1966 Volvo P1800S Coupe
The story of the creation of the Volvo P1800 begins back in 1953 when Volvo co-founder and Vice President Assar Gabrielsson visited the USA and while there he had the opportunity to visit GM and see the new Chevrolet Corvette production line at Flint, Michigan. While in the US Gabrielson also observed that European sports cars such as those from Britain, Italy and Germany were becoming popular, especially with celebrities. When their version of the sports car was driven by Roger Moore in the TV series The Saint, sales picked up.
For consignment, a 1966 Volvo P1800S couple, owned by the same family since 1973. In 2013 the mechanics were refreshed by Doherty Automotive in West Chester, PA, a renowned shop in the area for foreign cars, especially Swedish and German. The P1800 model is also infamous for being the Guinness Book or World Record for most mileage with 3.2 million being recorded and verified.
Exterior
Five designers submitted their concepts for the P1800 coupe and the one chosen was actually a Swede, Pelle Peterson. That design, we now see our 1966 example bathed in Graphite Gray, has a front end with some British influence with its single round headlight on the end of the front quarters, and central chrome edged open wide oval grille, indicating perhaps some Italian influence which pervades. Some of the brightwork is in fine condition while other pieces could benefit from some restoration. As we tour visually back, we see a trim spear, high doors, well minded gaps and a slight wrap around windscreen. The roofline dives downward and has an aircraft influence and as it descends to the trunk line, it takes from the upper doors and runs a line rearward that will eventually form the rear quarters with a fin-like upper protrusion which will make a blunt point ending for the taillights on back. These lights are oval and flank an inward raking roll pan with a Volvo badge on the top and a shiny bumper below. A flat trunk lid is between these "fins". 15-inch steel wheels wear proper Volvo hubcaps. Overall, the paint is very nice with minor imperfections that are limited to some bubbling on lower panels.
Interior
Some European influence with sleek black vinyl high back buckets and raised hip support tuck and roll inserts and Swedish cars are characteristically similar but also different and unique in their styling cues. The rear bench shows some wear where the tie down belts may rub with the seat backs down. The simple dash is headed by a 2 spoke steering wheel and blue accented gauges within the driver's sightline, along with a unique vertical set of gauges. We note the speedometer's plastic face is cracked. The rest of the dash shows some patina with the exception of the Sony head unit which provides AM/FM/CD music in a modern way. A small shifter rises from the center hump on the floor and has a wood knob while being surrounded by stitched cloth panels that meet smooth mats on the floor. The headliner shows some usage but is intact. The trunk is clean and lined with a rubberized mat.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a clean, driver quality presentation of a 1778cc inline 4 cylinder engine fueled by two SU carburetors, backed by a 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive which sends power to the rear wheels and 4.56 gears. Power disc brakes are up front and power drums in the rear. Receipts will come with the car to show the work to refresh the carbs, wires, hoses, gaskets, wheel cylinders, ignition tumbler, shocks, and more.
Undercarriage
Here we find driver quality conditions with the presence of surface rust, some flaking rust on one floor pan crease, errant fluid on the gas tank but generally dry conditions underneath. Independent coil springs make up the suspension in front while trailing arm, coil springs and a panhard bar fill the back. A single exhaust meets a stock style muffler before exiting stylishly with twin tips on the right rear.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, smooth idle and off I went for my Swedish sports car experience. It had nice acceleration, good handling and bias free braking. The interior is very ergonomically designed so it was an easy driving experience. With the exception of the radio, all functions were in working order. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
We hope you don't read this as sales pressure, but every P1800 we've had the honor of representing at Classic Auto Mall has sold, and quickly. Their unique styling is absolutely adored by car lovers and good ones are getting harder to find. This one is well sorted and at the same time, is a driver, having traversed the PA turnpike without issue recently. We fully expect our Swedish streak to stay alive, and if you're interested in this car, put down the surstrmming and give the mall a call or emailsales@classicautomall.com today.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
