15k: Okap1800ES: 1972 Volvo 1800ES

The Okapi was one of the few large land mammals to be discovered extant by western scientists in the early 20th century. As the nearest living relative to the Giraffe, it was large in size, but the Okapi lived only in the remote Ituri Rainforest in what today is called the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Okapi can be identified by its rear hind quarter zebra-esque stripes and solid red-brown back — which brings us to today’s featured car…did the owner have the Okapi in mind when he painted it?  Find this 1972 Volvo 1800ES with zero bids at $14,000 reserve-not-met on ebay, located in Los Angeles, CA with 5 days to go.

Custom cars generally fall into one of two categories: 1) Cars which the builder plans to sell immediately or after a short time driving it.  2) Cars which the builder plans to keep forever.  This Okap1800ES falls squarely into the latter category.  The original customizer of this thing built it with the intention of keeping it forever…which isn’t a bad thing…if you like the style.

The guy doing the customization for himself will often go the extra mile and do things right, as opposed to the flipper/reseller who is trying to maximize his profit.  This 1800ES has a rebuilt B20E fuel injected 2.0L pushrod four good for
124 horsepower.

The seller says his custom exterior paint is based on a hawk feather and it has matching burgundy seat inserts on the inside.  They are a little guady gaudy, but at least when you are sitting on the seats you don’t have to look at them.

The real question is, if you buy this car will you want to give Leo the bird?  tips@dailyturismo.com