A 40 Year Old Volvo 1800ES With Only 90 Miles On The Odometer

"DailyTurismo" (thedailyturismo) 01/13/2014 at 12:30 • Filed to: Daily Turismo

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The 1800ES (internally at Volvo as the "Beach Car") was only sold in 1972 & '73 model years as a way to extend the life of the long-in-the-tooth 1800/P1800 coupe. This shooting brake classic is offered with 90 miles on the odometer with a hefty $74k price tag.

The funky looks can be polarizing - the Germans call this model !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , which translates literally to "Snow White's coffin." I can't help of think of !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! from Ice Age whenever we see the front end, but at least it's a friendly face! Volvo management envisioned well-tanned and well-moneyed stylish California beachites loading up their boards and cruising the coast when they designed the "shooting brake" style 2-door mini wagon. Find this !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! with 90 miles on the odometer for sale in Syosset, NY for $73,999 buy-it-now on ebay.

This one looks like it's been sitting in a climate controlled glass lidded coffin waiting for prince charming to awaken it from 40 years of slumber. It is nice enough to qualify for a museum piece and it is almost too nice to drive around. The suspension design, engine, and transmission all trace their roots back to Volvo's agricultural yet curvy mainstream sedan, the Amazon (aka 122). But it does have sporting pretenses. You sit low in an 1800, and feel like you're almost on the ground. Looking out over the classic twin-gauge instrument pods towards the front pontoon fenders, with manual steering and a rorty exhaust note from the pushrod four, you can almost convince yourself that you're the main character in a British secret agent action film. Or maybe his sidekick.

The seats and dash in the 1800ES evolved from the original early '60s designs, but have a distinct '70s flair about them. The addition of headrests make the seats a bit safer and they have a bit of bolstering unlike the early flat sofas. Woodgrain applique on the dash panels doesn't quite mesh with the jet-age shape of the original design, but you get plenty of gauges to monitor, and a plethora of toggle switches to fiddle with. The 1800ES even has a center console, but it's not big enough for both your iPhone and your Venti half-caff mocha latte - you'll have to choose one.

Wait, what am I saying here - scratch that last comment. The 1800ES is such a man's car that the driver should naturally just be eating raw coffee grounds on his morning commute. There's plenty of room for a baggie of fresh Arabica beans. This car is so masculine there's even a 70's-style love den in the back, complete with plush blue velour carpeting and mood lighting. You provide the Burt Bacharach tape and the lucky lady, this Volvo provides the memories.

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.

The cargo area in the back of the ES gives the impression of being larger than it actually is, but a bike or two will fit if you are into that sort of thing...but do you really want a greasy bike chain ruining the inside of this untouched virgin?

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.

What do you think - would you feel like Thor if you put the hammer down in this quirky Swede? Or should it be left in a museum in Valhalla?

Originally posted by CFlo on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

Image credits; ebay.com

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Hoccy > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 12:36

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NP. A museum somewhere needs this car.

Ratchet when he's all hopped up on synthetic energon > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 12:41

3

I always find low-mileage cars to be a travesty. I mean, do what you will with your own money/cars, but I don't see the point in owning a car that's not driven.

ScreenShot > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 12:41

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'funky' ...'ground sloth'...

You should be writing for 1st graders, not autophiles. Show some respect how 'bout it, thanks.

carcrasher88 > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 12:42

7

This thing has my heart racing right now.

It's been a long time since my want for a vehicle has been this strong.

I really hope this ends up in a nice museum somewhere, getting the occasional drive out to a car show every now and then.

DailyTurismo > ScreenShot 01/13/2014 at 12:44

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How do you know 1st graders don't read this?

Imirrelephant > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 12:48

1

Way more money than I'd pay for it, but a sweet ride none the less. It's cool to see how these old cars really were straight out of the factory. Most people my age will never see a car this comparatively simple in it's factory fresh state. As much as this car would be a great museum piece, I'd rather see a Volvo enthusiast snag it and drive the hell out it!

ninjagin > Ratchet when he's all hopped up on synthetic energon 01/13/2014 at 12:48

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Agree completely.

In my Buick club chapter, there are guys that only take their cars out for shows, and some that go out only on a trailer. It's depressing.

