Description
The Volvo P1800 was the coupé sports car built between 1961 and 1972 by the Swedish car manufacturer Volvo.
The model was designed in 1961 by Swedish designer Pelle Petterson, who was working at the Italian coachbuilder Frua at the time. This was the second model with which Volvo attempted to break into the sports car market. The first model, the P1900, was not a success. Quality problems proved fatal to that car, a mistake Volvo would not repeat with the P1800.
A white 1800 S with license plate ST 1 was used in the successful TV series The Saint in the 1960s, starring Roger Moore as Simon Templar.
Production of the P1800 began in 1961. Due to the great popularity of the Amazon and the unplanned continuation of production of the PV544, Volvo itself lacked the production capacity for the P1800. Therefore, bodywork production was outsourced to Pressed Steel in Scotland. Final assembly was to take place at Jensen in West Bromwich (England). Only approximately 6, 000 cars were produced at Jensen because Volvo decided to terminate the contract with Jensen and take final assembly into its own hands, due to problems with assembly and paint quality. Assembly was transferred to Volvo's own factory in Lundby (Gothenburg), but body production remained with Pressed Steel for the time being. In the winter of 1968, the production of sheet metal and bodies also moved from Pressed Steel to Volvo's factory in Olofström. The model designation was then modified by adding the letter S for "Svenska" (Swedish), while the 'P' was dropped: the P1800 thus became the 1800 S. In August 1969, the engine was fitted with D-Jetronic fuel injection manufactured by Bosch, and from that moment on, the car was called the 1800 E. ("E" stands for: Electronic Injection)
This P1800 presented here is actually an 1800 E, but during the partial restoration of the car, the injection system was replaced by two SU carburetors. The car sometimes had problems with the injection system. It now runs incredibly smoothly and was also fitted with power steering at that time, making it a very pleasant car that is easy to drive. The Volvo is finished in metallic red with red leather upholstery. A beautiful color combination. Furthermore, the original 1800 E wheels contribute to the car's rugged character. All in all, a beautiful Volvo Sport that is great for daily driving.
