P1800ES

[James Sweet]

Group,
I just found a 73 pretty cheap. It's marginal but solid. Do these cars have any collectible value? I really like the looks. I'm getting it for a "beater/rain car" to fix up and use. I've done a few engine swap projects in the past, but don't want to "lump" a collector car. I looked around the net. Didn't find much fervor collector wise. I see
*40/*50 turbo
motors all over for cheap to stay Volvo. I have access to a Honda S2000 motor/trans that looks like it might fit (237hp). Would using this car as a hotrod platform be a total travesty? Opinions Please. The car has 110,000 miles, a bit of rust but easily fixable, original paint so nothing is hidden. Interior OK except the front seats.
Automatic :>P. It's basically just an old car now, thanks Adythemic

Yes, these are highly desirable collectible cars among Volvo aficionados. The prices are not up there with some of the other European cars but a nicely restored example will fetch a fair amount. If you do a really top notch hot rodding job it could be a cool car, I'm into the stock look myself though.

 

[Mr. V]

Group,
I just found a 73 pretty cheap. It's marginal but solid. Do these cars have any collectible value?

The cars are valued higher than other Volvos of similar years, but I wouldn't approach this car with an idea of fixing it up and making money.

Sounds like it needs a lot of work and time to sort it out, and there are better cars out there to fix up and flog on the market, IF your desire is to make money.

BUT, if you like the car and plan to keep it as a driver, go for it.

Hot rodding it would be OK, as people have been putting small block V-8s in 240s forever.

Here's a link you might find useful...

http://www.ipdusa.com/classifieds.asp?CLC_ID=12

 

[Roadie]

Group,
I just found a 73 pretty cheap. It's marginal but solid. Do these cars have any collectible value?

In factory spec condition yes.

I really like the looks. I'm getting it for a "beater/rain car" to fix up and use. I've done a few engine swap projects in the past, but don't want to "lump" a collector car. I looked around the net. Didn't find much fervor collector wise. I see
*40/*50 turbo
motors all over for cheap to stay Volvo. I have access to a Honda S2000 motor/trans that looks like it might fit (237hp). Would using this car as a hotrod platform be a total travesty?

It would not be a travesty, and could result in a fun and useful car. But it would have value only as a parts car for Volvo collectors.

Opinions Please. The car has 110,000 miles, a
bit of rust
but easily fixable, original paint so nothing is hidden. Interior OK except the front seats.
Automatic :>P. It's basically just an old car now, thanks Adythemic

Whether to do it or not reallly depends on your reasons for getting into this. If you are looking to build a sleeper hot rod that you can have some fun with then go ahead.

The resulting car will have value only to those with an interest in Volvo P1800ES cars with high performing Honda motors. Even in pristine rebuilt condition I don't see a car like that appearing on Barrett-Jackson.

 

[Adysthemic]

Group,
I just found a 73 pretty cheap. It's marginal but solid. Do these cars have any collectible value? I really like the looks. I'm getting it for a "beater/rain car" to fix up and use. I've done a few engine swap projects in the past, but don't want to "lump" a collector car. I looked around the net. Didn't find much fervor collector wise. I see
*40/*50 turbo
motors all over for cheap to stay Volvo. I have access to a Honda S2000 motor/trans that looks like it might fit (237hp). Would using this car as a hotrod platform be a total travesty? Opinions Please. The car has 110,000 miles, a bit of rust but easily fixable, original paint so nothing is hidden. Interior OK except the front seats.
Automatic :>P. It's basically just an old car now, thanks Adythemic

 

[Ron (archive)]

You've got a very narrow, shallow engine bay on a full unibody...even the front fenders and inner fenders are structural. It's a challenge to get anything to fit in there, though it can be done, even a Ford
302. You can get a very streetable Volvo B20 ( the original engine) up to about 160 BHP (normally aspirated) fairly cheap compared to the cost of fitting anything else, even a B21. There are a few supercharged B20's out there too, up over 200 HP. Doesn't sound like that much, but given the weight of an 1800 ( even the ES), it's an inspiring power to weight ratio, with a really nice front to rear distribution of weight.

But all said, it's your car and your choice.

Check out http://vclassics.com/mppe1.html for some ideas of a normally aspirated B20, and http://1800philes.com about a very sweet supercharged, Megasquirted B20. Finally check out http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/1800list/ ( you'll have to join) to hang out with the Volvo 1800 bunch. It's a really great group, with lots of good info, not too much bad blood, and little spam. These engine swaps have been discussed many times over, so there's lots of good info to make your decision with.

Ron

Group,
I just found a 73 pretty cheap. It's marginal but solid. Do these cars have any collectible value? I really like the looks. I'm getting it for a "beater/rain car" to fix up and use. I've done a few engine swap projects in the past, but don't want to "lump" a collector car. I looked around the net. Didn't find much fervor collector wise. I see
*40/*50 turbo
motors all over for cheap to stay Volvo. I have access to a Honda S2000 motor/trans that looks like it might fit (237hp). Would using this car as a hotrod platform be a total travesty? Opinions Please. The car has 110,000 miles, a bit of rust but easily fixable, original paint so nothing is hidden. Interior OK except the front seats.
Automatic :>P. It's basically just an old car now, thanks Adythemic

Ron/Champ 6

1963 8E5 Champ (Champ 6)
1995 VW Passat (Vanilla..yuk)
1994 Volvo 850 (Tilley)
1968 Volvo 122 wagon (Buster)
1970 Volvo 142 (Musturd)

 

[mjc13]

Group,
I just found a 73 pretty cheap. It's marginal but solid. Do these cars have any collectible value? I really like the looks. I'm getting it for a "beater/rain car" to fix up and use. I've done a few engine swap projects in the past, but don't want to "lump" a collector car. I looked around the net. Didn't find much fervor collector wise. I see
*40/*50 turbo
motors all over for cheap to stay Volvo. I have access to a Honda S2000 motor/trans that looks like it might fit (237hp). Would using this car as a hotrod platform be a total travesty? Opinions Please. The car has 110,000 miles, a bit of rust but easily fixable, original paint so nothing is hidden. Interior OK except the front seats.
Automatic :>P. It's basically just an old car now, thanks Adythemic

I generally agree with the other replies. The S2000 motor might not be such a great idea, though: IIRC this engine has to really scream to make a lot of power, and in a heavier car like the ES it might actually seem slower than the B20E motor in normal driving. I say get the most power from the Volvo engine.