Introduction
Isaac Wass
Volvo rarely produced coupés, which makes you wonder why, especially when they succeeded in designing something this striking.
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 with Jensen, 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 1800E to ~130bhp.
This lovely 1800E has been with our vendor, Nic, for the past five years, Nic carried out some body restoration just after he bought the car, including a full bare metal respray, Nic owned a bodyshop perviously for over 20 years so was very selective on which bodyshop he chose to do the work.
The car is MOT and ULEZ exempt.
This listing was written from information supplied by Isaac after meeting Nic the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.
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Full Transparency
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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REGISTER SIMILARAsk Questions
Hello Nic,
If I can sort out the commitments I will try and get to see you – Whilst writing can you tell me if the car has an automatic choke (or is it a manual pull switch on the dashboard)
Regards again – Tony.
Hi Tony,
We can help arrange a viewing for you, if you could send an email to hello@tradeclassics.com, we just need to do a couple of checks first.
Thanks,
Colin.
Hi Tony, it’s a manual pull knob choke.
Nic
Hello Nic,
I am watching the progress on your car, and whichever way it goes I would like to thank you for your liaison and tolerance with all my questions.
As we reach the end can you tell me if you have put a reserve on the bids, I’m not sure if Trade Classics show this on the site, – there is nothing at this time.
Any guidance with this ?
Good luck in any event
Anthony.
Hi, we do indeed have a reserve set by the seller Nic. When it is met, you’ll see the listing update to say “Reserve Met”.
High bidder gets first refusal on post auction offers, so you really need to be in it to win it (eyes emoji). 🙂
Best,
Kulraj – Trade Classics
The glass screen will be fitted, hopefully next week or asap.
Hello Nic (& Colin from Admin)
Thanks for your message/s – I would have preferred to
personally inspect the car, but it appears now that the visit wont be achieved before the end of the auction – What I will need to know however is whether you have managed to replace and fit that Windscreen please?
Most other things I can review from the Trade Classics advertisement.
Kind regards – Tony.
Next week , the screen arrives on Thursday and I have it booked in on Friday- Nic
Hello Nic,,
Any update regarding the installation of the replacement windscreen? – Can you confirm that this will be done before the end of the auction please.
Similarly has the heated rear window been fixed?
I am 200+ miles from you – what preferences do you have regarding a visit which may be possible.
Kind regards – Tony.
Hi, the glass is ordered and I’m just awaiting delivery. As soon as it arrives I will be organising its fitting.
I’m still awaiting the auto electrician to contact me, I will chase up and as far as a visit is concerned I’m available anytime apart from next Wednesday
Regards
Nic
Hello Nic,
Apologies for burdening you with a substantial amount
of questions, however its the only way!
You have been helpful and tolerant, but as you will appreciate to rectify these issues would be at considerable additional cost beyond the purchase price.
(as an example to repair the clock is £100.)
I understand that many of the questions may relate to previous ownership, from which you have no idea.
The very nature of Auctions is to protect you from recourse , so a buyer would have to take a risk if things are wrong, a car that is 50 Years plus old is bound to have issues, and the questions are intended to minimise that.
I have been very appreciative of your expedient and fair replies, and wish you good luck with subsequent bidding.
Kind regards – Tony.
Hi Tony, I appreciate your comments, thank you. The car, I believe, is a gem and will delight its new owner. Most of the time older cars do have some imperfections which often adds to their charm.
Thanks you once again
Nic
Hello Nic,
OK thanks – do you propose to have the Clock and heated rear window facility repaired before sale? or are you leaving it as is.
Are you having a new rubber seal on the windscreen when it is replaced.
Is there a piece of trim missing on the left side of the
steering column (where the indicator stalk enters)
Do the warning lights on the dashboard for Handbrake &
Overdrive – work.
Are the headlights dipped / flashed etc by a stalk on the steering wheel, or is it a foot operated button?
Thanks again – Tony.
Morning Tony,I have contacted my auto electrician regarding the clock etc and are awaiting a response. Time may well limit his ability to fix, so maybe it’s best if you assume that it will be the responsibility of the new owner. I shall notify you if the problem gets sorted before the end of the auction.
A new rubber seal will be used when fitting the new wind shield, if required.
Handbrake dash light is good but I didn’t think the o/d has a dashboard indicator.
Headlights are dipped by the stalk, I think and there doesn’t appear to be a stalk trim missing, but I could be wrong.
Sorry if some of the answers are slightly vague, but all answered to the best of my knowledge.
Regards
Nic
Hello Nic, we are certainly getting through the questions – It would be helpful if you can verify that the Clock actually is working? and keeping time?
That the Heated rear window similarly.
and that the scratches across both sides of the screen are to receive removal or replacement?
These items can be expensive post purchase, so Im sure you will understand.
many thanks – Tony.
Hi Tony, following on from your questions, the clock and heated screen are not working . I have spoken to my auto electrician and he’s pretty sure that it’s a fuse since the light for the heated screen does come on.
I have ordered a new front screen glass from Brookhouse Volvo, so please assume that this will be all good.
Hope the above helps
Regards
Nic
Hello again, please can you answer the following –
16 hours ago
I believe that the front seats aren’t leather? (They are plastic over- covers)
Is the Radiator serviceable – it appears to have leaks and considerable corrosion.
Is the Volvo nose badge damaged – picture indicates.
The Fan in the engine is a none standard part have you had it replaced. the normal volvo part is in fact yellow.
The radiator has visible corrosion (see pictures)
Can you verify that the heated rear window works?
Was the engine cylinder head converted for using unleaded fuel – what date please.
Has the car ever had a substantial service on the gearbox, back axle, and braking system.?
Does the car have an operating overdrive.
