1968 | Volvo P 1800 S

Whilst Volvo was not a manufacturer noted for its sports car offerings, the P1800 gained international recognition through its exposure starring alongside Roger Moore in the TV series ‘The Saint’ during the ‘60s. The origins of the model lay in the late ‘50s with Volvo wanting to compete in the sporting sector in US and European markets. The new car used the tried and tested floorpan of the Volvo Amazon saloon models (with a shorter wheelbase) married to the distinctive coupe bodywork designed by Italian studio Frua – albeit Volvo consultant Helmer Petterson and his son Pelle were directly involved. The mechanicals were similarly derived from the Amazon series and used a mildly revised 1800 cc engine from the 122S model (with a higher compression ratio and a different camshaft). This delivered around 100 bhp and provided a top speed of roughly 110 mph.

The car was shown to the public for the first time at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1960 with production – owing to a lack of capacity in Volvo’s factories – initially taking place in the UK, sub-contracted to Jensen Motors, later that same year. In 1963 production was moved to Volvo's own plant in Sweden and the model accordingly became the P1800S. The appearance of the car remained virtually unchanged throughout its lifespan, with new developments being mechanical and mostly to the powerplant, which in 1966 was uprated to give 108 bhp and in 1968, replaced with a 2-litre version of the engine. This was further enhanced with fuel injection in 1969 (creating the P1800E model) and provided a claimed 120 bhp.

Production of the P1800 coupe ended in 1972, with just a little short of 40,000 cars built.

The P1800S model offered here was first registered in the UK in January 1968 and so employs the sturdy 1800 cc engine. The car remained in the UK until 1997, passing through the hands of a number of owners and we believe, receiving some restoration work – the car being repainted white – although we have no paperwork for this. There is an ‘Amazon Restorations’ sticker in the engine bay.

The Volvo was re-registered in Jersey in June 1997 and has subsequently covered negligible mileage, spending much of its time in storage. With a new owner in 2013, the car underwent further restoration work including bodywork and re-paint, chrome re-finishing, some mechanical and some interior refurbishment. Following a further period of storage, we acquired the P1800 in October of this year and have undertaken re-commissioning work, which includes the fitment of new tyres and a full service.

The strong, five crankshaft bearing B18 engine has an almost legendary reputation for sturdiness and longevity. Mechanically, this unit is in good health, starting and running well. The gearbox and useful overdrive work well as does the rest of the running gear.

This P1800S was originally a Light Blue colour but has subsequently been painted white as part of restoration works carried out – perhaps at the request of a fan of The Saint TV series. The bodywork is sound, solid and the underside has been thoroughly undersealed. There is very little evidence of corrosion. Much of the brightwork has been re-finished or replaced and is in excellent condition, contrasting well with the white paintwork.

The interior of the car has clearly received attention in the past. The leather seats are in good condition, bearing a little patination. The doorcards look to have been replaced and the dashboard is complete and in very good order, although the wood-rimmed steering wheel does carry a few marks. The headlining is in excellent shape.

An iconic Swedish coupe from the 1960s, finished in ‘TV star’ white, this car is in a very good overall condition, driving and running well. It has a decent interior and is of smart appearance with good brightwork.

The car is currently Jersey registered and we can assist with shipping (worldwide) and importation processes if required.