Volvo's 1800ES is a somewhat rare model, only sold in 1972 & '73 model years as a
way to extend the life of the long-in-the-tooth 1800 coupe (originally
known as the P1800, released in 1962). The funky looks can be polarizing
- the Germans call this model Schneewittchensarg, which translates literally to "Snow White's coffin." Whenever I tell someone it is a schneewittchensarg, they respond with gesundheit, which I am fairly certain was the German equivalent of Ed McMahon's "you are correct sirrrr." Today's 1972 Volvo 1800ES Wagon is offered at a "correct price" and is for sale somewhere in Pennsylvania for $6,500 via swedish-motors.ebizautos.mobi Tip from Ignatius Reilly
It may seem early in the week to have a Thorsday feature, but Thorsgiving is only a few day's away; logically it makes sense to get the ball rolling early. This is a good price to pay for a running/driving 1800ES and would be an excellent buy if this thing is free from the dreaded tenn masken (that is Swedish for tin worm).
Pop the reverse-hinged hood to find the heart of the beast, the 112 hp / 115 lb-ft B20 pushrod 4-cylinder. This engine is quite the little tractor, providing much more entertainment value than one would expect given the specs. Being an ES, this 1800 got the Bosch D-Jet electronic fuel injection system which will save hours of "fettling" over a twin-SU-carbureted earlier B18 engine. From the beginning of coupe production, the 1800 was always an interesting international mish-mash...it was designed in Italy at Frua (by a Swedish guy), the earlier coupe bodies were pressed in Scotland, engines, transmissions and running gear were all Swedish, the electrics were a mixture of Bosch (German) and Lucas (ack! - British), and the afformentioned SU carburetors and Laycock deNormanville overdrive unit (hehe...he said Laycock) also hail from Blighty.
The inside of this 1800ES is a bit grungy, in fact we wouldn't be surprised if the carpets were removed to conceal evidence of Snow White's murder. The seats and dash in the 1800ES evolved from the original early '60s designs, but have a distinct '70s flair about them...but they are as flat as a 70's movie star's behind.
See a better Thorsday special? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com
Email sent. Ad says no rust but floors are clearly replaced already. No good underbody shots in the ad. Lots of questions but for this price, hey. If it lands in my driveway the plan is a swap of some sort...b230ft, sbc, b23/234, etc.
ReplyDeleteDad went and checked this out. Total project, says he. Probably some significant wiggle rom on the price if it's still available.
ReplyDelete