Cheap 1973 Volvo 1800ES Project
The Volvo 1800 and its variants enjoyed a lengthy run from 1961 to 1973. The last new iteration came in 1972 as something of a station wagon with a hatchback (the 1800ES). Total 1800 production was 47,500 vehicles, of which 8,000 were the 1800ES. This ’73 edition may be a roller that has some of its glass missing and sits in a field at the whims of Mother Nature. But it’s priced to sell at just $400 from Porterville, California, and here on craigslist. An interesting tip from Nevadahalfrack!
In Europe, a car like the 1800ES is referred to as a “shooting brake” which is a station wagon based on a coupe body and platform. The 1800ES came with a frameless, all-glass tailgate providing greater visibility into the vehicle. As U.S. emissions standards were tightening, the ES engine was scaled back to 125 hp by lowering the compression ratio. Given that the demand in the U.S. for the wagon was not high and that Volvo would have to restructure the car some to meet increasing safety standards, the decision was made not to continue with the automobile into 1975.
What we know about this car: It’s sitting in a field with missing glass and lots of grey primer. The odometer reading is 200,000 miles and it’s broken. And it’s only good for parts (salvage title?).
What don’t we know about this car: Are the engine and transmission still in the car? What’s the status of the interior as some stuff is stored in parts of it? Has the missing glass contributed to further damage? But, in the end, does it matter if all the seller wants is $400?
Comments
Not a salvage title- no title. Bill of sale only.
I imagine that any missing glass might be difficult to replace.
I’ve owned an 1800ES. I see two reasons to buy this one. Parts, car, maybe, but I don’t see much there. OR… if you own a rusty but running ES, this *might* be good for a shell swap, depending what the underside of this one looks like.
Looks like a parts car, the price is right.
Just another terrible Craigslist ad.Why do some people let there cars just sit and rot??
There are at least a couple thousand dollars worth of parts there.
“ In Europe, a car like the 1800ES is referred to as a “shooting brake” which is a station wagon based on a coupe body and platform.”
Russ, thank you for that explanation-it’s the best and most logical I’ve heard, with many different car folks trying to explain it simply (as is required for a simple guy-me)👍🏻.
The term “Shooting break” originated in England, and was generally used to describe a “Bespoke” [hand made to order] utilitarian designed vehicle, used by the servants of landed gentry for storing & providing the various accoutrements necessary for a day’s outing on the land owner’s vast property holdings, mostly for sport shooting [usually shooting larger animals]. AKA in French; “Breake de Chasse”.
I briefly owned a 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25 with a early postwar shooting break body by the obscure coachbuilder Charleton. it had little racks in the back to hold shotgun shells by size, and a copper lined ice box for Champagne.
By the time this Volvo was built, the general British term for what Americans call a station wagon, was an “Estate”. The Germans typically referred to these as a Combi. The Swedish word is Vagn, The French often used the words Safari or Break, and in Spanish, it’s a Camioneta. or simply a Camion.
It’s “Shooting Brake” not “Shooting Break.” Autocorrect hits you on this one!
Where was something like this when we built a ’73 race car? Evan called it as what to do with it. Either way, always loved the looks of the ES.
Needs polishing and windows cleaned.
I have all the parts that are missing from it.
These are cool. This one is priced right…. although it does need everything. I have a driver in the same color and could get excited about another project except that I already have too many projects and not enough time. But then I guess that is a personal problem, so I’ll be quiet! :)
Would make a very cool restomod. Keep outer body stock and put modern running gear underneath. Nice sbf or sbc and ride! Lexan hatch glass for the win.
One in every BF crowd.
And that means what?