Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
20th September, 2023 10:00
1971 Volvo P1800 E
Estimate
£14, 000 - £18, 000
Registration No: EYH 265J
Chassis No: 35598
MOT: Exempt
Reputedly 1 of just 78 P1800s finished in Turquoise from new
Just two owners from 1981 until 2021
Largely original interior
Offered with a history file including the original service book
Based on a design exercise by the Swedish-born Pelle Petterson whilst working at Frua, the Volvo P1800 was officially unveiled at the January 1960 Brussels Salon. Not entering production for a year, the newcomer's sleek monocoque bodyshell was equipped with independent front suspension, a coil-sprung 'live' rear axle and disc / drum brakes. Powered by a 1782cc OHV four-cylinder engine allied to a four-speed manual gearbox, the 2+2-seater was capable of over 100mph. Initially manufactured in the UK, P1800 assembly was transferred to Sweden during April 1963. Best remembered as Roger Moore's steed in 'The Saint' TV series which ran from 1962 until 1969, the stylish Volvo has long been a cult classic. The original engine was replaced in 1969 by the 2-litre B20 unit, itself being upgraded a year later with a revised camshaft and fuel injection. The resulting output was 130bhp - sufficient to power the Volvo to 62mph in 9. 5 seconds and on to a shade under 120mph. This facelifted model acquired four-wheel disc braking at the same time.
This P1800 E was manufactured new in 1971 and was supplied new to the United Kingdom, being registered on the 1st of April 1971 and delivered to the first owner on the 8th of that month. Reputedly one of just 78 examples to have been finished from new in the striking and attractive paintwork colour of Turquoise, it is complemented by a Black leather interior upholstery, with the majority of the interior original. This B20 engine example has the four-speed manual transmission. In two periods of long-term previous ownership, firstly from 1981 until 2001, then with the previous owner from 2001 until 2019, it is said that the previous keeper used the Volvo regularly, at times even in a daily driver capacity. The Volvo now has five former keepers registered on the logbook and with (1)27, 620 miles recorded on the odometer.
Benefitting from a bodywork restoration in 2001, more recently a new thermostat, water pump, regulator, alternator, and cooling system flush were all provided in 2016 costing £875. Supplied with a history file that contains the original service book (that presents eleven stamps), original instruction book, a large collection of invoices, numerous previous MOTs, previous logbooks, and a current V5C document. Starting readily and running well during our photography session, the Volvo is a rare find being one of the very few Turquoise cars from new.
