Introduction
Paul Wright
Volvo didn't very often produce coupés - you have to ask yourself why, when they managed to create something this good looking.
Launched in 1961, the Volvo P1800 was Volvo’s answer to a 2+2 front engine, rear-wheel drive sports tourer. The body styling was done by Swedish designer Pelle Petterson, with the first prototype ready in 1957, known as the X1. This was driven to the headquarters of Karmann in West Germany, who would take on the tooling and building of the P1800. Unfortunately, this was cut short when Volkswagen stepped in with the threat of cancelling their contracts with Karmann if they took on the project, as they saw the P1800 as competition.
With a contract for 10,000 units, it didn’t take long before Volvo realised that the quality control from the Brits was sub-par, and in 1963, after just 6,000 cars were produced, Volvo ended the contract with Jensen and moved production to their Gothenburg factory in Sweden, where the car became known as the 1800 S. The S denotes they were made in Sweden. The 1800 S was also given an 8bhp power increase until 1969, when the B18 engine was replaced with the B20B engine producing 118 bhp. Then, in 1970, came the addition of fuel injection and a revised camshaft, pushing the P1800 E to 130bhp, and this is the model we have here.
This charming P1800E has been with Martin for ~1 year, and in that time, he has covered approximately ~50 miles in the 70s classic, and spent some time getting some recommission work completed on the car after it hadn't been in regular use prior. With recent items including brakes calipers, brake master cylinder, clutch cable, and a service including spark plugs and rotor/points, this P1800E is now looking to be used as intended.
This auction listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Martin the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.
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We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.
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8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.
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Update – We’ve made a correction to the listing, this being a 1970 P1800 with the fuel injection, is known as the P1800E. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics
Hi Martin ,I like the car and may bid on it ,I have always liked the p1800 ,I noticed from a mot check that there was some corrosion on the under body etc , has this all been addressed or still outstanding thanks PeterMacTavish
Where was the corrosion?
The corrosion was just behind the front wheel arch.
The corrosion identified at the MOT was addressed
Vehicle Location
Nantwich
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