Istorie
This Volvo 1800S remains extremely original with the exception of one quality repaint completed an estimated 25 years ago. The core structure of this Volvo is outstanding as retains all its original uni-body panels, doors, hood and decklid, original floors and original rockers and all remain in amazing preserved condition.
Full description
Volvo was best known in the 1950s for making sturdy but somewhat stodgy sedans in the mold of the PV544 and the 122 Amazon. In the 1950s, they flirted with a sports car with the fiberglass P1900, but quality was miserable as were the driving dynamics of the car. Volvo took another stab at a sporty car with the P1800 of 1961.
Design of the car was until very recently attributed to Frua of Italy, but in reality, it was a family affair, done primarily by a then-young Pelle Pettersen the son of 544 designer Helmer Pettersen. The car at least looked Italian, very much a product of the 1950s rather than the 1960s with neat tail fins and a tall beltline. Early cars were assembled by Jensen in West Bromwich, England.
Quality of the Jensen-built cars was, however, not up to Volvo’s standards (and the cars were notoriously rust-prone) so production was shifted to Volvo’s Gothenburg plant in Sweden in 1963 and the model name transitioned from P1800 to 1800S. A few years later, in 1969, the original 1.8-liter B18 engine was replaced with the 2.0-liter B20 for an added 18 hp. Both engines came with dual, English-made SU carburetors.
In 1970, the 1800E came with a host of changes including a new (and slightly less charming) instrument panel and Bosch electronic fuel injection, one of the first cars to use this system. The last major variant was the 1800ES, a two-door wagon with a glass tailgate. Nearly as lovely as the coupe, it remains one of the most successful variations on the sports wagon theme.
The car remains extremely original with the exception of one quality repaint completed an estimated 25 years ago. The core structure of this Volvo is outstanding as retains all its original uni-body panels, doors, hood and decklid, original floors and original rockers and all remain in amazing preserved condition. The interior remains outstanding original showing the perfect amount of patina for the age of the vehicle. The car is powered by its bullet proof B18 inline 4 cylinder engine fed by recently rebuilt and tuned twin SU carburetors and 4 speed manual transmission.
The 1966 Volvo 1800S is a must consider for any collector, enthusiast who values unique cars that possess design excellence, originality and mechanical fitness.
This unit has 31,283 miles (approx. 50,345 km) on board.
