Any thoughts on Volvo P1800s?

[PabloX]

My wife loves the looks of these cars and we've found one for sale in great shape at a reasonable price. I realize they aren't Porsches and won't perform like one, but that's not what we're after.

My concerns are ease of maintenance/repair and parts availability. I'm a decent mechanic and nothing on the car scares me, but maybe I'm missing something.

Also, any thoughts on where values of these cars are going? I'm not looking to buy it and flip it, but I'd also like to not lose money if we decide in the future that one classic car (a 911 of course) is enough.

Thanks.

[creaturecat]

just noticed this local one for sale.
is that a good price?
9500 cdn pesos?

[scottmandue]

I know nothing about them other than I also love the style... just the fact that they are still around says something about their reliability.

I could be wrong but I think some guy put a million miles on one?

Quick web search:

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/09/17/man-reaches-three-million-miles-in-1966-volvo/

[Rapewta]

I have always admired the wagon. Nice style.
If you find a decent one for a decent price... you shouldn't lose any of your
investment if you decide to sell later.

They are an old car, so if you plan on driving it, you will be wrenching some.
Part availability... I don't know but they quit making the 1800's eons ago.

Good luck finding a well taken care of ES.

[recycled sixtie]

I had one back in the 70's . It was a 60's model and I bought it in Ontario Canada. Very rust prone. Had it a couple of years and sold it at auction as it was rusty. Nice looking car if you can get it from a dry snow free, rain free part of the world like Arizona or California.
Otherwise I would forget it. Not a hot performer. Future collectible?! Who knows.

911? More fun and easier to turn around and sell.

Guy

[Nostril Cheese]

IIRC, the record for the most miles on a passenger car belongs to a P1800.

Parts are still available, but fuel injection stuff can be hard to find. There's a lot of resources here in Portland for these cars.

[JJ 911SC]

Pass on buying 2 of them (one for parts) for 5K in the early 80's.

I wish I could go back in time...

[PabloX]

Originally Posted by recycled sixtie

I had one back in the 70's . It was a 60's model and I bought it in Ontario Canada. Very rust prone. Had it a couple of years and sold it at auction as it was rusty. Nice looking car if you can get it from a dry snow free, rain free part of the world like Arizona or California.
Otherwise I would forget it. Not a hot performer. Future collectible?! Who knows.

911? More fun and easier to turn around and sell.

Guy

This particular one is in New Hampshire, but seems like it hasn't seen a winter in decades.

Yes, a 911 is easier to turn around and sell, but I already have one that I don't plan on ever selling. Also, at the prices they're now at, I don't think I can really afford another.

[Steve Carlton]

You can pretty much get whatever parts you need for any of them, 1970-1973 even easier. Values have been climbing on them. If you buy it right, you won't lose.

[craigster59]

Simon Templar drove one. 'Nuff said.

[Tervuren]

Originally Posted by recycled sixtie

I had one back in the 70's . It was a 60's model and I bought it in Ontario Canada. Very rust prone. Had it a couple of years and sold it at auction as it was rusty. Nice looking car if you can get it from a dry snow free, rain free part of the world like Arizona or California.
Otherwise I would forget it. Not a hot performer. Future collectible?! Who knows.

911? More fun and easier to turn around and sell.

Guy

What year was it? Was it an S? The pre S cars were made by Jenson in England, the S stands for Sweden, and had a higher quality of manufacture when done in house.

For me personally, I love the style, but I'm concerned at my size, I wouldn't fit. I'm not buying/traveling to look at one without being in one in person first.

[nota]

they rust

they rust every where esp in places you can't see

did I mention rust ?

I like them
I want one
every one I have seen was very very rusty
and I look at every one for sale near here
and they still want real money

I have had a 1800 amazon 145 245 turbo ect

[PabloX]

Originally Posted by Tervuren

What year was it? Was it an S? The pre S cars were made by Jenson in England, the S stands for Sweden, and had a higher quality of manufacture when done in house.

For me personally, I love the style, but I'm concerned at my size, I wouldn't fit. I'm not buying/traveling to look at one without being in one in person first.

It was a 1970 1800E. So made in Sweden.

I'm 6'1" with long legs and I was fairly comfortable in it. My one complaint was the driver's seat was good low (possibly due to the seat foam/springs being worn out, leather was good).

Originally Posted by nota

they rust

they rust every where esp in places you can't see

did I mention rust ?

I like them
I want one
every one I have seen was very very rusty
and I look at every one for sale near here
and they still want real money

I have had a 1800 amazon 145 245 turbo ect

I should have researched a bit more on specific places to look. However, the underside of the car looked quite good considering age. On the driver's side rocker panel, there was a bit of bubbling at a seam near the front of the door. Also, the current owner said he had the floors redone. The trunk was also in good shape.

Anywhere else I should be looking?

[Tervuren]

I have seen a lot of rusted examples, very few with minimal.

Be wary of anything re-sprayed in the last year without time for rust bubbles to evidence itself through the paint. I've seen a few of these listed, know its not going to end up well two years down the road for the new owner!

[recycled sixtie]

Originally Posted by Tervuren

What year was it? Was it an S? The pre S cars were made by Jenson in England, the S stands for Sweden, and had a higher quality of manufacture when done in house.

For me personally, I love the style, but I'm concerned at my size, I wouldn't fit. I'm not buying/traveling to look at one without being in one in person first.

On looking back mine was a P1800 only and was made in 1968. The bondo job on it fooled me when I bought it.

[Dueller]

I had a 73 es (wagon). Fun little car. Very reliable and simple to work on. Unfortunately mine was automatic so it was a bit slow. Only issue I had was front suspension bushings but they were readily available and cheap. Rocker rust is a problem. Sold it when I was spending most time onmy 911.

[Seahawk]

I have always liked the look but have never owned one.

This one is up for auction on BaT: Restored 1973 Volvo 1800ES 4-Speed | Bring a Trailer

[Joeaksa]

IPDUSA for parts...

Just about anything you need.

[chocolatelab]

Im in love with those and the bmw 2002's right now.

Kinda similar lines.

Oh and vw square and fastbacks

[Hugh R]

Volvo 242 drivetrain, IIRC. lots of engine parts.