Vehicle Description
In 1960s Sweden, Volvo was well-established as a manufacturer of
rugged, dependable cars with solid sporting credentials. But their
slightly stodgy and austere appearance meant they were unfairly
dismissed as quirky and eccentric, particularly among American
buyers. But for those in the know, the PV444 and PV544 saloons were
quite entertaining to drive and the Volvo four-cylinder engine was
virtually bomb-proof and capable of making big power when tuned. In
an effort to improve its sporting image, Volvo introduced the P1900
sports car, a fiberglass bodied machine with a tuned "B14" engine
that produced 70 horsepower. Unfortunately, it did not live up to
Volvo's usual standard of quality and only 68 examples found
buyers. Thankfully, Volvo did not give up at the first attempt and
they quickly returned to the drawing board, commissioning a new car
based on a shortened Amazon chassis with an all-new steel body.
Several Italian design firms were courted to style the car, with
the winning proposal penned at Carrozzeria Pietro Frua by a 24 year
old Swede named Pelle Petterson, the son of a Volvo Exec who,
rather conveniently, just happened to be on an internship at the
Italian design firm. Frua constructed the first prototypes, and
once the final design was approved, the next problem became where
to build it. Volvo's assembly plants were already at maximum
capacity with other cars, so after consulting with several
coachbuilding firms such as Karmann and Drauz, Volvo eventually
struck a deal with Pressed Steel Company of West Bromwich, England
to manufacture the major body components and Jensen Motors Limited
to handle the final assembly. Soon, though, Volvo cited quality
control problems with Pressed Steel, as well as the rising cost of
shipping cars and parts back and forth from Sweden, so production
of the P1800 S (for Sverige, or Sweden) came home Sweden to ensure
more consistent quality. Volvo had a sensation on their hands which
was only enhanced when a white P1800 became the chosen steed of
Simon Templar, the fictional character played by Roger Moore in
"The Saint", a British television program about a dashing
criminal/playboy who steals from the baddies to line his own
pockets. From that moment forth, the Volvo P1800 has earned its
place as a cultural icon for a great many men and women of a
certain age. Exemplary in nearly every way, this 1964 Volvo P1800 S
is one of the finest we have had the pleasure to offer. Built after
August of 1963, this VD-series Swedish-built car has been restored
to the original trim tag in the classic shade of Pearl White (Volvo
code 79-1) over a red cockpit and is a beautiful example of this
iconic sports car, in the colors and spec as preferred by Mr. Simon
Templar himself. A full, professional restoration has been lavished
upon it, and it presents in superlative condition throughout. The
white paintwork is outstanding, laid down on absolutely straight
panels with excellent body fit. Chrome plating is to show-quality
standards and the steel wheels wear correct style original hubcaps
with trim rings and properly sized rubber for just the right
stance. It is a beautifully presented car, with fine detailing and
presentation. In the stylish 2+2 cockpit, red upholstery (Volvo
Code 307-265, per the trim tag) offsets the white paintwork
beautifully, and is in very fine order. The material on the seats
is excellent, showing little in the way of use. Likewise, two tone
door panels are excellent and the dash is fitted with the
beautiful, signature blue-faced instruments and a period correct
Blaupunkt AM/FM radio. Other pleasing touches include the original
steering wheel and a pair of factory original shoulder belts -
Volvo has always been about safety, after all. The boot is lined in
red carpeting per original, and a rare Volvo-branded cover adorns
the spare tire. The engine bay is exquisitely detailed, with
Volvo's robust B18 engine presenting in show-quality condition.
Paint finishes are correct on the block, head and ancillaries, the
twin S.U. Carburetors have been beautifully polished and correct
hoses, fittings and hardware are found throughout. The engine is
mated to a four-speed manual box with electric overdrive for
effortless cruising. The P1800 S is a wonderful, slightly off-beat
60s sports car that returns surprisingly good performance and
handling. This example is no exception; the high-quality
restoration translates into a car that drives and feels
delightfully solid and planted with that signature Swedish
robustness. Desirable and highly collectible, this stylish Volvo
P1800 S is surely one of the finest of its kind on offer today.