Vehicle Description
Believe it or not, Volvo actually built a sporting 2+2 that was a
fantastic car. This 1971 Volvo P1800E was the automaker's first
foray into the world of sports cars, launched in 1961, and destined
for greatness. Today, late versions like this fuel-injected model
are highly prized by collectors and might be a smart place to park
some cash for the future.
With styling that's the exact opposite of the boxy forms we've come
to expect from Volvo, the P1800E is a great-looking car. The swoopy
roofline, the abbreviated fins, and the Maserati-like front end all
get onlookers to scratch their heads and ask, "What is that?" It's
gorgeous, that's what it is! Wearing bright turquoise blue metallic
paint, it has the right look for the swinging '60s and early '70s,
and even though the paint was done some years ago, it's holding up
well. Volvo's build quality was beyond reproach, even in 1971, and
it's held up well over the years, showing some light signs of use
but nothing major. There's enough chrome to make it look upscale
and that little slash that bends up from the side trim and into the
tail fin is a great detail. It has a correct front bumper/grille
guard, nice chrome, and weather seals that are holding up well.
Someone has really been taking good care of this car!
The interior is pure 1970s 2+2 with cloth-faced buckets up front
and a tiny back seat that's best used as a package shelf or for
children. The big steering wheel with three spokes is Volvo-funky
but the gauges are laid out in grand fashion in a wood dash. The
4-speed manual transmission snaps through the gears with ease, and
there's a Laycock overdrive that makes it a grand touring machine
that eats up the miles effortlessly. A row of sensible round knobs
manages the secondary controls and there's a period AM/FM radio way
over there by the passenger. The front seats have been
reupholstered in cloth, which is a bit more comfortable than the
original vinyl, while the back seat appears to be original. Door
panels are in excellent condition as well and everything seems to
work the way it should. There's not much of a trunk, but it does
include a full-sized spare and original mats.
The 1.8 liter inline-4 was equipped with Bosch fuel injection in
1970, raising power to 130 and dramatically improving drivability.
It starts easily and idles well and thanks to a light curb weight,
it zips around like a genuine sports car. The engine appears to be
the car's original powerplant and it's been properly maintained
with newer plugs, wires, hoses, and sensors. We have a detailed
maintenance log dating back to 79,000 miles (it's about 144,000
today, which isn't a concern with a Volvo) so you know it's been
loved. It barks through a great-sounding single exhaust system and
with power disc brakes it's confident under all conditions. The
underside is a little dirty, but it's all on the surface and
there's just no sign that this car has ever been rusty or wrecked,
so it's ready to enjoy without a lot of extra work. Handsome alloy
wheels are unique to these cars and carry 165R15 Firestone
radials.
This is a car to watch, because they're only going to get more
valuable from here. With a little TLC, this could be an excellent
example, but it's already the right car to own if you love to
drive. Call today!