1800ES - Would I, should I, could I?

[Skyedriver]

Getting a bit of a fancy for an 1800ES (would like an S bit out of my price range).
Current "fleet" 940 Estate 2.3 with an MBC etc (my 5th 940) , TVR Chimaera, Caterham in bits in the garage and wifes Suzuki SX4.
Rather fancy the idea of something interesting and stylish that the whole family can go out in rather than the "utility" 940 but there are three of us and two dogs (who don't unsurprisingly, fit into a TVR).
So the 1800ES, will it cope with (semi) everyday use?
Would it disappoint as far as performance is concerned?
Would it survive kept outside?
Your thoughts are appreciated.
Thanks
Tony

[123GT-AMAZON]

Getting a bit of a fancy for an 1800ES (would like an S bit out of my price range).
Current "fleet" 940 Estate 2.3 with an MBC etc (my 5th 940) , TVR Chimaera, Caterham in bits in the garage and wifes Suzuki SX4.
Rather fancy the idea of something interesting and stylish that the whole family can go out in rather than the "utility" 940 but there are three of us and two dogs (who don't unsurprisingly, fit into a TVR).
So the 1800ES, will it cope with (semi) everyday use?
Would it disappoint as far as performance is concerned?
Would it survive kept outside?
Your thoughts are appreciated.
Thanks
Tony

One model springs to mind a amazon estate ticks all the boxes

Kind regards
Robert.w

[Skyedriver]

Actually, have to agree but it's the P1800ES I was thinking of.
Way back in 1970 I used to get a lift home from work in an "Amazon" in saloon form and always liked the look of them. More recently a few have returned to rallying in the north east/south Scotland areas and with the addition of a set of "Minilites" look absolutely spot on. Not much heavier than an Escort either IIRC.
Graham Waite used to do OK in Historics a few years back too, but I digress.
I navigated a couple of times for a guy up near the borders in a PV544 back around 2009/10, bit unwieldy around the tight test area though.

[paul staines]

Also think you would be better off with a 4 door Amazon or estate. I have a P1800S and it`s useless as a family car. Not very good as an everyday car. Not easy to get in / out . Not easy to park . useless back seats. I love it ! .
Great for a run out on a nice day or to take to shows. Fancy a 4 door Amazon myself so I can take the God kids out. Best practical classic . Regards Paul.

[cassell]

I agree with Paul Staines, I have an 1800ES and everything he's said is true.

The back seat in the ES is only suitable for very small children or one larger person sitting sideways, very uncomfortable!

We have a Springer spaniel and there is just about room for him in the cargo area, I think two dogs (unless you have very small ones) would be uncomfortable too!

Keeping it outside? The Achilles heel of the 1800 especially the ES is rust and corrosion, moisture finds its way in everywhere! Mine is 44 years old, I've had it for almost 20 years and always kept it in a dry, carpeted garage and seldom used in the wet, but it's far from rust-free!

Awkward to get into and out of, a pig to park with heavy steering, not much going for it really, but I love it! As an every day driver though....no thanks!

Paul.

[Skyedriver]

Thanks Guys
Guess I'll just have to keep one in my dreams.

There's a couple of "classics" that I fancy as an everyday car and both been scratched from the list tonight, the other a Merc SL500 - rear "seats" only sit one side saddle too.
Have to stick with the 940 Estate for family use or take two cars everywhere.

[Skyedriver]

Like a terrier on your leg, I'm still here hanging on....
Not sure the heavy steering would be a problem, can't understand the hard to park except the steering, hard to get in and out of - doors not open very wide?
Dogs = Springer and a Skye Terrier.
But the tin worm - that could be the killer. I remember everything from that era rotted in about 3 years, but I suppose I still think of the Volvo as indestructible having had 5 940 Estates where you almost have to force them to corrode due to the galv bodies.

[paul staines]

The doors open wide enough but the seating is very low down and the steering wheel does get in the way . I am 6-1" tall and it is awkward getting my knees in. Not an ideal every day car. AMAZON !!!

[Burdekin]

A friend is selling this one if you're interested, the benefit is it's rust free but need's painting and then assembling: http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=222286

If considering any P1800 or ES be very wary if there is rust as it's expensive and time consuming to put right. The Amazon is a simpler construction and panels are cheaper.