1971 Volvo P1800 E Coupe

The story of the creation of the Volvo P1800 begins back in 1953 when Volvo co-founder and Vice-President Assar Gabrielsson visited the USA and while there he had the opportunity to visit GM and see the new, (C1), Chevrolet Corvette production line at Flint, Michigan.  While in the US Gabrielson also observed that European sports cars such as those from Britain, Italy and Germany were becoming popular, especially with celebrities.  Assar Gabrielsson could see that if the Germans and the British could make exotic sports cars that American movie stars would buy and be seen driving around in then surely Volvo could do that also.  Such a car, and such publicity would certainly be good as a way to pave Volvo's entry into the lucrative American market.

For consignment and gracing our Hallowed Halls is a 1971 Volvo P1800 E coupe.  This Swedish sports car has had two owners throughout its life and has had an exterior restoration.  It is believed by the consignor that the interior is original to the car.  The car has been garage kept all its life and certainly well maintained.

Exterior
5 designers submitted their concepts for the P1800 coupe and the one chosen was actually a Swede.  This was unknown to the CEO at the time and when he found out, felt deceived.  As a result the true designer was never acknowledged until 1979.  Speaking of that design, we now see our 1971 example with the front end of the car looking like it has some Brit influence ,(possibly an MG), with its single round headlight on the end of the front quarters, and central chrome edged open wide oval grille.  A nice curved chromed bumper is below and it wraps the quarters.  As we tour visually back, we see a trim spear, high doors, well minded gaps and an angled raked slightly wrap around  windscreen.  The roofline dives downward and has an aircraft influence.  As it descends to the trunk line, it takes from the upper doors and runs a line rearward that will eventually form the rear quarters with a fin-like upper protrusion which will make a blunt point ending for the tail lights on back.  These are oval in nature and flank an inward raking roll pan with a V O L V O badge on the top and a shiny bumper below.  A flat trunk lid is between these “fins” if you will, and it has a chrome button actuator in the center.  This car is bathed in very nice light blue metallic.  There is no rust, just shiny paint with perfectly preserved chrome window trimmings and badging.  15-inch chrome wire wheels are wrapped in 195/60R15 rubber from 2006.

Interior
Definitely a European influence with sleek black vinyl high back buckets and flat edge bolsters and high headrests.  A square center console houses the shifter.  For the dash, it's a series of rounded over horizontal rectangles with a padded top, wood dash front and round blackface and black bezeled instruments strewn within the wood.  A second tier of padding black vinyl frames the top of another dash lower wood panel that has a lineup of knobs and pulls.  This panel runs past the steering wheel and heads to the passengers side where it has additional gauges and an aftermarket AM/FM/CD radio.  Below are dual eyeball vents and a fan control box.  In the back is a small low back 2 plus 2 black vinyl bench, all on black carpeting.  A perforated white headliner is above.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is a patina slightly corroded on some surfaces 1986cc I-4 cylinder engine.  It has a Bosch D-Jetronic Fuel Injection system, (hence the E after the 1800 which means “Einspiritzung” i.e. fuel injection).  On back is a 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive.  The rear axle is a 4.30 version.

Undercarriage
Very clean black painted surfaces with very slight surface rust here and there.  The car rides on front independent coil springs and a rear 3 link with coil springs.  Power disc braking is on all 4 corners.  Noted, the car has a new fuel pump, new shocks and springs and new brake lines.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter, smooth idle and off I went for my Swedish sports car experience.  It had nice acceleration, good handling and bias free braking.  The interior is very ergonomically designed so it was an easy driving experience.  All functions were working at the time of my drive.  

A not oft seen sports car with a neat design, quality build and overall very nice preserved condition.  A definite keeper if you are into the Nord influence and quality of build.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.