Lot 054: 1965 VOLVO P1800S

Thanks in part to much TV exposure in `The Saint', in which Simon Templar drove one every week, the most internationally famous Volvo has been the P1800 coupe, the prototype for which was displayed at the 1960 Brussels Show. By this time, a larger 1778cc engine with five-bearing crankshaft had been developed. With twin SU carbs and 100bhp at 5000rpm, this B18B motor powered the P1800. It was May 1961, however, before sub-contractors Jensen of West Bromwich were up to speed with body production, making 6000 cars for Volvo by 1963, when the Swedes started welding up the panels made by Pressed Steel at Linwood themselves and painting the completed shells at their Lundby plant. During a twelve year run, 39,314 P1800s were produced, the final car in 2 June 1973. This P1800S fixed head has only had two registered keepers from new in 1965, since when the right-hand drive car has been restored with engine bay detailed. Current condition of two-door body is described by the current owner as good with red paintwork and black hide trim also said to be good. Both 1.8-litre four and four-speed manual gearbox are reportedly in good order, whilst the 96,671 mileage displayed when entered is believed by the vendor to be the genuine total from new.