1970-1972 Volvo 1800E
Typical asking prices*: $7,000-$9,000
Collector status: Buy and keep

The 1950s were an age when manufacturers who garnered a reputation for producing solid family cars saw the potential in expanding their brand presence to a more youthful, spirited market that was flocking to dealers to buy or at least see the new Porsches, Jaguars and Austin-Healeys. Chevrolet’s Corvette is arguably the most successful example of this, but across the Atlantic, Volvo had the same idea. While somewhat late to the party in 1961, the P1800 was immediately well received for its Italian-inspired styling (which was for many years was thought to be penned by Pietro Frua, but has since been rightfully credited to a Swede, Pelle Pettersson, who worked for Frua at Ghia). It was also fitted with a peppy 1.8 litre motor and a sporty suspension. While these were never designed to compete at Le Mans, they did meet the expectations of their intended audience and sold well throughout its 12-year run. In the course of it life, the 1800 went through subtle trim changes as well as performance improvements that culminated in 1970 with a 2-litre, 130-bhp, fuel injected motor and four-wheel disc brakes. All the while it never lost its head and remained true to the sensibility that Volvo was famous for with excellent durability, economy and of course safety. Whether ones’s tastes are for the sporty coupé or funky ES Estate (produced in 1972 and 1973), these cars were built to last and today many can be found in decent original condition. They’ve also been in collections long enough that there are examples which have undergone older restorations. A few collectors will ask premium prices for exceptional cars, but they aren’t so scarce as to rule out either very-well preserved or nicely restored cars for a modest price. They also have a zealous following worldwide where buying one means entering a club, either figuratively or literally, which opens doors to events and gatherings that transcend the car itself. Perhaps their greatest testament is that once these cars find their way into a collection, very few leave.