DailyTurismo > carcrasher88 01/13/2014 at 12:48

3

Unfortunately, I don't think this will get driven anywhere, it'll likely sit in a museum and maybe get trailer'd to car shows. Perhaps someone should start a kickstarter campaign to buy this for Irv Gordon and put his old car in a Museum instead?

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parksachusetts > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 12:49

5

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

If You Buy In The Next 10 Minutes, We'll Throw In 5.4 Gallons Of Vintage Leaded Gasoline!

Hurry! This Stuff Is Unstable!

myfakeevo > Ratchet when he's all hopped up on synthetic energon 01/13/2014 at 12:50

0

Some people race cars, stance them, lower, raise. I also keep very very low miles on cars and what i tell people is that its a very very expensive baseball mit that you keep on display. You dont play with it, but you really enjoy keeping it clean and looking at it.

ScreenShot > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 12:51

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I know they don't drive and they don't buy cars.

Lars Vargas was hoping 2020 would be quieter > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 12:51

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http://jalopnik.com/this-man-just-…

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I know it's a slightly different model, but maybe this guy should buy it. That way his P1800's woudl average 1.5 million miles and he wouldn't have to feel guilty about driving the low-miler since, you know, averages.

carcrasher88 > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 12:52

0

I like that idea a lot.

Would be great to see a multi-million mile P1800ES along side the regular P1800.

gfysmcfgs > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 12:54

1

Huh, real men only do straight Robusta roasted to 11.

User1312 > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 12:58

0

Poor little guy. Locked away in a garage while all his rubber bits rot away. What a horrible life..

Ad_absurdum_per_aspera > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:02

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A car worthy of a collection, but perhaps only that, unless you want to spend a lot of time going over, well, everything (with your heart in your throat the whole time for fear of making a mistake or even a repair that somehow diminished the originality and value).

Its average annual trip of 2.25 miles wouldn't even be enough to warm up the engine and chase the condensation out of the exhaust, and if the odometer reading came from a few longer trips interspersed with inert years or even decades — well, unless its obviously cherished and indoor existence included knowledgeable "mothballing," that just isn't running enough to keep a machine running properly.

I could be wrong, but I'd bet that as it sits, it is a rare and beautiful sculpture more than a vehicle.

bobrayner > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:02

0

Are you sure it hasn't just rolled around? This car has actually done 1000090 miles. We know that the P1800 can handle epic mileage whilst still looking fresh and new.

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gideonford > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:03

2

40yo Volvo ... Brand new Z06 ... 40yo Volvo ... Brand new Z06 ...

I love my Volvos but hot damn I think I'm swinging towards the Z06 for some reason ...

CelrDwelr > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:03

4

Hey! It's my car!

CelrDwelr > Hoccy 01/13/2014 at 13:04

1

I've always had a soft spot for the 1800. I'd by it in a snap if I were made of money.

solracer > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:09

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Naw, Irv's car should be driven forever since the car is obviously up for it.

AdmiralAkbar > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:11

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So I could buy this or the new Camaro Z/28 for (currently) the same money. Wow, that's an easy decision. Sexy orange shooting brake 4 seater it is.

DailyTurismo > gfysmcfgs 01/13/2014 at 13:12

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I know I've had enough coffee when Juan Valdez shows up at my window. He tells me that he is here with the donkey for an intervention.

BigBlockBear > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:12

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That brings back fond memories of my old 1800ES. The eBay car is far too nice to drive regularly, but it would be hard to just let it sit. They're too much fun to drive. A pic of my old car:

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gmctavish needs more space > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:14

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Good lord this is amazing. Not my favourite colour for the 1800, but my favourite everything else pretty much.

DailyTurismo > BigBlockBear 01/13/2014 at 13:15

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Love the minilites! Everything looks better on minilites. You could shoe a clydesdale with minilites and I'd want to hoon it...

Improbable > Ad_absurdum_per_aspera 01/13/2014 at 13:16

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Looking at some of the rubber and such, I'm pretty sure it was brought directly to the present by a time traveler. It may look 40 years old, but it just left the dealership a few days ago. So there's nothing to worry about.

landsoul > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:17

1

This classic Volvo.

Volvo 1800ES.

... a must-have for any Volvo fan.
Also in orange color.
Now, if you're not a die-hard fan...
Don't bid on 'em.
...If you don't bleed orange...
Don't bid on them.
If you're too good to drive another man's car.
Don't bid on 'em.
Let's go Volvo!
Allow 4 to 6 days for shipping.

