is in "like new" condition throughout.

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The desirable M41 4-speed manual transmission with electric overdrive is a joy to use. The overdrive works perfectly, making highway travel a relaxing and engine-pampering affair.

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Volvo's cozy cockpit is as well-preserved as you'll ever find.

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The original white headliner is unstained and looks factory fresh. This Volvo has never been smoked in!
Note pristine sun visors and working dome light.

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Truly, a sports car in the upbeat spirit of the Sixties, with traditional sports car dash and factory original steering wheel, which has been enhanced by a leather cover.

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Multiple SMITHS gauges look beautifully detailed and work perfectly, except for the clock which shows the correct time only twice daily.

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Front bucket seats still sport their original leather hides which are beautifully preserved. The same applies to the door panels, kick and side panels, carpeting -- they're all in fabulous original condition throughout.

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Flawless rear seat; seatback folds forward for added cargo capacity. Note rear safety belts.

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Ready for a test drive?
So are we, but before we take off, let's check out the cargo area first.

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More good news await in ye olde luggeren (swedish for: trunk compartment), which not only sports its original carpeting, but also a protective -- vintage -- sisal mat, and the original leather straps to tie down cargo that otherwise may slide around.
Cardboard box contains a few spares and tune-up goodies.

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Another rare find: original viny cover for the spare!

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The spare itself carries a matching -- and brand new -- Vredestein Sprint Classic radial tire.

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Digging even deeper, we find all of the cavities rust free and clean as a whistle.

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Monday, February 24, turned out to be another very nice "winter" day here in our beloved mission town San Buenaventura. We couldn't wait to hop into the Volvo and go for a spirited drive, taking many pictures along the way.

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The 1800ES behaves like a modern car. Its suspension and brakes are fully up to the task. Fuel-injected engine purrs, overdrive transmission is a joy to use. There are no squeaks or rattles, one truly feels safe and protected by this big hunk of Swedish steel. And with no black boxes, no ASL, ABS, engine management computers, side air bags or other unnecessary nonsense to spoil the fun, the ES can be driven with abandon, knowing that all mechanical parts are inexpensive and easy to find, should the need ever arise.

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Precious few of these Scandinavian Sports Wagons were built, ever fewer survived unmolested and in suberb original condition. Only a handful of non-rusty Estates are in existence today. If you have longed to acquire a mintish example, finished in its very exciting, period, original factory color, ready to be enjoyed immediately, this is your golden opportunity.