Volvo developed a reputation for producing cars with bulletproof mechanical components and conservative styling. However, that changed dramatically in 1961 when it released the P1800. The vehicle underwent a series of evolutionary and slight name changes, with this 1800S rolling off the line in 1967. It is a complete and seemingly solid classic that could represent an excellent project candidate for those preferring a slice of Scandinavian flair. The seller has listed the Volvo here on eBay in Nashville, Tennessee. The solitary bid of $5,000 is below the reserve, although the listing statistics suggest the figure will climb as this auction heads into its final hours.

Volvo was initially reluctant to proceed with the Italian-designed P1800 project. It acknowledged that it didn’t possess the expertise to produce what was essentially a low-volume sports car. Therefore, it eventually handed the task to Jensen Motors, which was contracted to build 10,000 vehicles. However, Jensen’s quality control system lacked both quality and control, forcing Volvo to terminate the contract and move production in-house in 1963 after 6,000 cars had left the West Bromwich factory. The decision motivated Volvo to begin referring to the car as the 1800S, recognizing that the car was now built in Sweden. The first owner ordered our feature car in 1967, selecting Code 70 Red from the fifteen available paint shades offered during that model year. The vehicle presents quite nicely in its current form, with no significant cosmetic shortcomings. The trim is in good order, and the glass is clear. The seller acknowledges the presence of rust on the underside, but doesn’t elaborate on its severity. Reassuringly, the 1800S spent its life until 2016 in California, which may have limited the damage. Although the vehicle is of unibody construction, rust repairs are typically relatively straightforward. I would recommend carefully inspecting the inner section of the rockers just behind the front wheel arches. This section is triple-skinned, and repairs can be complicated and expensive. If that area is sound, this Volvo could be a winner.

I was bracing for the worst when I discovered that this Volvo had spent its life in California. Interior trim and plastic don’t take kindly to extended UV exposure, and it is common to see these cars with tired interiors. The seats exhibit minimal wear and no evidence of developing rips or splits. The carpet is acceptable for a driver-grade classic, and the dash looks excellent. The typically prone pad shows no signs of distress, and the Pioneer CD player appears to be the only addition.

Volvo’s B-Series four-cylinder engines are the unsung heroes of the automotive world. They don’t typically produce mountainous power and torque, but they are exceptionally tough and long-lived. They found favor during the 1960s in rallying due to that reliability, and continue to serve successfully in domestic competition to this day. This 1800S features the 1,778cc B18B four producing, according to the company’s Sales Brochure, 115hp. Power feeds to the back wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, and while that doesn’t sound like a recipe for excitement, the curb weight of 2,470 lbs allows surprising performance. The seller indicates that this Volvo has hibernated since 2017, but that it starts and runs. They say that it needs new tires, a new battery, and a tune-up. That might be all that stands between this 1800S and the open road.

Discontinuing the “1800” series in 1973 marked the end of Volvo’s sporting credentials for many years. Some people cite the 262C as its successor, but the reality was that the 262C was focused more on luxury than performance. However, cars like the later 850R and the T5 demonstrated that the company could still produce performance models. This 1967 1800S carries the hallmarks of a promising project that potentially combines reliability with above-average performance and stunning good looks. It has generated plenty of interest since it hit the market, and it will be fascinating to learn if it can find a new home.