AdmiralAkbar > parksachusetts 01/13/2014 at 13:20

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You don't NEED leaded gas, but you really should find gas with zero ethanol in it. The old seals hate that stuff.

The Voice of Harold Montgomery > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:25

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CP. You can't do anything with the miles that weren't driven.

Here's the problem with ultra-low mileage 40+ (or even 20+) year old cars — you can't drive them. You can spend $80k on this 90 mile Volvo, or that sub-50 mile Buick GNX that pops up from time to time; but then what?

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You've made an investment, not bought a car. You can't daily drive this or you lose all your value; just like you can't take that GNX to a track day. The only thing you can do, unless you're Jay Leno; is buy it, hold it for a few years; and hope the ultra-low mileage classic car market doesn't go the way of Beanie Babies and tulip bulbs.

Now, if the price were around 25-30k; the value of a period correct restoration, that would be a nice price.

AthomSfere > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:28

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CP.

Nice enough car... But 70's production Volvo for $74k in CP all the way!

JimSlade > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:28

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NP...because you know it will run 1...2...3 million miles.

historian1946 > carcrasher88 01/13/2014 at 13:33

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I fell in love with this vehicle in 1973 when I saw one in green with glove leather interior. It was beautiful and I have always missed not buying one. Recently I saw the Volvo C30 and it seemed to be a successor to the 1800ES. Unfortunately we had no Volvo dealer in our county so I had to pass on getting one.

Poundingsand > ScreenShot 01/13/2014 at 13:35

3

I read Playboy, but I don't fuck playmates...

JayHova > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:35

1

Thanks, I'll take a nice one with 500 times the mileage for a fifth of the price and drive it until I'm eligible for a membership at Volvo owners club (300k kilometres).

whereibelong > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:39

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If I had 75K to spend on a car right now, I would snatch this up so fast. The 1800ES has been a recent favorite of mine, and this thing is just pristine. Sid-ness aside, it is on my list of most beautiful car designs. Unbelievable amounts of want right now.

thirteenthfloorelevator > ScreenShot 01/13/2014 at 13:42

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Wait, what? Does that mean I wasn't allowed to read car mags when I was a kid? Fuck. What do I do now? Is there somewhere to report to, or what?

wbizarre - OEM fetishist > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:42

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If anyone's jealous of Irv Gordon with his 3 million-mile 1800, this is your chance to do it from square one! And with more luggage room!

thirteenthfloorelevator > AdmiralAkbar 01/13/2014 at 13:43

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Well, quite.

Nitzer Ebblestone > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:44

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if it's totally legit, $75K is a steal!

FlyingV > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:49

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Nice car but not 74k worth.

WagonDan > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:52

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CP. That car is a sculpture of a volvo now, and not a functional car. It wouldn't run for more than a few minutes before something blew out, and probably wouldn't even roll very long without massive amounts of work.

avboden > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:54

1

I'm currently dropping an 475HP LS6 with total replacement crossmember/suspension(modern coil-over, totally adjustable)/brakes/rear into a '73 1800ES. Shooting to finish at around 25000pounds. I think she'll move okay :D

But my god do I want this pristine car....

Sktroop > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 13:57

1

I fell in love with the P1800 when I drove a friend's many years ago. Been saying for years that an updated version (ala Mini, Fiat 500) might be something Volvo needs in its product line to bring bodies into dealerships. They could use the Miata platform under license from Mazda to keep R&D costs down.

DailyTurismo > avboden 01/13/2014 at 13:57

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Wow. Impressive. Need pics! What are you using for steering?

DailyTurismo > avboden 01/13/2014 at 13:59

2

Did you see the FC20 swapped 1800ES that was for sale a few months back?

Hello I'm Justin > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 14:02

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Hmmm 74k at a chance to ruin the insides of a virgin? Sounds like a steal compared to this http://gawker.com/girl-who-sold-…

Texican > Ad_absurdum_per_aspera 01/13/2014 at 14:07

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It hasn't been driven enough to be a working car anymore. Putting it on the road would take replacing all the rubber and seals. Not something you would even take on unless you knew what you were doing. These cars are pretty straightforward to service besides.

DMCVegas > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 14:09

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"... it is almost too nice to drive around. "

NONSENSE! No car is ever too nice NOT to drive!

