1972 Volvo 1800ES Sportswagon with 4-Speed and Overdrive * California Car *

A 1972 Volvo 1800ES Sportwagon. now for auction on eBay!

Diamond in the Rough: 1972 Volvo 1800ES Sportswagon!

Volvo's 1800ES achieved international cult car status a long time ago. Built for just two short years. 1972-'73. only 8. 78 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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This sports-car-plus-wagon was anything but cheap when new. 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 1972 Volvo 1800ES presented here. VIN *1836354000814*. is one of those few. It has a clear California title and. as far as we have been able to establish. has been a California resident all of its life.

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The car comes with an original Owner's Manual in superb condition and a folder containing 38 service receipts. chronologically ordered inside clear sheet protectors. The documents show that the car enjoyed single California ownership for the last three decades. residing in beautiful Arroyo Grande. It has been serviced by various area specialists. mostly in Grover Beach and San Luis Obispo.
Let's now check this sporty sportswagon out in more detail. starting where few men dare to look: deep down under.

The Swede's belly appears to be sound and rust free. Of course. living in dry and sunny California helps a lot!

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Above photos show the undercarriage in great detail. Make sure you enlarge 'em to their full size to see how rust free this car's undercarriage really is.

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Far from being a concours winner. this Volvo shows with pride that it was used as intended. It's a solid car; there's some sub-standard bodywork to the right rear quarter panel and a multitude of superfical scars and paint imperfections to its British Racing Green paint. Few cars manage to look cool with impressive patina. like Lieutenant Columbo's '59 Peugeot 403. and this old Volvo is one of them. Side trim pieces not shown are included.
Pressed steel wheels are factory issue and have been dipped in fairly new 195/65-15 rubber on all four corners.

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A descendant of the three-million-mile B18 motor found in the Guinness Book of Records. this fuel-injected B20 is bullet-proof and virtually indestructible. It runs okay but will surely benefit from a tune up. exhaust work and some love. It doesn't need diapers and it's a non-smoker. Better yet. it's coupled to the fantastic M41 overdrive transmission which allows relaxed crusing even beyond the legal speed limit.

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Dashboard exudes the upbeat spirit of the Sixties. and even the factory original steering wheel is still in place. Yep. the dash top has cracks. but we felt that the dash cover goes well with the overall look of the car. If you disagree. a brand new hard cover can be purchased for $125 from Dashtop. com.

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Multiple. black-on-white SMITHS gauges look right at home in an Aston Martin or Jaguar. Like those. the 1800ES is a gentleman's ride.

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Front bucket seats still sport their original tan covers. Sure. there's some patina and a worn spot on the outer bolster of the driver's seat. but nothing to lose sleep over.

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Near flawless rear seat; seatback folds forward for added cargo capacity. Note rear safety belts.

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The reason why the sportswagen was lovingly named "Snow White's Coffin" in Europe: a wide glass hatch allows insight to the luggage compartment and helps with parallel parking. Check out most new cars. and realize that parking them takes a leap of faith. Why do car manufacturers always have to change a good thing?

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Ready for a surfboard or a few cases of Aquavit: the ample sized luggage area.

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Below a carpeted lid. in a separate compartment. rest the factory spare. accompanied by the factory jack.

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If you've been lusting for one of these cool Volvo sportswagons. yet somehow never could justify spending close to $20K for one. here's your opportunity to get a running and driving specimen for a fraction of that amount and have the pleasure of refurbishing a very rare car. step by step. as time and finances allow.

TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction. you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions. please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended. the sale is final. Please. only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available!
We require a $500 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days. unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title. It is smog exempt and sold "as is. where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies.

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