The term “sport wagon” might sound like a contradiction, blending the sleekness of a sports car with the practicality of a station wagon. Historically, attempts to merge these concepts have often missed the mark. From rare Ferrari experiments to the Jaguar XJS Eventer, and various custom creations, the sport wagon has been a difficult formula to perfect. Yet, among these often-forgotten ventures, a surprising success story emerges from Sweden: the Volvo P1800 wagon, specifically the 1800ES.
Volvo’s P1800 coupe, with its elegant curves, enjoyed a 12-year production run with minimal alterations. This journey culminated in the striking 1800 ES wagon, manufactured from 1971 to 1973. This short-lived but impactful model arguably stands as the quintessential classic sport wagon.
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The 1800 ES, ultimately a casualty of 1974’s stringent federal bumper regulations, bore a resemblance to the British Reliant Scimitar, produced from 1968–75, though the Scimitar wagon is much less known in the US. The ES wagon’s defining feature was its sophisticated glass tailgate, which led to its evocative European nickname: “Snow White’s Coffin.” Despite its brief production, the 1800 ES achieved remarkable success for a sport wagon, with 8,078 units sold, solidifying its place as one of the most successful examples of its kind.
Volvo’s initial foray into sports cars was less auspicious. The P1900 roadster of 1955, a fiberglass-bodied experiment with somewhat ungainly styling, was plagued with issues. Described as alarmingly flexible by testers, with one report listing 29 necessary fixes, the P1900 was swiftly canceled by Volvo’s new CEO, Gunnar Engellau. After a mere 447-mile trip in the car, and only 68 sales, the P1900 project was shelved.
In contrast, the P1800, launched in 1961, was a design triumph. Its origins can be traced to Virgil Exner Jr.’s Chrysler concepts crafted by Ghia in the 1950s. Elements like the greenhouse echoed the Ghia Thomas Special and Volkswagen’s Karmann-Ghia coupe. However, even upon its release, the P1800 presented a somewhat dated aesthetic, featuring tail fins, a prominent side spear, and “cow horn” front bumpers, all hallmarks of earlier styling trends. The interior, while stylish, incorporated a generous amount of chrome and stylized gauges, characteristic of the era.
Production of the first 6,000 P1800s was outsourced to Jensen Motors in the UK. However, quality concerns, particularly regarding rust, prompted Volvo to relocate production to Sweden in 1964, coinciding with the introduction of the 1800S model. The P1800’s popularity received a significant boost when it became the chosen car of Roger Moore’s character, Simon Templar, in the hit British television series The Saint. Ironically, the show’s producers initially sought a Jaguar E-type, but a refusal from Sir William Lyons paved the way for Volvo.
Mechanically, the 1800 proved to be exceptionally robust. It featured a 1.8-liter B18 four-cylinder OHV engine, front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, independent front suspension, and a strong unibody construction. Performance was respectable for its time, comparable to the Porsche 356B, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of around 13 seconds. Its durability and relaxed cruising capabilities, enhanced by an optional overdrive unit, made it an ideal grand tourer. The testament to its longevity is perhaps best illustrated by Irv Gordon, a retired teacher from Long Island, New York, who in 2013 surpassed three million miles in his 1966 1800S, continuing his journey towards Alaska.
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Evolution to the 1800ES Wagon
By the late 1960s, the original 1800 design began to appear dated. However, Volvo implemented updates in 1969 to maintain its appeal. A larger 2.0-liter B20 engine, now with Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection, improved performance, reducing the 0-60 mph time to approximately 10 seconds. The interior was modernized with a wood-grain dash and updated gauges, more comfortable seats, and optional features like air conditioning and alloy wheels. The 1800ES wagon variant was introduced in late 1971, bringing with it enhanced practicality. The wagon offered near 50/50 weight balance, a functional rear seat, and significantly increased luggage capacity compared to the coupe. Total production across all 1800 variants reached 47,485 units, with the 1800ES wagon accounting for 8,078 of these. Importantly, later models, including the ES, exhibited improved rust resistance compared to the early Jensen-built cars.
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The Allure and Value of the 1800ES Today
The Volvo 1800ES wagon remains a visually striking vehicle. While an exceptional price of $92,400 was once paid for a red 1973 ES at a Bonhams auction in 2014, more typically, even top-condition examples are relatively accessible, averaging around $42,500. A “good” condition (#3) car averages closer to $15,900 according to valuation guides. Color significantly impacts value, with bolder colors like yellow, red, orange, and dark green being more desirable than white, light green, baby blue, or turquoise. Metallic finishes like gold, silver blue, and bronze were also offered, though these could be prone to fading. The rarity of an original metallic-painted car makes them particularly sought after.
Four-speed manual transmissions are generally preferred by enthusiasts, although the overdrive unit should be inspected for wear. Automatic transmissions are less popular, but cars equipped with them may have been owned by more mature drivers and could potentially have lower mileage. A manual transmission conversion is also a viable option for those seeking a more engaging driving experience. Due to its unibody construction, rust is a significant concern and requires careful inspection. Key areas to examine include sills, fender edges around headlights and grille, windshield and rear window frames, and taillights. Chassis outriggers and jacking points also warrant close attention. The Bosch fuel injection system, while complex, is generally reliable.
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Mechanical parts availability is good, with many components available as New Old Stock (NOS) or reproductions. However, certain body panels specific to the 1800ES wagon can be harder to find. Perhaps the most compelling aspect of owning a Volvo 1800ES, beyond its attractive design, is the strong Volvo community and owner loyalty. These cars have cultivated a dedicated following. The reason prices haven’t dramatically increased may be simply that owners are reluctant to part with them. As one might imagine a devoted owner stating, “Why would I sell it? It’s my car!”
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