Volvo P1800

In the mid-fifties, Volvo introduced the sports model P 1900, with a fiberglass body, based on units from the Volvo PV444 model. The car was not in demand, and only 68 copies were produced. At the beginning of 1957, the question of the need for a sports model production program arose again.

It was decided to develop a new sports coupe. And already in January 1960, the P 1800 model with a beautiful two-seater body from the Italian studio "Ghia" was presented at the Brussels exhibition.

The car was built on a shortened Volvo Amazon/120 base. Under the long hood of the P 1800 was a specially developed 108.5 ci (1.778 cc), 100-horsepower engine.

The coupe was equipped with a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive. Suspension front: independent lever-spring; rear: solid beam on trailing arms; and torsion bars.

Due to the lack of production capacity in Sweden, assembly of the car began at a small Jensen Motors facility in the suburbs of Birmingham, England. In 1963, the assembly was moved to a new plant in Gothenburg. Since then, the letter "S" has appeared in the name of the coupe, indicating the place of assembly—Sweden.

Development

In 1966, the power of the 108.5 ci (1.778 cc) engine increased to 115 horsepower. In 1968, a 121 ci (1.986 cc) power unit with a capacity of 118 hp appeared.

In 1969, the 121 ci (1.986 cc) engine was equipped with electronic fuel injection, which increased the power to 130 hp. The version with this engine, the P1800E, had a top speed of 118 mph (190 kph), and acceleration to 100 kph (62 mph) took 9.5 seconds.

Photo: "1969 Volvo P1800 coupe" by sv1ambo

In 1972, the latest version of the coupe went on sale, with a body similar to a hatchback. This model received the index "1800ES." Subsequently, the development of a similar body shape was reflected in the later Volvo 480 model and even in the modern C30 model.

Photo: "Volvo P1800 ES" by nakhon100

Production of the P 1800 ended on June 27, 1973; a total of 47,492 copies of this coupe were produced. Most of the cars produced were exported to the USA, where they were very popular. This is not surprising, since in 1961 the coupe received a special prize for best design at the California Exhibition.

Volvo P1800 Price

The Volvo P1800, a shining star in the automotive world, continues to captivate car enthusiasts with its timeless design and remarkable performance. But before embarking on the journey to owning this iconic piece of automotive history, it's essential to understand the pricing landscape.

As with any classic car, the price of a Volvo P1800 varies depending on its condition, rarity, and historical significance. A meticulously restored and pristine example may command a higher price, while a project car in need of TLC can offer a more affordable entry point.

On average, you can expect to find a Volvo P1800 in the range of $15,000 to $50,000. However, keep in mind that rare variants or limited editions may fetch significantly higher prices, reaching into the six-figure territory. These exceptional specimens are often sought after by collectors willing to invest in a piece of automotive heritage.

Factors that influence the pricing include the year of production, mileage, engine type, presence of original features, and the overall condition of the vehicle. Originality is highly valued in the classic car realm, so a P1800 with its original engine, interior, and exterior color combination will likely command a premium.

For those with a passion for restoration, project cars or vehicles in need of some mechanical refurbishment can be found at a more accessible price point. These diamonds in the rough offer a chance to bring a classic Volvo P1800 back to its former glory, providing a fulfilling and satisfying project for any car enthusiast.

Ultimately, the pricing of a Volvo P1800 is a balance between the car's desirability and its condition. Whether you're dreaming of owning a showroom-ready masterpiece or embarking on a restoration adventure, be prepared to invest both financially and emotionally in this extraordinary piece of automotive history. The journey may be as rewarding as the destination itself.