As I pass age 70 and begin the process of de-accessing, I'm toying, only toying, with the idea of selling my 1970E. Car is in "excellent" shape, both cosmetically and mechanically, and everything on it has been kept up and works. I put "excellent" in quotes because I know there are judging ratings that I don't fully understand and I don't want to rely on hyperbole. By my standards, this is a very high-end driver, although it is often mistaken for a show car by the uninitiated. As with all 1800s, it has its minor flaws and idiosyncrasies.

I also say "toying" because it's a mind vs heart thing. I sold my first 1800 to a friend and then had to look at it, heartbroken, for 15 years before an extensive search found me another. So I know what I'm in for, emotionally. Still, while it's running good and in good shape, and while the market is good, I would consider parting with it, along with the estimated $2k worth of spares in the basement.

In any case, I'd rather start my search for a new owner here than on eBay, as I want to ensure that whoever buys this car has the requisite knowledge and respect to preserve it. So, if you, or anyone you know, want to begin a discussion, I'm ready to be contacted offline at the email address listed in my profile. The car is located in Lititz, PA.

Based on the above post, I hooked up with a suitable seller who made me a suitable offer. After wringing my hands for several days I have just declined. So the car is officially off the market. My wife thinks it would diminish me if I sold it and, among our assets this may be the one with the best appreciate rate. In any case, I've apologized to the potential buy for jerking him around and expressed my appreciation for his time and patience. I will certainly notify him first, if and when I make a definite decision to sell.

Now that i've moved this idea out of my head, I do find a renewed interest in fiddling with the car and making some of the minor improvements it requires...maybe, if I can find a proper upgrade for the D-jet, I'll even invest a bit in getting the car the ability to take advantage of the blueprinted rebuild done by the previous owner.

Perhaps have a word with Kurt here. They have worked with these cars a lot.

http://stealthems.com/

I sent you a email Dave about my interest in your E. Did you receive it? Would like to hear from you if you have the time to talk. Thanks!

Well Dave - only you can decide when it's time for you to move it along to the next steward.

Have you thought about using the Bring a Trailer site? A few 1800's have been auctioned off there. You can negotiate a reserve there with the site owner/operators. And the car will be exposed to bonafide potential buyers.....the site regulars are VERY car-knowledgable. While lots of the folks here know what they're talking about and understand what you have, the challenge to finding your buyer is likely to be a financial impediment. Here's the most recent 1800S that sold for $24,000 --- http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1964-volvo-p-1800/ Good luck!

"As I pass age 70 and begin the process of de-accessing"
I don't have a clue what that means but being 70 isn't really a factor if you are fit, healthy and generally in a good place. Heck, I'm way ahead of you in age. It's really down to you using the car and getting continued enjoyment out of it. Some aspects of working on the car certainly do get a bit problematic, working underneath being one of them, but its a case of needs must or get someone else to do it.
Bottom line maybe is keep it if you drive and love it, or sell if you don't.

hello derek of the uk - agree with you . the only test of when to stop working on tanks is when you can no longer remember how to cuss. but you could always ask a young buck to reteach you how to. know plenty in jersey who are very good. cousins in liverpool tell me brits dont cuss even when working on their tanks. suspect someone is not telling the truth. they havent attempted a blower r and r in a volvo 240. regards mate oldduke

As long as you're able to lift a wrench, hang on to your car. I'm nearly 71 and still enjoy working on my '68 Amazon which I hope to have ready to sell this summer. After that, I have a 544 & a P1800 to restore. If I live to be 150 maybe I'll get them finished.

the OTHER Penn. chocolate town

Can you send me PICS? I would like to bounce the car off my son. He may be interested.
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'75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwrd, two motorcycles, '85 Pickup: The '89 Volvo is the newest vehicle I own. it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me http://home.lyse.net/brox/TonyPage4.html http://cleanflametrap.com/tony/

Thanks, Tony. Would like to keep this Off-Forum. Send an email to me via the email address listed in my Profile and I'll get to pictures to you this week.

Tony, or others,

I did a bunch of photos today and have consolidated them into a 3-page PDF. Anyone who wants to see them can email me off-Forum at db5@soeast.com. I appreciate all the advice, and maybe this process will result in my keeping the car or in finding a new "steward." Like that word. Anyway, we'll see.