“A lot of potential and a strong foundation for restoration,” proclaims the seller of this 1961 Volvo P1800. It’s a barn find, equipped with all the trimmings, and some parts accompany it, but not all of the parts shown – which exact ones aren’t clear. Alright, let’s take a closer look and see what’s here. We can thank Zappenduster for this find; it’s located in Mondovi, Wisconsin, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $7,500.
I will admit I’m not exactly an ardent Volvo fan, but I’ve always had a thing for the 1800 in all its trim levels and body styles. Offered between 1961 and 1973, the P1800, later known as the 1800S, E, and ES, saw duty as a two-door coupe and station wagon, often referred to as a “shooting brake”. Total production reached about 47,000 units, with the majority being the coupe variety. Parked for twenty years, the seller tells us, “There is body damage on the rear left with a small amount of surface rust near the dent, but otherwise the car is solid with no significant rust issues known. Floors, structure, and trim are intact, making this a good starting point compared to many projects.” The exterior images are greatly limited, so there’s little visual evidence of this car’s true condition. The seller also states, “all original components are included with the car. Items on the ground next to the car are not included.” I’m not exactly sure what all that stuff on the ground is, looks like some trim rings maybe?
The 100 hp, 1,800 CC, in-line four-cylinder engine is said to “turn freely” and is not locked up, though the radiator is in the trunk, so this one’s a non-runner. Driving the rear wheels is a four-speed manual transmission, and it is supposed to still be in place. It’s not clear what the engine will require to return to operating status, assuming that it’s possible as it sits.
The interior has been reduced to strictly a storage area. The instrument panel looks OK, and the seats are present, but the environment’s overall condition leaves a lot to be desired. As previously stated, the floors are claimed to be “intact“.
As I researched Volvo 1800’s, I was surprised to learn that guitar great Duane Allman of Allman Bros. Band fame owned a 1970 1800E that he purchased with royalties earned from his work on the Derek and the Dominoes “Layla” album. Well, lo and behold, I found an image of his car, discovered in Alabama in 2007. Allman was killed in a motorcycle crash in late ’71, so it would be interesting to know a bit about this car’s past. Obviously, the years haven’t been too kind to it.
OK, let’s cut to the chase. These are cool, well-engineered cars, and I imagine owning and driving one would be a satisfying and enjoyable experience. But $7,500 for this crubbage covered partsmobile? I’m not feelin’ it, how about you?
Been sitting close to 20 years, and posted 29 weeks ago.
That’s all you need to know, good deals don’t last.
Steve R
All the mold on that interior has me itchy.
The back fender crunch has me walking away.
I noticed back quarter crease right off too. First, I had to ask Alexa what is the meaning of “crubbage”. She thought I meant “rubbish”. Then we both realized that Jim made it up! I guess “crap” and “rubbish” and maybe “cabbage”? He had me going, but it sure fits! These cars are “tanks”, heavier than they look and worthy, just not this one for this price.
Ridiculous ask for a car needing major bodywork and an engine rebuild, not to mention everything else. Also I believe the early P1800’s had the “horn” front bumpers, which I’m not seeing here.
I do not believe it to be a 1961, Jensen. The vin plate in the engine compartment is “made in Sweden” not the plate from the first 6000 units “made in the UK”. Also as can be see in the interior there is a grab handle for the passenger, a 1964 feature as well as the OD switch is on the column not on the dash, no bullhorn bumpers, and the air damn on the cowl is a later model. What is the VIN ?
I agree. The Jensen made P1800 also had a “Volvo” script on the roof pillar that was dropped when production of the P1800S began in Sweden.
A friend of mine had an 1800 S that was in the initial batch of cars built in Sweden, and it continued with the Volvo script on the C pillar.
I guess they just used them till they ran out.
I did additional research, looking at the Facebook ad, claiming it in one place to be a 1963. According to the VIN plate, 7932 and a TYPE code of18335. VB.
The plate also states the origin to be Sweden. Findings: It was not made for the US market, it should have overdrive, left hand drive and the B makes it a
P1800S 1963
Correction! If it’s made in Sweden, it is NOT a P1800. It’s an 1800S.
Now, this particular example would be considered an 1800POS.
Good one!
Wrecked, rotten and ruined, but these things sell for some ridiculous prices, so there must be a fan base that will deal with it.
lot of money for a bird crap covered no title Volvo. i am not seeing it.
First 6000 were Jensons. This is later and would be considered a S ( For Swedish).
A total mess.
For that kind of money the least one might expect is to see it out of hibernation, cleaned up some what and parts explained.
It’s no wonder it is still unsold after a month.
Price has too many digits for a formerly rolling total.
A kid with a leaf blower and a bucket of soapy water would have made it look worthy of a second glance.
Interesting side story about Duane Allman’s car. It would be more interesting than this bird turd.
Just one more from the peanut gallery, true Jensen “P”s had solid rims, not vented, and full wheel covers. Also, if all the trim was intact, the chrome strip on the side would swoop up onto the door. It’s as if the seller thought “Oh, here’s an old Volvo sports car, it must be one of the first”, and followed it up with very little research.
Potential??? The only real potential here is the crusher. What an uninspiring heap.
I’d rather find one of those 4 door mutant Aussie Dart/Falcon/Nova dogs with 180 horse 302. And thats saying alot.
I bid each of you, good day!
Funny, so I gave you a thumbs up, however the main issue with this Volvo is the price. If it was $1,000 or so, the mystery of it and likely complete parts available could gain a bid. To someone who has one it could be a deal then.
Having restored a later 1800 ES, this would be a huge project, but doable
Mechanical parts are generally available, thanks to parts sharing with sedans. Volvo’s classic division supplies many parts, even a lot of the trim. And the build quality of these automobiles is astounding
Where else can you get such a unique Italian styled* vehicle with that quality at that price point?
*Pelle Petersen, son of a Volvo executive with zero experience, was hired by Pietro Frua, who “supervised” the kid, who just happed to create a modern classic that looks remarkably like the Ghia Supersonic s, designed by Frua, who’s studio was owned by Ghia. And then he never designed another car. Right
Rust inside the speedometer is a sign.
Rust inside the speedometer is a sign.
Always loved these cars since watching The Saint on tv. I would be much more inclined to find a decent running example before ever attacking this turd covered mess. He’s definitely over priced on it.