ScreenShot > thirteenthfloorelevator 01/13/2014 at 14:16

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' car ' mags... sure, lets call them that :)

Lars Vargas was hoping 2020 would be quieter > gmctavish needs more space 01/13/2014 at 14:26

2

You could always repaint it.

thirteenthfloorelevator > ScreenShot 01/13/2014 at 14:36

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I read them for the ARTICLES, mom, jeez...

SkarTisu > ScreenShot 01/13/2014 at 14:42

0

Trust fund 1st graders might buy cars.

#noh8

FriscoFairlane > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 14:48

2

"It's almost to nice to drive around." Driving it around for a while should take care of that.

dave.iuliano > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 15:40

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It's an oddball car, made for just two years, but I adore mine. Yes, it was far past it's sell-by date when it was made, nobody knows what the hell it is, and it's popular for engine swaps, or at least carb swaps. But I've left mine (mostly) stock - there's nothing like the click of those huge injectors, and the noise of the classic Volvo pushrod four as I leave a light. And it gets more reactions from folks on the street than anything else I've driven, whether they know what it is or not. Great cars.

dave.iuliano > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 15:45

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Also very good in the snow.

Mikeado > ScreenShot 01/13/2014 at 15:53

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You should lighten up a bit...

avboden > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 15:58

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Totally integrated into the replacement front crossmember system. It's all almost done with development and should be entering production soon. The guy who's developing them is currently testing the last bit on a 550HP 1967 Amazon . The whole system bolts on (minus firewall modification but that all comes in a kit too). Designed to take most chevy V8s :D

avboden > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 16:04

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Oh and here are some pictures of the car post body/paint but pre-suspension. It's a BMW grey with a classic black racing stripe that follows the entire car

BigBlockBear > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 16:10

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Thanks! I agree about Minilites. They look good on just about anything. Mine was the only 1800ES I've ever seen with them. They were a lot more sporty looking than the factory steelies. Man I miss that car...

jizhole > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 16:24

2

And here I thought my '73 P1800ES with 97k miles had low miles. My asking price is a bargain too at $7k.

DailyTurismo > avboden 01/13/2014 at 16:30

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Nice - who is doing this fab work? hit me up with any details at tips@dailyturismo.com I'd love to cover the release of the kit thoroughly approve of this sort of madness.

DailyTurismo > jizhole 01/13/2014 at 16:33

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Got link?

jizhole > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 16:35

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No but I can whip one up. Fresh pro repaint, no rust, automatic transmission.

DailyTurismo > BigBlockBear 01/13/2014 at 16:36

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Minilites are the only wheel that looks just as good on a 69 Mustang Boss 302, 87 911, 73 Volvo 1800ES, and 2013 MX-5. They might look weird on a Ford Raptor...but that is just about it.

avboden > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 16:37

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Will do, I'll send you an email now.

The Biebster's got a P71 (Formerly not Justin Bieber) > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 16:52

0

I want to buy it and put three million miles on it.

BiggsHoson > avboden 01/13/2014 at 16:57

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Very slick - doing anything for the rear suspension? I'm guessing a new axle and getting rid of the drums, much modification needed there?

I'm just about done with a restore of an older coupe. Probably going to keep the B18 (and have a newer car for going fast), but I do love reading about projects like this

avboden > BiggsHoson 01/13/2014 at 17:00

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'73 1800ES had discs in the rear stock. But yeah the whole original stock rear is gone, replaced with a similar bolt on kit to the front, coil overs, diff, brakes etc.

BiggsHoson > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 17:00

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Irv's car is worth an awful lot to him, I don't think many organizations could afford to get it away from him.

BiggsHoson > jizhole 01/13/2014 at 17:01

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...automatic transmission

*single tear*

Dunnik > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 17:04

2

Where the hell has this car been for the last 40 years?

Perhaps time travel is, in fact, possible?!?

avboden > BiggsHoson 01/13/2014 at 17:06

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If I were Irv i'd tell them it's for sale for a dollar a mile

DailyTurismo > Dunnik 01/13/2014 at 17:25

4

Of all the places/times in the world to travel; Ancient times to meet Plato or Aristotle, 29AD to meet Jesus of Nazareth, 107AD to watch gladiators at the Roman Colosseum, 16th Century to meet Leonardo Da Vinci, late 18th century to meet some young Coriscan named Bonaparte, early 20th Century to warn the Arch Duke Ferdinand of Austria and try to avert the largest loss of human life in history...nope.

