Volvo P1800 ES

History

The 1800ES, a coupé station waggon with an all-glass rear, was introduced in 1972 and was dubbed a "shooting brake" by some.

The official model name, the 1800 ES, was introduced to the public in August 1971. It was similar to the Reliant Scimitar GTE, which was constructed in England from 1968 to 1968 but has a GRP body. Above importantly, the 1800 ES was distinguished by its glass: Under the extended roof, large side windows provided enhanced viewing. The ES's most distinctive feature and nickname is its all-glass tailgate.

The final design was chosen after two prototypes had been built by Sergio Coggiola and Pietro Frua. Frua's very unusual looking prototype, Raketen ("the Rocket"), currently resides in the Volvo Museum.

Volvo chose to halt manufacture of the 1800 ES at the conclusion of the 1973 model year due to new safety rules that went into effect in the United States for 1974, which included, among other things, massive bumpers at a specific height. Compliance with the regulations would have necessitated far too many modifications. Following the announcement of this decision, demand for the 1800 ES soared, particularly in the United States, to the point where the last model year had the highest number of units sold.

Both Italian prototypes were deemed too futuristic, so Jan Wilsgaard, an in-house designer, was chosen instead. The ES engine was downgraded to 125 bhp (92 kW) by lowering the compression ratio and installing a thicker head gasket (engine variation B20F); while maximum power was marginally reduced, the engine was less "peaky," and the car's on-the-road performance was actually better.

PERFORMANCE: 1,986 cc

• max speed: 116 mph, 187 km/h
• max power (DIN): 124 hp at 6,000 rpm
• max torque (DIN): 117 1b ft, 23 kg m at 3,500 rpm
• max engine rpm: 6,000; 68 hp/l
• power-weight ratio: 20.9 lb/hp, 9.4 kg/hp

The ES's rear backrest folded down to create a long flat loading area. As an alternative to the usual four-speed plus overdrive manual transmission, a Borg-Warner three-speed automatic was available in the 1800ES. With stricter American safety and emissions standards looming for 1974, Volvo did not see fit to spend the considerable amount that would be necessary to redesign the small-volume 1800 ES. Only 8,077 examples of the ES were built in its two model years.

For the last model year, 1973, only the 1800ES was produced. Total production of the 1800 line from 1961 through 1973 was 47,492 units. Production ended on June 27, 1973, although Volvo was in negotiations with Coggiola concerning a possible P1800ESC. The cause of the P1800's demise was its competition.Volvo never produced a convertible version of the 1800, but such cars were produced in the aftermarket.