Black over beige · 35 years with one US owner · sorted and ready to drive
Black over beige · 35 years with one US owner · sorted and ready to drive
• Swedish-built 1800 S, delivered new to the USA
• 35 years with one owner in Pennsylvania (1981–2016)
• Part-restored to a high standard in black with beige leather
• Passed Germany’s historic vehicle inspection (2022), and recently sorted mechanically by a classic specialist
• A car to drive and enjoy, not to keep under a cover
This P1800 S was built at Volvo’s Lundby plant in Gothenburg in 1966, the period when the “S” stood for Sweden. It was delivered new to the American market. Its data plate shows that it left the factory in light green metallic with black leather.
Its known story begins in 1981, when a gentleman in Pennsylvania bought it. He kept it for 35 years. A 1981 association sticker is still on the rear side window, a small souvenir from the first year of that long ownership. In 2016 the car passed to a well-known US classic car specialist before crossing the Atlantic to Europe.
In Munich, it received a part restoration. It was repainted black and the interior was retrimmed in beige leather, with the work done to a high standard. In 2022 it passed Germany’s strict inspection for historic vehicles, which qualified it for historic registration there. Since then it has been in the care of an Austrian enthusiast.
When I first saw the car, it presented beautifully but didn’t run as well as it should. It was reluctant to start, and the brakes were noisy. Before offering it, I had both put right by a highly regarded classic car workshop near Vienna. The carburettor was stripped, cleaned, reassembled and properly adjusted, and the brakes were sorted. It now starts readily and runs well.
To be transparent, there are some deviations from factory specification. Apart from the colours, the grille is from a later model, and an Edelbrock-style carburettor replaces the original twin SUs. Some owners will see no reason to change a thing, while others may enjoy returning it to original specification. Either way, I’d rather you know now than discover it later.
It’s exactly the kind of classic I’d choose myself. I’ve owned my 1968 MGB for almost 30 years, rust-free but not perfect, and never once been afraid to use it. This P1800 belongs in the same category: a car you can enjoy for another 30 years.
Indicated mileage: 59,710 miles.
The P1800 was planned in Sweden and drawn by Pelle Petterson, a young designer from Gothenburg working at Frua in Italy. Early cars were built in Britain before production moved home to Sweden in 1963. Roger Moore drove one in The Saint, and he owned one himself. It remains Volvo’s most iconic model and a timeless example of Scandinavian design.
The car is located in Austria. Viewings and test drives can be arranged by appointment, and I’m happy to send more photos or a walk-around video.
Have this vehicle inspected by experts!
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