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 Glass 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-cum-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. Forty years later, the few survivors are coveted collectors' items.
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The World's first all-glass hatch! Lamborghini's Espada and AMC's Gremlin experimented with similar applications. Volvo's treatment, vestigial tail fins and all, is the most harmonious looking execution of the theme, by a wide margin.
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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 show condition, is almost like winning the lottery. The 1973 Volvo presented here is such a rare gem.
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Sold new in California, VIN *1836354003121* was owned for many years by the former president of the Los Angeles P1800 Club. It was always well cared for and driven sparingly, logging a total of 90,737 actual miles in 41 years, just 2,250 miles annually, on average.
Let's have a closer look!
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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. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view |
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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 a sheltered life in Southern California. 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.
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Best of all, the ES still sports its factory-applied, original paint in the rare and very desirable orange color (code 113). We're rightfully proud of this fact, since it's almost unheard of to find a 41 year-old car still sporting its original paint. Finish presents itself supremely smooth and glossy. A couple small spots have worn thin from polishing, and there has been a minor paint repair on the car's roof, but that's nothing to lose sleep over. Try to find another original 1800ES featuring its original paint!
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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. Sure, there's some patina and outright wear on the driver's seat, but we wouldn't change a thing!
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 trunk area first.
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More good news await in ye olde luggeren (swedish for: trunk compartment).
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Lift the well-preserved trunk mat and the spare tire magically appears. Again: no corrosion anywhere, a small miracle!
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Trunk area details: wood panels hide small storage compartments to both sides of the spare. They're as dry and clean as can be. Original jacking equipment, tools, and strap to hold down the -- wonderfully preserved -- spare tire are all present.
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Thursday, January 16, turned out to be another 85-degree "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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Few of those Scandinavian Sports Wagons were built. Ever fewer survived. Only a handful factory paint, non-rusty Estates are in existence today.
If you have longed to acquire a mintish example, finished in a rare and very exciting color, ready to be enjoyed immediately, this is your golden opportunity.
Addendum:
We sold this fabulous Volvo early 2014.
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