Performance and Volvo. Those two words are rarely uttered in the same sentence. While there have been a handful of go-fast special editions from Volvo over the years—see recent S60 and V60 models tuned by Polestar—you’d have to be a blue-and-yellow enthusiast to recognize some of the most historically significant sporty Volvo models, such as the gorgeous rust-free 1966 Volvo 1800S now listed on eBay.
The Volvo P1800 was the brand’s first foray into the world of European sports car design. Built between 1961 and 1973, the P1800 smashed the staid reputation that Volvo had built via their fleet of sensible, safety-oriented sedans and wagons. With sleek styling that resembled little else in the automaker’s line-up, Volvo had trouble at first finding a company that could build the P1800 past the prototype stage, eventually landing on British stalwart Jensen to take up the mantle in 1960. This arrangement lasted until 1963, when quality control issues forced Volvo to relocate production back to Gothenburg.
Part of the P1800’s unique appeal was its unusual choice of body styles. In addition to a coupe that offered a long hood, oval grille, and vestigial wings perched atop the rear fenders, it was also possible to purchase a two-door wagon version of the car. Dubbed the 1800ES, it was only available during the final two years of the Volvo’s lifespan, and it while it didn’t receive a star turn in TV’s “The Saint” like its coupe sibling did—driven by Roger Moore, no less—it proved to be the most enduring, and desirable version of the vehicle.
The coupe is more common and affordable than the wagon, but still a looker.
By the standards of the day, the Volvo P1800 offered stout, but not overwhelming acceleration from its original 1.8-liter four-cylinder motor. With 100 horsepower on tap—later bumped to 108 ponies in 1963—and a four-speed manual transmission available, this variant of the automaker’s B18 engine could propel the P1800 to almost 120 miles per hour. A little more power, along with fuel injection, came from a 2.0-liter motor that was installed in 1970, although performance remained roughly the same. Regardless of what was under the hood, the Volvo wasn’t known for its spectacular handling, making a respectable but somewhat clunky effort through the corners. Stopping power was improved with the 1970 model when for the first time disc brakes were installed front and rear.
The all-glass hatch was a unique touch for the P1800 wagon model.
If not a thrill ride, then at least the Volvo P1800 has proven a whimsical and fun addition to many collector fleets. It’s also one of the most durable classic cars on the market, seeing that the Guinness World Record holder for highest mileage was claimed by a 1966 P1800S owned by Irv Gordon, a retired science teacher from Long Island. Prices for the wagon remain the strongest, settling between $15,000 and $20,000 for restored cars in excellent condition, with coupes trading at or below the $10,000 mark.
The pristine 1966 1800s now listed on eBay has received more than 60 bids so far, with the highest bid reaching $18,000 with four days to go. It’s a great example of affordable Swede speed, an excellent substitution for a more finicky Fiat, Alfa Romeo, or British coupe.
