Volvo has a well-deserved reputation for building sensible family vehicles with an eye toward safety. But the Swedish carmaker has also dabbled in sportier models. The P1800 coupe and its 1800 ES hatchback sibling of the 1960s and ’70s are good examples.
This wild example, creatively modified for duties as a hearse, was recently listed on eBay.
It might not offer the performance or shapely lines of a Jaguar E-Type - opens in new window or tab. from the same era. However, the Volvo 1800 variants were the more reliable choice. In fact, one middle school teacher with a fondness for long drives famously put more than three million miles on a P1800 over the course of 47 years. That owner, Irv Gordon, loved to drive, and thought nothing of traveling from his New York city home to Montreal for lunch.
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Humor and Rarity
The 1800 ES hatchback appeared for only two years at the end of the 1800 series run. The variant is rarely seen today. And you’ll probably never see another one modified into a hearse.
Custom side panels complete with Landau irons were installed in place of the original rear side windows. The same treatment was applied to a Jaguar E-Type coupe for the 1971 black comedy Harold and Maude - opens in new window or tab..
Beyond the bodywork and somber black paint, this 1800 ES is largely stock. The correct 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, rated at 125 horsepower when new, sits under the hood. Originally marketed as a touring car rather than a sports machine, this 1800 ES is equipped with an automatic transmission for easy cruising.
For the Long Haul
The seller is upfront about the car’s needs. There’s a bit of rust, some of which was repaired. The radio is not functional, and some of the instruments need repair. But addressing most of these needs is within the abilities of a buyer with some mechanical ability, and parts are readily available on eBay.
Better still, those needs are reflected in the reasonable $8,700 Buy-It-Now price - opens in new window or tab., which is well below the typical asking price of these rare mini-wagons.
While its black exterior is a respray, the original yellow paint is visible in the engine compartment and other areas. That would make it somewhat easier to restore this 1800 ES to its original condition. The custom side panels also appear to be installed without overly modifying the structure, meaning that those too could be refitted with original windows without too much difficulty. But removing the hearse features might make this Volvo less of a conversation starter.
Either way, this rare Volvo’s reasonable price leaves spare change for necessary repairs without ending up underwater. And maybe the next owner will drive it for another million miles.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.