10k: Chopped Up: 1973 Volvo 1800ES
This author had the opportunity to drive a ’66 Volvo 1800S earlier this week and can say that the experience was thoroughly enjoyable and invigorating. It may only have a third the horsepower of the modern hot rods that litter the automotive landscape, but the butts on the floor seating position and thin but oversized steering wheel communicates front end motion while unassisted brakes add routine glimpses of the afterlife. The point is that I drove an 1800S more miles than any owner of the 90 mile 1800ES museum piece will ever dare put on it and isn’t that the point of owning a classic car? Today’s next feature isn’t a museum piece, in fact its customizations may raise a few eyebrows, but it would be perfect for racking up a few miles. Find this 1973 Volvo 1800 ES Custom
for sale in Forsyth, MO currently bidding for $5,100 reserve-not-met with a few days to go on ebay. Tip from Starliner427.
This 1800ES has been given a pretty thorough customization which may not be to everyone’s liking, but the seller does include some build photos and details.
This shooting brake is powered by a mildly built B20 inline-4 that probably puts out a few more ponies than the original 112 hp /
115 lb-ft. The seller doesn’t quote a power figure, but assume it makes 140 horsepower and the 2600 lb custom should move quite well.
The seller includes photos showing the car when it was brought down to bare metal and it looks like the builder also installed an entirely new interior when he was at it. The 1800 uses a cool bi-level dashboard that has been retained in the custom interior, but it is hard to tell if the original style gauges are still used. As far as chopped roof cars go, this one missing 3 inches of height doesn’t look that bad in the pictures.
See another custom that doesn’t make you throw up in your mouth a little? tips@dailyturismo.com
If it wasn't chopped it would be retrievable. grill, scoopless hood, wheels, and bumpers are easy.
This creation is a relief, actually, as I was starting to question my own reality a la Dom Cobb's spinning top so goes my perpetual love for all things ES. And like his vast vistas of fantastic absurdity, this was a dream better left unrealized and half remembered.
Perry here. I like this car a lot. The only flaw I see is the peace symbol. Other than prying that off, I wouldn't change a thing.
Sorry…Nuke it from space, it's the only way to be sure.
And to think this was completed before the legalization process was complete…
Poor thing never stood a chance. Didn't even know what hit her.
I don't get what people's problem is with this car. Stock versions are readily available & are no big thrill in the sportscar world, or the wagon world. Just a common shooting brake.
But THIS car stands out with a well-done chop & has been improved for better performance too. Keep in mind that The Italian design house Bertone was once asked to improve the looks of a Volvo. How did they do it?
They chopped the top!
I'd also say that this shape "takes" the cut better than the box-car that Bertone had to work with. I bet if this look was was a factory setup the haters would change their tune.
First off I'd want a much BIGGER peace sign.just cause it'll irritate a certain slice o lfe. Then I would add some of those overszed pink flower stickers on it,Or maybe paint it like Janis Joplin's Porsche.
In the meantime I would appreciate the incredible amount of work that was done and the singular vision that created it. And drive the snot out of it.Ya gotta admit someone did a thorough job. Thats got to be respected!
Respect the balls and dedication to the execution of this dude's vision, no doubt. Hope it finds a good home.
My take: do your thing and never look back. But, having an opinion as to the impression left on the observer by the aesthete of said "thing" is a pretty legit form of discourse. A quick interwebs search will reveal 100s of customized 1800e/s/ES and some just tickle my fancy to no end and some, well… To me the monochrome chop top look just doesn't do the shape any favors. That's just my shot I'whiskey, tho.