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Volvo P1800 1971

General description : Model History

The Volvo P1800 was a 2+2, rear-wheel drive sports car manufactured from 1961 to 1973. Originally a coupé, it was re-designed as a shooting-brake (the P1800ES) for the final two years of its production, from 1972 to 1973. Marketed as more of a stylish touring car rather than a sports car, the P1800 became widely known when driven by actor Roger Moore in the hit television series ‘The Saint’, which aired from 1962 to 1969.

The car was presented to the public for the first time at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1960. For production, Volvo turned to Jensen Motors, whose production lines were under-utilised. The Linwood factory in Scotland was in turn sub-contracted by Jensen to create the unibody shells, which were then taken by rail to be assembled at Jensen in West Bromwich, England. In September 1960, the first production P1800 (for the 1961 model year) left Jensen for an eager public. The first P1800s utilised Volvo’s 1800cc B18 engine with twin SU carburettors, producing 100hp.

In 1963, following quality control issues with Jensen, production was moved to Volvo's Lundby Plant in Gothenburg, and the car's name was changed to the 1800S – the ‘S’ stood for Sverige (Sweden). The engine was improved with an additional 8hp, and was updated again in 1966 to 115hp. In 1969 the B18 engine was replaced with the 2-litre B20B variant of the B20 with 118hp, although the designation 1800S remained.

For 1970 numerous changes came with the fuel-injected 1800E, the ‘E’ standing for Einspritz (German for fuel injection). Its B20E engine featured Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection and a revised camshaft, producing 130hp without sacrificing fuel economy. Top speed was now 118 mph with acceleration from 0-60 mph taking just 9.5 seconds. The 1800E was also the first 1800 with four-wheel disc brakes.

Equipment

Steel Blue Metallic paintwork (102), Black leather upholstery, 15-inch ATS alloy wheels, Air conditioning, Manual transmission, Power steering, Four-wheel disc brakes, Driver and passenger-side rear view mirrors, Vintage-style radio with auxiliary input, Front and rear seat belts, Spare wheel.

Exterior

The iconic lines of the P1800 look magnificent in Steel Blue Metallic, the paintwork retaining a deep shine and uniform colour throughout. Looking closer, there are no unsightly dents to report and the panel gaps are pleasingly consistent all round. Better still, in 2018 the car was treated to all new brightwork and seals costing in excess of £3,700 for the parts alone. Overall this stunning 1800E presents extremely well, with only a handful of discreet paint blemishes to note on very close inspection. The current owner has dedicated a huge amount of time and money (circa £30k) into really bringing the car up to scratch both mechanically and cosmetically – and it shows.

VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Interior

Following a recent refurbishment by marque specialists Templar and Wilde Limited (costing just shy of £5,500) the elegant Volvo cabin presents to a very high standard indeed. Open the door and you’re greeted with unworn seats, a handsome wood and leather-trimmed dash, unmarked door cards, and pristine carpets throughout. A subtle vintage-style radio has also been fitted with the added benefit of an auxiliary input. What’s more, this example also boasts a fully operational air conditioning system, as fitted from new.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Lifting the bonnet reveals a remarkably tidy engine bay. In excess of £19k has been spent on the mechanics alone since 2019 with marque specialists Templar and Wilde Limited, including a £6k full engine rebuild to factory B20E specification. Additional works undertaken by Templar and Wilde include the installation of power steering, gearbox and clutch repairs, a new fuel tank, fuel pump, cold start jet, heater fan unit, and plenty of fettling to ensure the car performs “on the button”.

The 1800E starts first turn of the key and idles effortlessly up to temperature. It’s a wonderfully easy car to drive, with a smooth manual gearbox and very respectable 130hp. The recent upgrade of power steering makes all the difference and certainly adds to the driving pleasure at lower speeds.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The car sits on rare and desirable ATS alloy wheels, an upgrade from Volvo in the early ‘70s. The wheels have been fully refurbished to a very high standard and present with the correct black centre badges. They are shod in a matching set of Yokohama tyres that retain ample tread having seen little use. Out on the road the disc brakes perform admirably on test, bringing the car to halt with ease. The calipers are finished in red and look great alongside the sporty five-spoke alloys.

History File

This handsome left-hand drive 1800E was first registered in California in 1971. Believed a one-family owner car from new, it was imported into the UK in 2017 with all taxes paid on arrival. The V5C shows only one UK keeper, the current owner, who has spent in excess of £30k bringing the car up to his exacting standards, both cosmetically and mechanically. A stunning example ready to be driven and very much enjoyed by its new owner for many years to come.

http://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/volvo-1800e-for-sale/

1971 Volvo P1800 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £32995.

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