VOLVO P1800S
FACTS
1961 - 1972
CONSTRUCTION YEAR
PELLE PETERSON
DESIGNERS
4 cylinders
1,780 cc
95 hp
ENGINE
24,000
NUMBER OF PIECES
1967
STORY
The shape of the P1800 was designed in 1957 by Pelle Petterson, who was then working for Pietro Frua in Italy. The first model was assembled in the UK at Jensen Motors in West Bromwich from 1961 to 1963. The bodies were delivered by rail from the Pressed Steel Company's Linwood plant.
Production was moved to Sweden to Volvo's main plant in Lundby near Gothenburg. An S for Sweden was added to the model name 1800.
Pressed Steel manufactured the bodies until 1969, then the pressing tools were transported to Sweden and Volvo manufactured the sheet metal parts itself at the Olofström plant.
The Volvo 1800 became very well known as Roger Moore's "company car" in the 118 episodes of the television series Simon Templar from 1962 to 1969. The second sensation in this series was Tony Curtis with his Ferrari Dino 206, who was married to the Austrian actress Christine Kaufmann.
An 1800 S holds the mileage record for cars with more than three million miles.
PERSONAL STORY
This Volvo P1800 was purchased for the museum by the son of the first owner. It is in original, unmodified condition.
The vehicle is also equipped with a gas tank, so the two Weber carburettors have been converted to one SU carburettor.
This has the advantage of one third less fuel consumption.