Lets go to Sweden in 1973 and bring an 1800ES back into 2014 with us!

Paul Jones > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 17:27

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Low miles does not account for a price roughly 4 times a very nicely restored one.

jizhole > BiggsHoson 01/13/2014 at 17:27

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I know. Mom bought it back in 1980 and some people can't handle Seattle hills...

Dunnik > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 17:27

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Yea, screw solving history's greatest mysteries or meeting famous historical figures or shooting Hilter in 1919 - import cars through the space time continuum!

Orange Exige > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 17:28

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Woah. Cool eBay widget.

Also, such a nice car :)

ranwhenparked > Dunnik 01/13/2014 at 17:30

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I'd do that, plus stop off at a few ice cream stores. And kill Hitler, or film him in the middle of a gay orgy and leak the photos to the press, either way I'd deal with him.

ranwhenparked > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 17:31

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That's a shame. The 1800, especially in ES form, is one of my all-time favorite cars. Parking one for 40 years just seems like such a waste, especially when it could have been driven and enjoyed and still maintained in good shape if the owner cared to do so.

Dunnik > ranwhenparked 01/13/2014 at 17:35

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Well, while visiting 1920's and 30's Germany to pick up cars, you probably could take a few minutes to go shoot Hitler, yes.

ScreenShot > Mikeado 01/13/2014 at 17:39

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Just a Monday dose of gawker-brand controversy :)

DailyTurismo > ranwhenparked 01/13/2014 at 18:01

0

Just bring a tape of Max Mosley and drop that off in 1936.

DailyTurismo > Orange Exige 01/13/2014 at 18:04

1

Hey thanks, I'm a big fan of widgets!

bassguy > avboden 01/13/2014 at 18:48

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SwedishOps/SkunkWorks?

That guy has taken peoples' money and run. Many suspect it's to finish that Amazon you mentioned.

http://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php…

avboden > bassguy 01/13/2014 at 18:49

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I'm aware of the issues. I'm staying out of all of that for now. So far no issues on my end.

Jodito > jizhole 01/13/2014 at 19:11

0

I might be interested in buying that car...

GrauGeist > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 19:44

0

$74k and no climate control upgrade kit!

Crack Pipe!

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > DailyTurismo 01/13/2014 at 21:34

0

The problem with this car is I would be too afraid to do anything with it.

62imperialcrown > Dunnik 01/13/2014 at 23:52

0

Nothing that exciting. Quoting the ad:

"THIS 1800ES WAS PURCHASED FROM ITS ORIGINAL OWNER, A LONG TIME KANSAS CITY VOLVO DEALER. THIS WAS PART OF HIS PRIVATE COLLECTION. IT HAS BEEN BORROWED AND DISPLAYED BY VOLVO FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES."

Just a dealer who saved it, and then somebody who's hoping to flip it for a quick profit. Guess it wasn't interesting enough for Barrett-Jackson.

BiggsHoson > avboden 01/14/2014 at 00:31

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Funny - that's exactly what he said!

BiggsHoson > avboden 01/14/2014 at 00:32

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Oh yeah, what was I thinking... Well keep us in the loop, this is a neat sounding project!

Classic_k > avboden 01/14/2014 at 03:29

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25000 lbs? Son, is that a semi or a shooting brake?

Trollololololah!

Mr Joshua > DailyTurismo 01/14/2014 at 05:55

1

I want one of these real real bad. The P1800 and it's derivatives is one of the most beautiful cars ever made by Volvo.

avboden > Classic_k 01/14/2014 at 07:33

0

hah, whoopsies. Clearly I meant 2,500pounds haha. Bone stock an 1800ES only weighs in at 2600. It'll be somewhere around there all said and done, either way under 2700 with 475HP and a tremec 5, this thing'll move!

Jugstopper > DailyTurismo 01/14/2014 at 10:03

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All-glass tailgate.

DailyTurismo > Mr Joshua 01/14/2014 at 10:45

1

I am promoting this because of the Lethal Weapon/Gary Busey name & avatar.

jizhole > Jodito 01/14/2014 at 12:46

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Come check it out.

Jodito > jizhole 01/14/2014 at 20:50

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I'm in Quebec haha. But you can still send me pictures at: philippef20@gmail.com

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > DailyTurismo 01/14/2014 at 22:44

2