Highlights

• A late model 1800 in “E” fuel injected specification
• 4-speed Volvo M41 manual gearbox with Laycock overdrive
• Benefitting from being an unfinished project but highly original and complete
• Much valuable work already completed and seemingly solid in the key places
• Runs and drives but will need a light recommissioning following long-term storage

The Appeal

 
The Volvo 1800 was a svelte sports touring car designed to lend Volvo’s range a smattering of star-appeal. This strategy was much enhanced by the Volvo being used by Roger Moore playing Simon Templar in the 1960’s action TV show, “The Saint.” Another key claim to fame for the P1800 is as the current holder of the world record as the highest mileage private vehicle driven by the original owner in non-commercial service. Irv Gordon’s 1800 clocked up a stunning 3.25 million miles before his death in 2018.
 
This example is one of those popular but rare cars that can be described as a rolling project. Having been in long-term storage a light recommissioning will likely be required to achieve the rolling status, but the car does run and drive, reportedly. It appears to be a complete and original car and the key areas of vulnerability seem to be in fine order or already addressed.
 

The History and Paperwork

• This 1800 was first registered in May 1971
• It is thought to be a factory right hand drive UK specified and supplied car
•  In 1800E configuration it features the Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection
• The car was owned and enjoyed by six former keepers between then and 2013
• The current owner acquired it in 2013 to become the seventh
• It was bought by a collector with the full intention of fully restoring the car
• Much work was undertaken as we shall see, but Covid delayed body and paintwork
• The car went into storage at about that time
• It is now being offered for sale for someone to build on the good work already done
• The paperwork is limited to the V5 Registration Document
• This classifies the Volvo as an Historic Vehicle
• As such the car is considered MOT exempt and zero rated for VED in the UK
• The car was last MOT’s in 2010 at 101,481 miles
• It achieved an advisory free pass at that stage and has covered 2,400 miles since

 

The Condition

• The 1800 is presented in coupe form with a “shooting brake” also sold
• It is finished in a fetching metallic grey livery
• This looks presentable from a few meters away with a good shine present
• On close inspection, however, there are a number of paint and bodywork imperfections
• Those looking to complete this project will want to consider a full respray
• The issues include peeling and bubbling paintwork and rudimentary repairs
• These have been photographed and presented for your review
• The car is very complete and original and solid looking which is key
• The Volvo is complete with five, original cast alloy wheels
• These are becoming a rare commodity now, and attract a significant value themselves
•  The tyres exhibit sidewall perishing and will require replacement before road use
• New seals on doors, door checks and around front and rear screens have been fitted
• The cabin is also highly original and compete
• It is finished predominantly in black, and the upholstery is courtesy of black vinyl
• The condition is surprisingly good with only the front seats requiring recovering
• Carpets and headlining appear good, and the dash looks complete 
• A nice Mota-Lita alloy, wooden rimmed steering wheel is fitted
• All electrics are reported to work
• A nearside quarter window is unfitted but is supplied with the car
• The driver’s side footwell mat is noted as missing
• The boot is carpeted and complete with spare alloy wheel and fitted Volvo cover

 

The Mechanics

• The 1800E was launched in 1970 and marked the addition of Bosch Fuel Injection
• This, with the aid of a revised camshaft, boosted power output to around 130bhp
• This model is fitted with a 4-speed Volvo M41 manual with Laycock overdrive
• The owner reports the overdrive to be working
• Much mechanical work was completed on the P1800 before it went into storage
• This includes a new fuel tank and filler
• Fitment of a full stainless steel exhaust system
• Electronic ignition and new fuel injectors
• A brake overhaul including back dust plates and pipes
• New vacuum pipes, cables and road springs all round
• The car does run and drive but will require checking and recommissioning before road use
• Like the rest of the car, the engine bay looks complete and original
• The expected data plates appear present and correct
• The underside of the car is reported as solid
• This includes the chassis, jacking points, suspension mounts, bulkhead, floors and front crossmember 

BEFORE YOU BUY