Description
The Volvo P1800 is a car built from 1960 as a coupe, then as a shooting-brake from 1972 until August 1973. It was initially produced in England until 1963 (at Jensen Motors’ plants), then in Sweden in Gothenburg at the Volvo factory, because Jensen Motors’ build quality did not meet Volvo’s expectations.
This little coupé holds the world record for the highest mileage, an impressive 5, 230, 781 kilometres! Indeed, it is renowned for its incredible reliability and easy driving, even in challenging conditions. It successively carried the names P1800, P1800S, 1800S and 1800E (and 1800ES in shooting-brake form). Equipped with a 1. 8-litre petrol engine with 100 hp at the start of production in 1960, it would go on to 135 hp with a 2. 0-litre engine.
The car we’re interested in today is a 1966 model, built on 26/ 10/ 1965 at the Volvo factory in Gothenburg. Its 1. 8L develops 115 hp and its four-speed gearbox paired with an overdrive is a joy to drive. Its current owner bought the car in 1995 in Sweden, where he lived at the time, and has been its steadfast custodian for 30 years. He has had many maintenance jobs carried out over the years, and the invoices in the file he provides with the car attest to this.
Its original colour red (code 46) was changed by the second owner in the 1980s–1990s to a beautiful grey shade... The paint has stood the test of time and would deserve a refresh (perhaps in its original hue for purists), but that’s really the only point one could fault on this car.
Indeed, it has been admirably cared for by all its owners and suffers from no defects... It is exceptionally sound and shows no corrosion on its underbody. Even better, at the end of 2024 it benefited from a full refresh of its running gear: replaced all suspension bushings, control arms, wheel bearings, front brake calipers and rear wheel cylinders, a rebuild of the steering box and many other “details” that ensure impeccable handling.
Moreover, the mechanical side benefited from a complete overhaul: the ignition system was checked and restored as needed (wiring, spark plugs, adjustment...); the cooling system was refreshed (all cooling hoses and the water pump were replaced). Its carburation is perfect and lets the engine purr flawlessly. Cold starts are easy and idle is stable. The gearbox shifts crisply through every gear thanks to the short, precise and well-guided lever... The overdrive engages instantly and adds comfort and long-legged performance. There are no leaks under the car, even after several days parked... That’s quite rare for an old car.
Its interior is in good condition for its age and bears a patina that many will prefer to a “new” look... There are a few imperfections; for instance, the rear bench tensioning straps and the foam would benefit from replacement, but there is nothing in this description that would prevent enjoying the car “as is” of this sumptuous machine which does not lie, does not cheat, and instead tells its story plainly and without any pretence.
In short, this desirable Volvo P1800S is a car that can let its new caretaker drive without worrying about distance, but it would deserve some refinements to its presentation (exterior) and true connoisseurs will snap it up, so don’t delay in coming to try it on our little Normandy roads...