Many thanks Tony
Hi again Tony, the seat covers are not leather but original, I believe.
No issues with the radiator and does not leak.
The nose cone badge is missing some of its black enamel, but a very easy fix.
I have not replaced the fan and I wasn’t aware that the primal was yellow.
I need to check the rear heated window since it has never been used.
The engine was converted to run on unleaded by the previous owner, I think there is an invoice attached.
I have not undertaken and major works on the axle, braking system or gearbox and there is not any previous invoices to suggest so.
The car does have overdrive and it works well.
Hope the above helps
Regards
Nic
I believe that the front seats aren’t leather? (They are plastic over- covers)
Is the Radiator serviceable – it appears to have leaks and considerable corrosion.
The Windscreen has scratches visible at both sides.
Is the Volvo nose badge damaged – picture indicates.
The Fan in the engine is a none standard part have you had it replaced. the normal volvo part is in fact yellow.
Can you confirm that the Heater and fan is operative.
Does the Heated rear window work.
Does the Horn work.
in 2019 you had the quarter panels and a new front panel replaced – Was this due to rot?
What work was completed on the engine in 2021.
When was this car last serviced?
Many thanks – Anthony.
Hi Anthony, Thanks for your interest.
The seats, I believe , are original and in good order.
The radiator has no leaks and I’m not aware of any corrosion.
The windscreen has been marked when the recent MOT was completed and I’m I. The process of discussing this with the MOT centre and will be rectified.
The heater and fan is working, as does the horn. I have never had the opportunity to use the rear heated window so I’m not aware that it isn’t working.
The various panels were replaced once we took it down to bare metal, no rot just in poor condition and this was the ideal time to replace them.
No major engine work was undertaken, just a service eg oil and filters etc.
The car was last serviced, eg engine filters and plugs in 2022 and is probably due for another shortly although it’s done very few miles since then.
Hope the above answers your question’s .
Regards
Nic
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right now
Hello Nic, Does the Clock work.
Are the sun visors ‘Solid’
Any damage to headlining?
Front seats – these are plastic covers? – are there the original Leather seats beneath?
Is there a tool kit?
There are no papers/ history during 1970/ late 1980.
The last recorded mileage- starts at 2009, 38363. to date. = 43,000 miles. what proof of mileage exists from 1971 to to 2009 ? – (It is a possibility that the 43,000 miles shown may actually be 1,43000 miles.) any evidence of
this period?
front and back bumpers require re;chroming?
Is the rubber gearstick gaiter damaged
Drivers door gap is Excessive?
Boot lid has large ‘gap’
Windscreen is scratched at both sides -(with wipers? )
Speedometer working correctly?
Radio
I realise that the car is over 50 years old, however the advertised mileage is a question,that poses itself as extremely low during that time, particularly having had 7 owners!
Has the car been stored for any length of time?
Any answers to the above would be much appreciated –
Thankyou — Tony.
Hello Nic, Does the Clock work.
Are the sun visors ‘Solid’
Any damage to headlining?
Front seats – these are plastic covers? – are there the original Leather seats beneath?
Is there a tool kit?
There are no papers/ history during 1970/ late 1980.
The last recorded mileage- starts at 2009, 38363. to date. = 43,000 miles. what proof of mileage exists from 1971 to to 2009 ? – (It is a possibility that the 43,000 miles shown may actually be 1,43000 miles.) any evidence of
this period?
front and back bumpers require re;chroming?
Is the rubber gearstick gaiter damaged
Drivers door gap is Excessive?
Boot lid has large ‘gap’
Windscreen is scratched at both sides -(with wipers? )
Speedometer working correctly?
Radio
I realise that the car is over 50 years old, however the advertised mileage is a question,that poses itself as extremely low during that time, particularly having had 7 owners!
Has the car been stored for any length of time?
Any answers to the above would be much appreciated –
Thankyou — Tony.
Hello Nic, Does the Clock work.
Are the sun visors ‘Solid’
Any damage to headlining?
Front seats – these are plastic covers? – are there the original Leather seats beneath?
Is there a tool kit?
There are no papers/ history during 1970/ late 1980.
The last recorded mileage- starts at 2009, 38363. to date. = 43,000 miles. what proof of mileage exists from 1971 to to 2009 ? – (It is a possibility that the 43,000 miles shown may actually be 1,43000 miles.) any evidence of
this period?
front and back bumpers require re;chroming?
Is the rubber gearstick gaiter damaged
Drivers door gap is Excessive?
Boot lid has large ‘gap’
Windscreen is scratched at both sides -(with wipers? )
Speedometer working correctly?
Radio
I realise that the car is over 50 years old, however the advertised mileage is a question,that poses itself as extremely low during that time, particularly having had 7 owners!
Has the car been stored for any length of time?
Any answers to the above would be much appreciated –
Thankyou — Tony.
Hi Tony, thanks for looking my Volvo and I shall try my best to respond to all questions.
The clock does work but I obviously difficult to substantiate the mileage due to the lack of records in its early years. The headline is good as are the sun visors. I and my valeted believe the seats to be original, possible faux leather, but the originality is great.
There are tools with the car, but not a full kit, car jack and spanner’s.
Sadly, I have no earlier records for the vehicle so cannot provide evidence for the mileage.
The front and rear bumpers, I believe, are in good order as per the photos.
The gear stick gaitor has a slight nick at the top and the drivers door could possibly need a small amount of adjustment. The boot gaps are satisfactory in my opinion.
Speedometer is working.
The car may well of been stored in previous years but again I have not direct paperwork supporting this . Over the last five years of my ownership, I have done very few miles.
I hope that answers the queries.
Regards
Nic
Vehicle Location
Guisborough
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