Volvo P 1800 Classic Cars For Sale
Launched in 1961, the Volvo P 1800 quickly became one of the most famous sports cars of its time, bolstered by its role in the TV series "The Saint". The stylish, Italian-inspired design was the work of Pelle Petterson under the guidance of designer Pietro Frua. Initially, production took place in the UK by Jensen, but was moved to Sweden after two years, leading to the name change to 1800 S with 'S' denoting its Swedish origin. Over the years, the model came with a variety of engines: starting with a 1.8-liter engine, later models featured a 2.0-liter engine with advanced fuel injection technology.
Search results
1970 | Volvo 1800 E
Volvo P1800 E with Overdrive
€ 38,000 - € 42,000
Preview
1970 | Volvo 1800 E
Volvo P1800
Auctions ending soon
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
1965 | Volvo 1800 S
Movie star in 'Irre sind männlich' (2014), Colour Pearl white combined with a red leather interior and red carpet, Complete history, Restored, Drives suberbly
1972 | Volvo 1800 ES
Overdrive
1967 | Volvo 1800 S
Volvo P1800
1961 | Volvo P 1800
Volvo P1800
1965 | Volvo 1800 S
Volvo P1800
1964 | Volvo 1800 S
Volvo P1800S Overdrive "Cow-horn" PRICE REDUCTION! "Cow-horn" - The first series of the P1800, Well done restoration and meticulously maintained by the long time owner since then, The Volvo with approval from "Simon Templar-The Saint", Auto journalists in 1964: "The P1800S is a very civilized touring car for people who want to travel rapidly in style"
1973 | Volvo 1800 ES
Volvo ES Schnewittchensarg
1966 | Volvo 1800 S
van de eerste eigenaar alles nog origineel aaanwezig
1973 | Volvo 1800 ES
Sehr schöner, originaler Zustand
1973 | Volvo 1800 ES
Schwedische Design-Ikone
1968 | Volvo 1800 S
Very good overall condition, driving and running well
Volvo P 1800 Classic Cars: Prices & Market Values
The market value of Volvo P 1800 classic cars is primarily determined by the specific manufacturer code and variant, as well as technical condition, originality and mileage. Additional factors include rarity, history and documentation. A well-maintained, largely original vehicle with low, verifiable mileage and complete history including appraisals and documentation typically achieves significantly higher prices than a comparable vehicle with deferred maintenance, many modifications or unclear provenance.
Volvo P 1800: Market Prices & Value Trends
Based on sales data from the Classic Trader marketplace, the Volvo P 1800 family (including 1800 S, 1800 E and 1800 ES) shows a broadly stable-to-firm market across the period from early 2021 to late 2025, with strong, well-presented cars consistently commanding premium money. In Europe, most recent examples are concentrated in the Netherlands and Germany, where asking prices in 2025 frequently sit in the mid-€30,000s to mid-€40,000s for usable, correctly specified cars from the mid-1960s to early-1970s. Allowing for condition, originality and model desirability (the 1800 ES “shooting brake” and earlier P 1800 cars often attract extra interest), a realistic market range is typically around €28,000 to €50,000, with higher figures appearing for exceptional restorations and lower figures reflecting projects or compromised cars. For today’s buyers, that means the P 1800 has largely moved beyond “cheap classic” territory, supported by its iconic design, robust mechanicals and steady collector demand rather than short-term price spikes.
Features of the Volvo P 1800
The Volvo P 1800 stands as a symbol of durability and reliability — qualities synonymous with the Swedish brand. The P 1800 ES is particularly notable for its unique glass tailgate, earning it the nickname "Snow White's Coffin." Only about 8,000 units of this particular version were produced, making the P 1800 ES a sought-after collector's item. Our data shows a strong interest in these cars, with inquiries for the P 1800 W-Y making up 9.7% of total Volvo queries.
Specifications
The Volvo P 1800 was released in various model versions:
Buying Guide and Common Issues
While Volvo is often associated with robust construction, the P 1800 has a few known weaknesses, particularly in the early Jensen models. Ensuring rust protection is crucial, especially around the body, side panels, and cross members. Fuel injection issues in the E and ES models can be expensive to fix, as can oil leaks from the engines. Brake problems are not uncommon, especially with the single-circuit systems of the earlier models.
Engine Performance, Transmission, and Driving Experience
The engines in the Volvo P 1800 are known for their longevity, especially when paired with the Laycock overdrive gearbox. Although not excessively powerful for a sports car, the 1800 S with its four-cylinder engine could reach speeds of up to 190 km/h, delivering a sporty performance. While the manual transmissions are generally sturdy, it's wise to check for leaks that could cause damage.
Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design
The Volvo P 1800 boasts a luxurious interior with high-quality leather upholstery in colors like black, beige, or red. Early models featured distinctive bull horn bumpers that highlight the vehicle's iconic design. Special options like Koni shock absorbers further enhance the handling and driving experience.
Summary
The Volvo P 1800 is a classic with unique charm and technical sophistication. Its history, association with "The Saint," and various versions offer a remarkable blend of diversity and uniqueness. Particularly, the P 1800 ES, known as "Snow White's Coffin," is a real eye-catcher. It remains an attractive choice for classic sports car enthusiasts seeking a blend of style and function.