Vehicle Description
1971 Volvo P1800 E Coupe
The story of the creation of the Volvo P1800 begins back in 1953
when Volvo co-founder and Vice-President Assar Gabrielsson visited
the USA and while there he had the opportunity to visit GM and see
the new, (C1), Chevrolet Corvette production line at Flint,
Michigan. While in the US Gabrielson also observed that European
sports cars such as those from Britain, Italy and Germany were
becoming popular, especially with celebrities. Assar Gabrielsson
could see that if the Germans and the British could make exotic
sports cars that American movie stars would buy and be seen driving
around in then surely Volvo could do that also. Such a car, and
such publicity would certainly be good as a way to pave Volvo's
entry into the lucrative American market.
For consignment and gracing our Hallowed Halls is a 1971 Volvo
P1800 Ecoupe. This Swedish sports car has had two owners throughout
its life and has had an exterior restoration. It is believed by the
consignor that the interior is original to the car. The car has
been garage kept all its life and certainly well maintained.
Exterior
5 designers submitted their concepts for the P1800 coupe and the
one chosen was actually a Swede. This was unknown to the CEO at the
time and when he found out, felt deceived. As a result the true
designer was never acknowledged until 1979. Speaking of that
design, we now see our 1971 example with the front end of the car
looking like it has some Brit influence ,(possibly an MG), with its
single round headlight on the end of the front quarters, and
central chrome edged open wide oval grille. A nice curved chromed
bumper is below and it wraps the quarters. As we tour visually
back, we see atrim spear, high doors, well minded gaps and an
angled raked slightly wrap around windscreen. The roofline dives
downward and has an aircraft influence. As it descends to the trunk
line, it takes from the upper doors and runs a line rearward that
will eventually form the rear quarters with a fin-like upper
protrusion which will make a blunt point ending for the tail lights
on back. These are oval in nature and flank an inward raking roll
pan with a V O L V O badge on the top and a shiny bumper below. A
flat trunk lid is between these "fins" if you will, and it has a
chrome button actuator in the center. This car is bathed in very
nice light blue metallic. There is no rust, just shiny paint with
perfectly preserved chrome window trimmings and badging. 15-inch
chrome wire wheels are wrapped in 195/60R15 rubber from 2006.
Interior
Definitely a European influence with sleek black vinyl high back
buckets and flat edge bolsters and high headrests. A square center
console houses the shifter. For the dash,it's a series of rounded
over horizontal rectangles with a padded top, wood dash front and
round blackface and black bezeled instruments strewn within the
wood. A second tier of padding black vinyl frames the top of
another dash lower wood panel that has a lineup of knobs and pulls.
This panel runs past the steering wheel and heads to the passengers
side where it has additional gauges and an aftermarket AM/FM/CD
radio. Below are dual eyeball vents and a fan control box. In the
back is a small low back 2 plus 2 black vinyl bench, all on black
carpeting. A perforated white headliner is above.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a patina slightly corroded on some surfaces
1986cc I-4 cylinder engine. It has a Bosch D-Jetronic Fuel
Injection system, (hence the E after the 1800 which means
"Einspiritzung" i.e. fuel injection). On back is a 4-speed manual
transmission with overdrive. The rear axle is a 4.30 version.
Undercarriage
Very clean black painted surfaces with very slight surface rust
here and there. The car rides on front independent coil springs and
a rear 3 link with coil springs. Power disc braking is on all 4
corners. Noted, the car has a new fuel pump, new shocks and springs
and new brake lines.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, smooth idle and off I went for my Swedish sports
car experience. It had nice acceleration, good handling and bias
free braking. The interior is very ergonomically designed so it was
an easy driving experience. All functions were working at the time
of my drive.
A not oft seen sports car with a neat design, quality build and
overall very nice preserved condition. A definite keeper if you are
into the Nord influence and quality of build.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
