Description
1968 Volvo P1800 S
Very original and desirable 1968 Volvo 1800 S with 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive and original paint (Volvo color code 95-1 (ice blue). Only 50650 miles on the odometer. This is a one family owned car since new and the odometer is believed to be all original miles. The car has stayed in the Seattle area since new and belonged to a US army veteran that passed it on to his son after he passed away. Odometer and instrument all works except the clock (they never do). All lights and overdrive in perfect condition. All-in-in all one of the best and most original Volvo 1800 S we have seen in a long time. Service records dating back to 2004 are included in the sale as is an Owners Service Manual.
The car runs and drives great and starts every time. Can keep up with freeway traffic without any problem. Very little surface body rust and floors and sub frame rails are excellent. A few dings and paint chips on the body but nothing major – a very straight car. The car can be driven as is and a new paint job and new upholstery would take it to the next level.
These cars are getting increasingly difficult to find in this original condition and the details of this car, include the desirable early instrument cluster, make this one special.
Car specification:
VIN: the details below
Gearbox: 4-speed manual with overdrive
Odometer: 50650 miles (believed to be all original miles)
Engine: B18 with SU carburetors
Color: Original Volvo color code 95-1 (Ice blue)
Upholstery: Original Volvo code 309-522 (black)
History of the 1961-1973 Volvo P1800/ 1800S/ 1800E/ 1800ES:
Volvo was best known for making sturdy but somewhat stodgy sedans in the mold of the PV544 and the 122 Amazon. In the 1950s, Volvo flirted with a sports car with the fiberglass P1900, but quality was miserable as were the driving dynamics of the car. Volvo took another stab at a sporty car with the P1800 in 1961.
Design of the car was until very recently attributed to Frua of Italy, but it was a family affair, done primarily by a then-young Pelle Pettersen the son of 544 designer Helmer Pettersen. The car at least looked Italian, very much a product of the 1950s rather than the 1960s with neat tail fins and a short greenhouse with a tall beltline. Early cars were assembled by Jensen in West Bromwich, England.
Quality of the Jensen-built cars was, however, not up to Volvo’s standards (and the cars were notoriously rust-prone) so production was shifted to Volvo’s Gothenburg plant in Sweden in 1963 and the model name transitioned from P1800 to 1800S. A few years later, in 1969, the original 1. 8-liter B18 engine was replaced with the 2. 0-liter B20 for an added 18 hp. Both engines came with dual, English-made SU carburetors. In 1970, the 1800E came with a host of changes including a new instrument panel.
The last major variant was the 1800ES, a two-door wagon with a glass tailgate. Nearly as lovely as the coupe, it remains one of the most successful variations on the sports wagon theme.
Today, parts support for the 1800 remains good, and several specialists are available to take good care of owners.
