1961-73 Volvo P1800/S/E/ES

by Steve Dorsey

Once dated and old fashioned, now classic.

The Volvo P1800 has always been a bit of an odd duck in the sports car world. With its chrome-tipped rear wings and high belt-line, its looks were futuristic when introduced. By the 1970s they were dated, but now, 30 years later, they are pleasingly classic. Over the lifespan of the 1800, its engine grew from 1780 cc to 1986 cc, induction changed from twin SU to Zenith-Stromberg carburetors to Bosch K-Jetronic injection, and horsepower went from 100 to 130. To non-1800 fanatics, all of the variants of the two-seat coupes look more or less alike, with the 1972-73 sport wagon having a distinctive appearance all its own. As one would expect from a car built by Volvo, the basic design was robust. The P1800 may have the best heater of any sports car ever built, but that’s hardly the kind of performance that can make a car collectible. Not a tire-smoker at the stoplight drags, the P1800’s long legs make it a premier highway cruiser. The electric overdrive is a...