Vehicle Description
If an automobile ever represented more than met the eye it was the
Volvo P1800.�The unassuming P1800 was Volvo's sports car, produced
from 1961-1972, combining simple attractive styling and good
performance with Volvo reliability.� The P1800 was developed
out-of-house, led by Volvo engineering consultant Helmer Petterson
with the purpose of gaining entry into new markets with Italian
styling and promised performance.� The design was credited to
Italian coachbuilder Frua - but was in-fact drawn by Petterson's
son, Pelle Pettersen, who later gained fame as one of Sweden's
greatest yacht designers and an America's Cup skipper guiding two
Swedish challengers. The P1800 prototype was first shown in 1957
but took four long years to reach production, before British sports
car maker Jensen began building the P1800 for Volvo in 1961.
Examples of the P1800 have been driven a million miles and more.
The P1800 originated with a 1.8-Liter in-line four-cylinder engine
producing 100 hp mated with a 4-speed manual transmission, in a
sturdy 96.5 in wheelbase chassis.� The coupe was the only body
style offered prior to 1972 and quickly found an enthusiastic
following.� Popularity probably also came from the regular
appearance of the white P1800 coupe driven by Roger Moore in the
popular British television series "The Saint".� The P1800 might
have found an even greater following, if not for the fact that the
1961 introduction came on top of the Jaguar XK-E -priced only
slightly less than the E-Type. Ongoing development of the P1800
ultimately led to a larger 130 hp 1,986 cc B20E engine with a
revised camshaft, Bosch electronic fuel injection and four-wheel
disc brakes. �Top speed was quoted at 118 mph (190 kph). The car on
offer is a fabulous example of this final iteration of the classic
coupe.� Sold new in Hollywood California, this longtime California
and Arizona car is an amazing original car that has never had, nor
needed a restoration.� The previous owner looked long and hard for
the right example, to join the multiple Gullwings, Porsches and
similar automobiles in his collection, and owned this car simply
because he enjoyed it!� This is an honest, clean, well- detailed
automobile without being fussy, which can be enjoyed for many, many
more years.� Fastidiously maintained throughout its lifetime, this
car is one of the best P1800s we have ever seen. In addition to the
B20 fuel injected engine this car is equipped with a 4-speed
overdrive transmission, and was equipped when new with factory AC,
however the compressor is not installed on the car at this time.�
The car drives wonderfully, steers and stops straight and shows
good power, and is a delight to drive. �The car presents itself as
a restored car, with gorgeous paint and chrome, and excellent panel
fit.� The seats are beautifully finished in leather, not vinyl, the
dashboard is in very good condition showing no cracks as these cars
are prone to, and the gauges are all clear.� The front and rear
seats and door panels are also in fabulous condition, with good
carpet that may be original and has been well maintained. �Property
provided with the sale includes a plastic sleeve with original
factory material and a new instruction book, owner ID card,
extensive service receipts dating from 1986 and including those
showing a head rebuild and bottom end refreshening in 2002, and a
binder filled with restoration and parts receipts since 2013.� This
is truly a superb late production Volvo P1800 with all of the
benefits of ongoing development that can be owned and driven
enthusiastically, ready for its next caretaker.