Volvo P1800S Coupe

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Volvo’s stylish P1800 was designed in 1957 by Swede Pelle Petterson while working at Italian design house Frua.

Long, low with streamlined curves, rounded nose, steeply raked rear screen and flanked by a pair of tail fins, it looked effortlessly cool from the outset. Due to behind the scenes manufacturing negotiations, production did not actually begin until 1960, the first cars being built by Jensen in the UK, before production moved to Gothenburg in 1963. It was at this point that the model was designated the P1800S.

Based on the shortened floorplan of the Amazon saloon, it shared many of the Amazon’s mechanicals with independent front suspension, a coil sprung live rear axle and disc/drum brakes. Power came from Volvo’s trusty B18 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox with optional overdrive. Fitted with twin SU carbs and pumping out some 115bhp, it could propel the coupe to over 100mph and keep it there all day.

Despite a hefty price tag of £1,800 in the UK (more than an E-Type Jaguar), sales were brisk from the start and received a significant boost when Roger Moore’s Simon Templar was seen running around in a white one in the cult TV series ‘The Saint’ from 1962 until 1969.

This 1964 P1800S has been comprehensively restored by the current custodian who acquired the car in 2018. Nothing is known of its life prior to this, although bidders are advised that it was given a Cat C on the insurance register way back in 2000.

Work began by completely stripping the car to the bare shell. As the photographs and bills that accompany the car show, it was then subject to a total structural refurbishment including new floors, complete sill sections, front wings, front panel, rear lower wing sections, lower door sections, outriggers etc before receiving a complete bare metal respray.

The bodywork was finished with the addition of new bumpers, windscreen and a complete set of window rubbers. The interior has been professionally re-trimmed with all seats, doors and ancillaries resplendent in beautiful mid-brown leather, these being accompanied by a complete set of new carpets. In addition, the suspension has been overhauled with new shock absorbers, a full brake overhaul and a new exhaust system. The engine was removed, checked over and refitted after all ancillaries were either replaced or refurbished.

With numerous bills, we are told in excess of £30,000, many from Brookhouse Volvo and photographic evidence of the incredible restoration, the car is now ready for use again. In beautiful condition and presented with a new MOT for the sale this is an opportunity to own a real Swedish stunner.