| Mileage: | 107,000 miles |
| Year (Reg): | 1972 (L) |
| Transmission: | 4-Speed Manual + Overdrive |
| Colour: | Alpine Blue Metallic |
| Engine: | 2.0 – 4 Cylinder |
| Fuel Type: | Petrol |
• Benefitting from a ‘nut and bolt’ restoration 10 years ago
• Still in lovely condition
• 4-speed manual with column-mounted overdrive
• Fuel injection
• Webasto-style roof
• 2 sets of wheels
The Volvo P1800 is a classic sports car that debuted in 1961 and became an iconic model for the Swedish automaker.
The P1800’s development began in the late 1950s when Volvo sought to create a stylish and affordable sports car to
compete with models like the Jaguar E-Type and the Mercedes-Benz SL. Initially, the car’s design was outsourced to
Italian design house Frua, and early production was handled by Jensen Motors in the UK. However, quality issues
prompted Volvo to move production to its own facilities in Sweden by 1963. The P1800 gained widespread recognition
when it was featured as the car of choice for Simon Templar, played by Roger Moore, in the popular 1960s television
series “The Saint.” Known for its elegant design, reliability, and robust performance, the P1800 continued production until
1973, leaving a lasting legacy as one of Volvo’s most beloved models.
We are delighted to offer this in blue metallic with tan interior. The car was first registered on 8th December 1972, the
penultimate year of production. Given that one rather famous P1800 in the States had covered over 3 million miles, the
indicated mileage of just over 107,000 miles seems pretty moderate. However, the car looks like it could have half that
having had a comprehensive, ‘nut and bolt’ restoration approximately 10 years ago. The big bundle of paperwork that
comes with the car sets out the full extent of the work but to give you a flavour these are some of the highlights:-
• All rot in body / chassis cut out and replaced / repaired
• Professional bare metal respray including engine compartment
• New vinyl roof
• New windscreen
• Much re-chroming and new stainless steel side trims
• Block and head skimmed
• Block re-bored with new pistons rings and bearings
• Crank polished
• New camshaft
• New oil pump, points condenser distributor cap and leads
• Radiator re-cored
• New heater valve and water pump
• New 3 piece clutch
• Brake callipers replaced / refurbished
• New discs, pads and brake pipes
• New master cylinder
• New wheel bearings, bushes, ball joints and tie bars
• 4 new gas shock absorbers
• 4 genuine Minilite wheels and fresh tyres
• New petrol tank
• New fuel pump
• New injectors, fuel pressure regulator, pressure gauge sender and thermal cut off switch
• New headlining, door cards and trim panels
• Front seats fully rebuilt and recovered
• New dash top
• Steering wheel refurbished
• Stainless steel exhaust fitted
• New lights / lenses and new horns
• New battery
• Refurbished alternator / starter motor
With the future in mind, the car was then rust-proofed and the head converted to run unleaded petrol. One look at the car confirms that the restoration has stood up well. There are one or two blemishes in the paintwork which the new buyer might want to address, but we are being picky and plenty would just drive it as it is and revel in the positive attention this Volvo brings. The blue metallic is a fabulous colour, especially in the sunshine and contrasts beautifully with the tan interior. The chromework is nice with just a bit of pitting over the rear lights and a couple of tiny dents in the steel trims too.
The vinyl roof with its Webasto-style sunroof still looks new. It sits well on the fresh and undamaged Minilite alloys (shod with quality Bridgestone rubber) but, for those seeking out originality, a set of original, refurbished wheels come with the car. Inside, the big, plush seats look inviting and the dash presents beautifully with a comprehensive range of instruments and a crack-free dash top. The tan door cards look fresh and blue carpets clean. The boot area is simply huge and this could be the most practical sports coupe you’ve ever owned.
A bundle of invoices for parts and maintenance, Service manual, Owner’s manual, 2 keys and a small box of spare parts.
The swoopy and beautiful, Frua-penned styling of the P1800 is a world away from the boxy styling that has become synonymous with Volvos, but hides a classic that is more robust and more practical than you would ever imagine for a 50 year old car. Someone has spent a lot of time and money on this car and the restoration has stood up well in the intervening years. With a very reasonable estimate, we certainly think you would struggle to bring a poor car up to this standard without spending considerably more. This really is a classic you can buy with both head and heart!
Please Note:
The above Specification is as accurate as we can establish,
but it is ultimately the responsibility of the Purchaser to
check the details of the vehicle to their satisfaction before
buying. Hamilton Gray’s are Not Responsible ‘Post Sale’
Date of Registration 08.12.1972
We have the V5 logbook and will look after your cherished transfer with the DVLA if you own a cherished plate.
Any inspection is welcome and viewings are highly recommended at our indoor showroom. We are based in Loughborough, Leicestershire which is just 5 minutes drive from Junction 23 of the M1.
We accept all major debit or credit cards and finance is available, subject to status.
Legal Disclaimer: Hamilton Gray’s Ltd make every effort to ensure that information contained in their adverts is accurate and complete, however, errors and omissions may occur from time to time and we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of said information, and therefore cannot be held liable for any reliance which you may place upon it.
