Description
Launched in 1961, the Volvo P1800 was Volvo’s answer to a 2+2 front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports tourer. The body styling was done by Swedish designer Pelle Petterson, with the first prototype ready in 1957, known as the X1. This was driven to the headquarters of Karmann in West Germany, who would take on the tooling and building of the P1800. Unfortunately, this was cut short when Volkswagen stepped in with the threat of cancelling their contracts with Karmann if they took on the project, as they saw the P1800 as competition.
With a contract for 10, 000 units with Jensen, it didn’t take long before Volvo realised that the quality control from the Brits was sub-par, and in 1963, after just 6, 000 cars were produced, Volvo ended the contract with Jensen and moved production to their Gothenburg factory in Sweden, where the car became known as the 1800 S. The S denotes they were made in Sweden. The 1800 S was also given an 8bhp power increase until 1969, when the B18 engine was replaced with the B20B engine, producing ~118 bhp. Then, in 1970, came the addition of fuel injection and a revised camshaft, pushing the 1800E to ~130bhp.
This lovely 1800E has been with our vendor, Nic, for the past five and a half years, Nic carried out some body restoration just after he bought the car, including a full bare metal respray, Nic owned a bodyshop perviously for over 20 years so was very selective on which bodyshop he chose to do the work. A new windscreen has been fitted since our visit.
I have a full file of works and parts which have been undertaken over the last 15/ 20 years.
The car is MOT, ULEZ exempt and runs on unleaded.
Sadly, I’m having to sell this wonderful timeless classic. The car is in great condition and will delight the new owner.
Some months ago, the vehicle was entered into a Trade Classic auction but failed to sell at the reserve price. The information on the link is really comprehensive and I can forward the link if it’s of interest. For me, the Volvo P1800 is undoubtedly one of the most stylish cars of the 1970s.
The design was masterminded by a Swedish genius, Pelle Petterson. It has been a favourite of Nic’s for several years. Initially drawn in by its style and stand-out bright red paintwork, the Volvo was in lovely condition but just needed a little TLC to bring it up to Nic’s standards, which it has received during his ownership. Nic has loved the usability, practical and reliable along with its rarity.
Unfortunately, due to health issues, Nic has made the regrettable decision to part with his all-time favourite 1970s classic, which will be sadly missed.
