OT - Opinions wanted, Volvo p-1800 ES Options

[rnellums]

I have an opportunity to buy a low-mile p-1800 ES wagon from a friend at a good price, and I wanted to know what this community's views on the car was. I spent most of the day today going over it and washing it with him. The odo currently reads 33k or so.

[messix]

cool cars! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

[r_towle]

We have two here.
Cool car, low price for even a mint one.
Motor will last forever, rear end will whine, no fix
Tranny may whine,

Loud, handles like shit,

Lower it, get wider tires.

Rich

[rnellums]

I guess the follow up is what would be a fair price for it? Neither he or I have a good feel for what the car is worth, I would prefer to do 5k or less.

-Ross

[914_teener]

Think those run D-jet as well.

No idea what it is worth though.

[billh1963]

Very cool...I love the look! No idea on price, though.

[KELTY360]

cool cars! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

In 1973 I was choosing between a 914 one of those. I'm sure I made the right choice of a 914 but I've liked the Volvo ever since. There is a guy who lives near me that is the original owner of one with over 300,000 miles. Can't kill them, can't make them go fast thru the twisties.

[cary]

Way Cool .........................
I don't know why the new copycat little one didn't make it.

[Drums66]

.....Cool rides!(I prefer coupe)...special parts (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif)

[r_towle]

5k is probably about right.

Drain the fuel, flush the tank. Oil, tranny fluid etc.
Do not try to start it with bad fuel.

Pump is under the tank in the rear, simple to clean up and deal with the tank.

Www.ipdusa.com
Www.vclassics.com

Rich

[rnellums]

5k is probably about right.

Drain the fuel, flush the tank. Oil, tranny fluid etc.
Do not try to start it with bad fuel.

Pump is under the tank in the rear, simple to clean up and deal with the tank.

Www.ipdusa.com
Www.vclassics.com

Rich

I'm afraid he already started it up, but it started up easy enough, blew a bit of white smoke on startup, but nothing outrageous. It seems to leak a bit of oil too, and the interior could use some love. there is a rust bubble (pencil eraser) near the rear fenderwells, and evidence of an exterior re-paint to the original color.

[oldschool]

my car...sold it to put money in my bank...

[914bub]

I worked on Volvo's for 20 years and worked on a lot of 1800 coupes and ES's. They are fun little cars. They CAN be made to go through the twisties but of course not like a 914. Volvo made 40,000 1800's from 1962-73. Technically the only "P"1800's are the 62-64 cars built by Jensen but even Volvo labels them incorrectly now days on calendars, in commercials etc. Those are cool wheels and were only available for 2 years. I have 12 of those wheels sitting around,...but I'm a hoarder! While they were never available here in the states you can also find ATS wheels that look like the 914 wheels except, of course, for being 5 lug. ES's also look very cool with later 240 Turbo wheels on them. You can also install 740 or 940 turbo wheels on them. The possibilities are almost endless.

1800ES's were only made in 1972 & 1973 but I heard the actual production run was from July of 72 through August of 73. Volvo only made 7,000 1800ES's. It's kind of amazing how many are still around. I've worked on 30-40 different ones and have seen countless more.

Slap on some Bilsteins, IPD lowering springs,IPD sway bars and a limited slip and I think you'd be somewhat impressed. Sounds like that one is low mileage so it shouldn't have many issues. One problem they have is tearing the front suspension crossmember where the lower control arm bolts go through it. The upper shock mounts crack also,(where the shocks go through the crossmember), especially with "spirited" driving. Very cool that they have four wheel discs.

I used to have a ton of NOS sheet metal for them but I sold all of it when I started selling my Volvo stash. I still sell Volvo parts and have since 1999. If you need anything give a holler, if I don't have it, I'll know where to get it. Check out Scandcar, they have a LOT now for vintage Volvo's and it's great quality, (unlike scan tech parts).

ES's do have D jet and if you ever need wiring diagrams or repair info I've got all that. I also have parts fiche and a micro fiche reader if you ever need part numbers .
I wouldn't worry about firing it without having flushed the fuel system, we used to fire them up all the time after years of sitting. The overdrive is the same as those used in 240's so if you have OD issues don't worry. By drilling the mounting holes larger in 240 rear brake calipers you can install those if you ever need them. There are other parts that will swap in on those. The timing gear is fiber and they get sloppy and sound almost like a rod knock but with your low mileage you should be years from needing that sort of stuff. Upgrade the front and rear crank seals when you get a chance,they are felt and leak especially after having sat for a while.

[DBCooper]

I've always loved that car. If you don't buy it I'd be happy to step in, or trade for a 2006 S80?

Or if anyone else has a non-rusty non-runner in the garage, let me know.

[Andyrew]

Thats an awesome looking rear hatch!

[r_towle]

They made around 2500 ES wagons...
Not 7000

The interiors are the biggest issue, Lang with rust.

The rockers are sealed, so if its bubbling, it's rusting from the inside out.
Common issue and you know the right way to deal with it...cut it open, remove and replace that area.

Go for it.
People love seeing those cars on the road.

[carr914]

I guess the follow up is what would be a fair price for it? Neither he or I have a good feel for what the car is worth, I would prefer to do 5k or less.

-Ross

One of my All-Time Cars. That car looks pretty good, I've seen pristeen examples go for over $20k, I would say with a few items taken care of, it would be worth $7-9k

I grew up with Volvo's, 144, 240, Bertone & here is the only 1800 I've owned was the 12 Hours of Sebring car that the Owner would never send me the Title ( if you are still a Member here (IMG:style_emoticons/default/finger.gif) )

[914bub]

They made around 2500 ES wagons...
Not 7000

They made 8077 1800ES's, Look it up. Guess we were both wrong. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[JamesM]

Do it!

When I was putting together my first Megasquirt conversion I got a lot of info from a blog of someone converting a D-jet Volvo, sort of liked the look of the car and since then have kept my eye out for one.

Also there is this the fact that they may be the most durable car in the world

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20130716/CARNEWS01/130719868

[914bub]

They made around 2500 ES wagons...
Not 7000

They made 8077 1800ES's. Guess we were both off by a little.LOL (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)