Vehicle Description
The Volvo name has long been known for its sensible, understated
cars of exceptional durability and quality. In the 1960s, the firm
was still trying to make a name for itself, particularly in the
all-important North American market, and a sporty stylish GT car
was the ideal way to drive traffic to their showrooms. The
beautiful P1800 coupe hit the streets in the early 60s with
bulletproof underpinnings shared with the more pedestrian Amazon,
and a striking steel body designed by the young Swede Pelle
Petterson, under the guidance of the great Pietro Frua. Lacking
production capacity, Volvo contracted with Jensen of West Bromwich,
England, to produce the initial run of 10,000 bodies, but after
6,000, Volvo assumed production for the remainder of the P1800's
run. This stunning 1962 P1800 is one of the rare and desirable
early Jensen-built examples, with a production date of August 31,
1962, however it is titled as a 1963. As a largely hand-assembled
British Jensen-built car, it is filled with details that were
quickly lost as the P1800 was standardized and its production
streamlined in Sweden. Most notable of these features is the
"bullhorn" front bumper, the elaborate egg-crate grille and cowl
vent, white front indicator lenses, full wheel-covers and beautiful
C-pillar Volvo script. These early Jensen cars also used heavily
chrome-plated brass for their bright trim, inside and out. The
differences on the Jensen cars are not just confined to the
exterior of the car. The strips on the interior door panels are
plated solid brass, held on with little clips that had to be
installed by hand -continuing all the way around the interior in a
complete circle. When production was moved to Sweden, the door
strips were replaced with pre-formed plastic that was glued onto
the panel, and the rear compartment trim disappeared. The rear of
the interior features a cubbyhole with individual jump seats that
would later be replaced by a simple rear bench seat in subsequent
Swedish-built S model cars. All of these unique features illustrate
the time that Jensen employees took to hand-assemble each
individual P1800. In 2020, this Volvo was subject of a
comprehensive, correct and documented restoration. It is restored
to a very high standard that is rarely lavished on a P1800, making
this car one of the very best examples to be found anywhere. The
high quality and attention to detail of the restoration efforts can
be seen throughout. From the gleaming finish of the bare-metal,
original-color metallic repaint and sparkling brightwork, to the
rare and highly desirable factory accessory Robergel wire wheels -
the exterior is simply beautiful. Robergel wheels were used on the
1961 Paris Motor Show car, and offered for only the 1962 model
year. Inside, the contrasting stylish and colorful red interior
with black and gray trim is accented with an attractive dash design
featuring three-dimensional, turquoise-accented Smiths gauges, all
finished to a high standard and authentically detailed. Wonderful
details abound, like the period accessory Volvo lap blanket stowed
behind the rear seats, demonstrating the thoughtfulness paid to
every aspect of the restoration. Under the hood is Volvo's sturdy
B18, five-main-bearing, twin SU-carbureted, 100-hp 1,778-cc
four-cylinder engine that is superbly detailed with correct
battery, paint finishes, Volvo logo air cleaners, hoses and hose
clamps and other details that showcase the time and patience it
took to make this P1800 one of the finest there is. According to
published production records supplied by the Volvo 1800 Register,
this car retains its original engine. The undercarriage and trunk
area with correct tool roll and spare tire are beautiful as well.
The restored standard steel wheels and rare early-type full covers
accompany the car, complete with tires. The exceptional quality and
authenticity of the restoration was recognized in 2022 when the
judges of the Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance bestowed the
Excellence In Class award to this very special Volvo. With the
unique qualities of rarity, period correct wire wheels and
award-winning restoration excellence, this seldom-seen early
Jensen-built P1800 presents an extraordinary opportunity to obtain
one of the finest specimens of this model to be found anywhere.
Please note this car is titled as a 1963, with a production date of
August 31, 1962. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7530-1962-volvo-p1800/
