10k: Hood Cancer: 1973 Volvo 1800ES, CorV8tte Power
As luck would have it, we had just posted a rusty basket case Volvo 1800ES when tipper Rene C sends us another one. This one looks like it has a serious case of hood cancer — which upon further investigation appears to be multiple gauges and a huge hood scoop for V8 air cleaner clearance. Perfect. Find this 1973 Volvo 1800ES with 327 Corvette V8
currently offered for $8,200 with zero bids and 5 days to go on ebay, possibly located in Charlotte, NC.
The Volvo 1800ES is a regular around these pages, because it combines unique good looks, functional useability and a basic price tag. Today’s example has traded some of that functionality for drift-ability, but the price tag is still good. Unfortunately the price is low because rust is popping through the surface like signs that Lindsay Lohan is about to have another breakdown. This car is a few paint chips and a shoplifting trip without underwear away from needing a complete makeover.
Under the bubbly and freckled exterior is a monster Chevrolet 327 cubic inch V8 taken from an undisclosed model year Corvette. Power in excess of 300 horsepower is simply an issue of selecting an appropriate cam/heads/intake setup, but headers may be out of the question with constraints of the tiny Volvo engine bay.
This inside looks decent in the picture provided, but an aftermarket steering wheel and Corvette shifter look out of place in the Swedish classic. But that won’t matter much once you start pushing this thing around the street with triple the original horsepower. Power assisted disc brakes up front should keep it from getting too sketchy, but the added weight could be an issue in the turns. Only one way to find out.
Somebody buy this thing and let us know how it works. tips@dailyturismo.com
This could be a really fun car. Just someone please remove the ridiculous hood.
It's like having a huge nose and adding a wart to the tip for a distraction.
A few observations: That has got to be the stupidest damn "power bulge" I think I've ever seen in my life. Sean is on point with his description.
At least the seller is seemingly honest about the body needing work. Now would be the time to rid yourself of that monstrosity.
A 327/4speed combo? In that light little body? Should be quite the screamer. Almost faster than the insults people will hurl your way about the hood.
If you want a chevy, buy a chevy. Typical redneck thinking, to SBC every "foriegn job" so it's easier for them to maintain and understand. They never realize that the resale value (and the car) is ruined that way.
Hello TGM,
Myself I love modifying cars, especially with cross-breeding. I like to imagine how I can improve the original design or vehicle dynamics. Then follow through to implementation and evaluate the results. Then refine, refine, refine.
I have a 73 1800ES autotradgic that is just screaming for drivetrain mods. The only difference is I was thinking more along the lines of a 2015 Mustang 2.5 turbo four cylinder or a 2011~2015 Mustang 3.7 V6.
I hope my kids don't talk me into selling the ES for a new outboard boat motor!
Rene, I am thinking along the same lines for my ES as you; 2015 mustang turbo would be the ideal setup, I believe. I was looking into dropping a VP red block in there but the Mustang turbo will likely provide the power with the right sort of feel, combined with years of reliability. That being said, they won't be as much fun to wrench on…