Debuting in 1960 and gaining fame through The Saint television series, Volvo’s elegant P1800 Sports Coupe marked a departure from the typically conservative Swedish automaker, despite not being a muscle car.
Originally manufactured by Jensen Motors, production shifted to Sweden in 1963, utilizing Volvo’s reliable 1,782cc four-cylinder engine with overhead valves. Equipped with twin SU carburetors, this engine delivered 100bhp, propelling the sturdy Coupe to a top speed of approximately 105mph. Its conventional running gear included independent front suspension, a live rear axle, and servo-assisted front disc brakes as standard.
The 1963 release of the P1800S, now manufactured in Sweden, boasted enhanced quality control and a power boost to 108bhp. Standardization of fuel injection in 1969 pushed power output to 130bhp, accompanied by the introduction of four-wheel disc brakes. Despite showing signs of aging by the late 1960s, Volvo revitalized the model with the P1800ES sports estate, inspired by the Reliant GTE, prolonging its lifespan into the early 1970s.
Photo Source: RM Sotheby’s
