Update 6/28/11 – Bidding ended on this item at $11k with the reserve met.

The Volvo P1800, is one of, if not the most attractive car Volvo has ever built. Volvo began building the P1800 in 1961, using an 1800 cc engine. The first P1800’s used the B18 four cylinder engine, which was essentially half of Volvo’s B36 V8 truck engine. This meant the P1800’s 100 hp engine was extremely strong and reliable, as it used a five main bearing crankshaft. In 1963 Volvo moved production from Jensen Motors in the U.K. to their Lundby plant in Sweden, which led to the name change to 1800S and an increase in horsepower to 108 hp. This particular 1800s is in excellent condition and the owner claims it is 100% original. Given the wear and tear, as well as the light rust visible in the trunk, I’d actually believe it. You can see how excellent the paint appears for its age, that is if it is the original paint. All the chrome appears to be in great shape too, including the full length side body trim. Find it on eBay in Portland, Oregon.

The interior appears to be in excellent condition, with minimal wear to the seats. The only part of this interior that’s showing its age is the carpet, which can easily be replaced for under $300. Or you could leave it as it is and enter it in the survivor class at car shows.

Here you can see the light rust in the trunk. The seller claims there is no rust on the car, so maybe the trunk just has lots of grim in it. We would guess its more likely to be light surface rust, which can easily be fixed with a good rust converter treatment.

The engine and engine compartment look extremely clean. From the looks of it, it’s the original B18 block with the original twin SU carbs. Given the reliability of Volvo’s B18 engine and the current condition of this car we would clean this car up a bit and just drive it as is. We would even be proud to take this car to a car show in its current condition. And given the beautiful lines of the P1800, it’s a sure head turner.