Lovely 1800ES on Car and Classic

[capt jack]

Not mine, but she used to be!

I owned this car a few years ago and I'd say it's worth every penny of the asking price.

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C394887


I've absolutely no connection now with the car or the present owner / vendor, but if anyone is in the market for a good sound 1800ES then this one (Monika as she was known to our family) has to be worth a look.

Cheers

Jack

[Eagerbeaver]

I like the colour combinatIon but it looks a tad cheap if it is a good one which suggests it may not be as rust free as when you had it.

The auto box will make it cheaper though I suppose.

What is the auto like to drive? Is it OK on motorways?

[capt jack]

That car has been in Spain since I had it, and as it was 100% rust free then, I would be pretty sure it's still as sound as a pound.

The driving experience is of a 40-year old car don't forget. It's got a 3-speed auto box, which if I remember right cranks the engine speed up to around 4000 to 5000rpm at 65 to 70 miles per hour. So an extended motorway run is a bit of a strain on the wallet - and the ears! And there's no power steering! All round discs make it stop pretty well though.

The car was built really for the US market at a time when the national limit was 55mph and where fuel costs were insignificant.

Compared with a modern car, a 1800ES or a P1800 is going to feel heavy, be noisier, slower and far less economical, practical or reliable than a modern car.

There's no cup-holders, no sat-nav, no on-board computer etc etc.

But for a gentle pootle along a country lane on a sunny Sunday, there's no feeling like it!

Jack

[david philips]

why would anyone buy a new car when there cars like this for sale what a beauty, perhaps free road tax, a car that will not only out last most new cars but go up in value if anything.

hope it goes to a another forum member.

[capt jack]

Well I couldn't argue that an 1800ES would make a good daily driver - it's old fashioned, heavy and thirsty.

But you're right about it being an appreciating asset, and given that it's already 40 years old, with proper care and attention it should be good for the same again!

When I owned the car it certainly was tax-exempt. Although registered in February 1973, I was able to prove to the DVLA that it was manufactured in November 1972, which of course qualifies it for historic vehicle status.

Cheers

Jack

[Eagerbeaver]

I can put a good argument forward that an 1800es is a great practical classic if you are a classic car enthusiast and modern comforts are not your priority. I regularly do 500-1000 miles in a week keeping up with modern cars and getting to my destination in a very stylish manner.

If the car is as good as described then it is a good buy and a useful car.

No cup holders? Rubbish - the gap between the seat belts is ideal. Sat nav courtesey of my phone.

I did have an issue with noise but then I found that a previous owner had replaced a silencer with a straight pipe! One replaced, it's not obtrusive at all.

Most think it's an expensive car and when I tell them that cars like this are around form£10-15k, they are surprised, expecting it to be a lot more expensive. The other surprise is that most parts are available next day!

[ald673b]

Originally Posted by Eagerbeaver

I can put a good argument forward that an 1800es is a great practical classic if you are a classic car enthusiast and modern comforts are not your priority. I regularly do 500-1000 miles in a week keeping up with modern cars and getting to my destination in a very stylish manner.

If the car is as good as described then it is a good buy and a useful car.

No cup holders? Rubbish - the gap between the seat belts is ideal. Sat nav courtesey of my phone.

I did have an issue with noise but then I found that a previous owner had replaced a silencer with a straight pipe! One replaced, it's not obtrusive at all.

Most think it's an expensive car and when I tell them that cars like this are around form£10-15k, they are surprised, expecting it to be a lot more expensive. The other surprise is that most parts are available next day!

The purchaser at the auction sold it to me and everything said on this thread is true. It's particularly heavy to drive as I learned to drive in the 1990s and have always known cars with power steering. I was also surprised at the long travel of the brakes. Still, it looks like being a lot of fun. I really miss a tailgate wash wipe. Volvo did an accessory one in their catalogue. Has anyone seen/ got one?

[123GT-AMAZON]

so others see the car rather than jumping websites

very nice car that keep us posted and if u need help on technichal stuff just ask

kind regards
robert

[classicswede]

The heavy steering could just be some stiff suspension joints but if you have only driven power steering before then manual steering can take time to get used to.

The brakes might want a fluid change or just a bit of bleeding.

Good to see the car has found a home and you are on this forum

[Eagerbeaver]

Originally Posted by ald673b

The purchaser at the auction sold it to me and everything said on this thread is true. It's particularly heavy to drive as I learned to drive in the 1990s and have always known cars with power steering. I was also surprised at the long travel of the brakes. Still, it looks like being a lot of fun. I really miss a tailgate wash wipe. Volvo did an accessory one in their catalogue. Has anyone seen/ got one?

The wash/wipe was an expensive accessory in its day (about £40 which is about £400 in today's money). It is unusual to see one fitted but you do see the odd car with it from time to time.