We can thank Assar Gabrielsson, one of two founders of Volvo, and Chevy’s Corvette for bringing us the P1800 and its variants. Like his peers, Gabrielsson attended auto shows worldwide when new models were introduced. Ideas flew easily across borders, as new cars from one maker sparked ideas at other makers. Too, understanding customer preferences was paramount, and to that end, Gabrielsson noticed the Corvette in particular during a visit to General Motors in 1953 as well as the proliferation of foreign sports cars on our soil. Inspired, he engaged Bill Tritt over at Glasspar (G2, Kaiser Darrin) to design and build a sports car based on the PV444, which arrived in 1952 as the P1900. Build quality was poor, so after only 68 examples were made, it was back to the drawing board. The next effort would be built on the Amazon 120 platform, and Volvo’s chairman wanted it styled in Italy. Instead, the winning design was created by Swede Pelle Petterson – an outcome that was seen as a disappointment by management. The next struggle involved manufacturing, originally assigned to Karmann. But Volkswagen threatened to pull its contracts from Karmann if the company made a car for its competitor. Consequently, Jensen Motors was employed to make the bodies. These early cars are distinguished by upturned ends on the front bumpers; only 6000 were made before production moved to Sweden. Today’s example is a garage-kept 1966 1800S with one long term owner since the 1970s, advertised here on craigslist for $16,900. This car is located in Easton, Pennsylvania, and we have Mitchell G to thank for the tip!
Until 1969, Volvo deployed its twin-carb’d B18 four-cylinder in the new sports car. Displacing 1.8 liters and good for 109 hp by 1966, the engine has a reputation for reliability: the record for longest distance traveled by a production car in non-commercial use resides with Irv Gordon, who drove a whopping 3.2 million miles in his ’66 !800S. A four-speed manual gearbox was standard, but the optional electric overdrive – as found on this example – was popular. The underside is wearing a fair bit of undercoating. The seller indicates this car runs well, though there’s room for cosmetic improvement in the engine bay!
The upholstery and dash are cracked; seat covers hide the worst of the damage. The rear seat has a few hunks missing from its bolster. On the other hand, the underside of the trunk lid retains its insulation, and the spare sits in the cavity, along with a scissor jack.
This example was repainted to the factory color in the 1980s, and the floors were repaired. Rust is poking through a few areas yet again, but close-up photos of the affected areas are not provided. In addition to this sleek sports car, Volvo made the 1800ES – a wagon version, but only for two model years. No matter which version you want, a price in the low to mid teens should put a driver-quality example in your garage.
1st, I’m glad the seller acknowledged the fact it was a copy of Irvs car, and 2nd, a tip of the hat to the author for mentioning that as well. A more solid testament of a cars quality than the Irv Gordon reference, can’t be found and is all I need. Rest in peace pal, one 3 million+ mile driver to another.
These cars are hard not to like. My overall favorite is the 1800 ES which we almost got to buy new but couldn’t get the color we wanted within the time frame we had. Maybe kick the price down a couple K to cover the the fixing up of the needed areas and go have some driving fun.
Wow, I’m only about 50 miles south of Easton PA, and I had a Volvo phase about 30 years back, so I know how simple these engines are. The SU carbs have few parts compared to US carbs, and they are easy to synchronize with a Uni Syn tool or even a hose to your ear, listening for the same sound in each. As stated, these engines are hearty, and the Volvo bodies are pretty heavy duty. This one looks nice on the outside, but, also as said, why not take some time to clean and repaint the valve cover, replace the filters and clean the old grime. Spend a little money on seat covers. The price should be more like $10 – $12,000, if it is as good as in text, I think. But the lack of care does not indicate that form the photos.
Even 50 years + later, these still drive well. When new they were far more solid feeling than the products of our big 3, and they still feel stout. And, I, for one, think they look good from all angles, both the coupe and the wagon version. IF I had the $ this would be in my not too vast collection.
I’d be a little concerned as to why the top of the rear carb is turned 90 degrees off? Also, unless the 2 holes on the filter covers where the bolts are missing have tape or equivalent, you’re letting in some unfiltered air
Fordor, I didn’t catch the top error on the rear carb, but I did notice the dirty air filters, the easily cleaned and painted valve cover and the general grime in the compartment. That makes for concern as to maintenance. Price too high anyway.
I hate to point this out on such a superb example but the driver door appears to have a respray with ever so slightly lighter shade of red. But when you’re asking g above premium price all secrets should be made clear.
Michelle
Where did you get the Corvette tie from?
Never heard that before.
I see the driver 1800 coupes with needs are $12-20k now.
Michelle
Where did you get the Corvette tie from?
Never heard that before.
I see the driver 1800 coupes with needs are $12-20k now.
Michelle
Where did you get the Corvette tie from?
Never heard that before.
I see the driver 1800 coupes with needs are $12-20k now.