Descripción
The Volvo P1800 was introduced in 1957 with the X1 prototype. After the P1900, it was the second model with which Volvo hoped to penetrate the sports car market.
The definitive model, designed by Pelle Petterson, who worked for the Italian Carrozzeria Frua at the time, was presented to the public for the first time at the 1960 Brussels Motor Show.
The 2+2 coupé was equipped with a front-engine, 1. 8L four-cylinder engine, with dual carburettors, producing 100 hp. It was a rear-wheel drive sports car that was considered pioneering at the time because of the standard front disc brakes.
The P1800 was assembled from 1961 onwards. Due to the huge popularity of the Volvo Amazon, Volvo was forced to outsource the production of the car’s shell to Pressed Steel in Scotland, with Jensen assembling the cars in England. Jensen ultimately ended up producing just +/- 6, 000 cars, as Volvo decided to terminate the contract in 1963 due to quality issues. From then on, Volvo assembled the cars itself.
The production was moved to Volvo’s own plant in Gothenburg. From then on, the car’s name was changed to 1800S, with S standing for Sverige, dropping the P. The 1800S was born.
In 1968, the 1800 was improved with a 2-litre engine. In 1969, it was equipped with a D-jetronic fuel injection engine, producing 120 hp. From then on, it was known as the 1800 E (Electronic Injection). The interior was also adapted and the car was equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
In 1971, Volvo introduced the shooting break, designated as 1800 ES, which remained in production until 1973.
The P1800 rose to prominence because of the hit TV series ‘The Saint’, in which the car was driven by the main character, played by Roger Moore.
Production stopped in 1971, with 39, 414 units produced.
'Collection by Vermant’ is delighted to be able to offer you this unique Volvo P1800 ES from 1973. This example is fitted with a B20F engine. This 2L injection engine delivers 112 hp and delivers this power through a 3 speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels.
This US delivered ‘ES’ is finished in ‘Light Blue Metallic’ Colour code 111. This is a very vibrant blue colour, which accentuates the beautiful lines of the P1800 very well. When looking at the interior, we can also find a light blue interior with dark blue carpets. The colour of the seats and doorpanels is very similar to the light blue exterior colour. When comparing the interior colours to the identifiaction plate, we can conlude that the car is still in its original shade of light metallic blue over a light blue interior and dark blue carpets.
This P1800 ES started its life in the United States and stayed there for the first 20 years of its life. Not much is known from this period, but there are some invoices of repairs starting in 1989 and onwards. In 1993, the car was bought by its next owner, a person from the Netherlands. He imported the car into the Netherlands and subsequently treated the car to a new layer of paint. Not only are the pictures of the repaint available, but also all of the original import documents are present in the vast history file of the car. From this point onwards, every single invoice in the car was kept. In 1995, the owner of the car moved from the Netherlands to Belgium and took the car with him. Due to a lack of time, the car remained unregistered till the end of 2001. It was then registered in Belgium by its previous owner, from which we have bought the car.
Under his care, the car was meticulously maintained to keep it in the best possible condition. Invoices are present of every part that has been replaced on this car. This however doesn’t mean that the car was only kept in his garage, on the contrary. It was enjoyed on a lot of trips and was used regularly. This kept all the running gear in optimal condition. The last owner was not only an avid driver, but was also an avid member of the Belgian Volvo Club and participated in numerous events with them. The car was even featured in the magazine of the Volvo club when the carpeting of the car was replaced. Ofcourse, this example if present in the folder of the car.
When we dissect the chassis identification plate, we find the following numbers:
18 - standard P1800
3 - Estate
6 - B20F engine
3 - Without sunroof
6 - Automatic
3 - LHD (USA & Canada)
When comparing the above specifications list to the current specification of the car, we find a perfect match. Meaning the car is still in its original specification.
This P1800 ES will be delivered with the following items:
- Extensieve history file
- US Title (old)
- Dutch title (old)
- Belgian registration
- Original AC unit (not fitted)
- Original service book and map
This P1800 ES is a unique opportunity to acquire a very well documented and nicely maintained P1800 ES that can be enjoyed for many more years to come!
