Sultry Swede: 1973 Volvo 1800ES 37K Survivor – SOLD!

March 2, 2022 Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Schneewittchensarg is the German compound word that translates to “Snow White’s Coffin.” This was what the German automotive press nicknamed Volvo’s 1800ES two-door wagon when it debuted in the early 1970s.  Long considered an ugly duckling, these rare Shooting Brakes have become desired Swans among classic Volvo enthusiasts. Consequently, prices have been on the rise for the past few years.  The latest example we just spotted is this sultry red-over-black ’73 model originally listed in February 2022 on Craigslist in Landrum, South Carolina (Greenville). Reported to be a 37K mile survivor, this example appears to feature air conditioning in addition to the more desirable four-speed overdrive manual transmission.

Currently offered for $30,000 or best offer, the Collector Car Market Review indicates the current asking price falls between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” estimate of $25,000 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $39,500.  Similarly, the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $26,900 and its #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $40,900.

Volvo originally developed the P1800 as a 2+2, front-engine, rear-drive touring car that lasted from its debut in 1961 through 1971.  Then in 1972, Volvo transformed the next generation into a stunning two-door wagon (known in Great Britain as a shooting brake), the 1800ES, that featured a frameless, all-glass tailgate.  Unfortunately, with stricter American safety and emissions standards looming for 1974, Volvo could not justify the considerable amount necessary to redesign the small-volume 1800 ES. Consequently, Volvo built only 8,077 examples of the ES during its short two-year production run.  At the time, the general public and motoring press alike mocked the 1800 ES design.  In Sweden, the 1800ES was nicknamed Fiskbilen, or “Fish Van” while Germans called the car Schneewittchensarg or “Snow White’s Coffin” because of the all-glass rear hatch. However, over time the styling came of age.

The Car Reviewer YouTube Channel offers this modern road test of a similar ’73 Volvo 1800ES:

While the seller’s description leaves us asking more questions than it answers, this example is easily the nicest ’73 Volvo 1800ES we’ve featured to date.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1973 2 door estate wagon
New Tires
New belts and hoses
37,000 original miles
original paint and no rust
4-speed manual w/overdrive
Service history, receipts, and manuals
$30,000.00 OBO“

Show or go: What would you do with this 1973 Volvo 1800ES?  Comment below and let us know!