The Volvo P1800

The Volvo 1800 dates back all the way to 1957 when the Swedish auto maker wanted to produce a sports car to compete in the American and European markets. The prototype, designed by Pelle Petterson, was currently being called the X1 and was on course to be produced by Karmann in Osnsbrück, Germany. Volkswagen, one of Karmanns biggest customers, vetoed this deal though. Fearing the P1800 would conflict with their current car sales. It wasn’t until 3 years later, after the 1800 was almost dropped, that a partnership was found in Jensen Motors. The P1800 was shown for the first time at the 1960 Brussels Motor Show, and production started later that year.

Our customer, William, sent us an interior shot of his 1971 Volvo 1800E with some new Brown and Natural Cocomats. The 1800E is the third 1800 build from Volvo. With a new fuel-injected B20E engine, the the 1800E went from 0-60 in 9.5 seconds and for the first time sported disc brakes in all four wheels. Thanks William!