The Sport Wagon Enthusiast

Sport Wagon Sex Appeal: The 1973 Volvo 1800ES

In 1973, Englishwoman Marilyn Cole was selected as Playboy’s “Playmate of the Year.” She was gifted with an automobile befitting her sensuous body: The Volvo 1800ES shooting brake. Evolving from the original P1800, the 1973 “ES” model offered a spacious rear boot and innovative all-glass tailgate—which would be inspiration for later Volvos such as the C30 T5 hot hatch. Offering a 125 horsepower four cylinder and a 4-speed manual transmission (with overdrive!), the 1800ES was no muscle car, but its refined styling more than compensated for this power deficit. One of the greatest Volvo wagons of all time, the 1800ES is rarely given justice these days. Luckily, Marilyn Cole provides us a modicum of appreciation for the finer things in life.