1965 Volvo 1800S Four-Speed

Description

Planned in Sweden, designed in Italy, built in Britain, and a success in the United States, the P1800 could be Volvo’s most internationally renowned model. Built from 1961 to 1973, the P1800 was created to increase dealer showroom traffic. To make it really striking, Pietro Frua of Turin, Italy, was commissioned to style the car, although Swede Pelle Petterson actually designed it. Due to limited capacity at Volvo’s plants, British companies Pressed Steel and Jensen Motors manufactured and assembled the cars until 1963 when production moved to Sweden, with those cars now called 1800S. The sports car’s 1.8-liter overhead-valve, four-cylinder engine sported dual SU carburetors was rated at 115 horsepower.  

From a company known best for sturdy, practical automobiles, the 1800S was an image changer, especially once it was seen driven by Roger Moore as debonair crime-fighter Simon Templar in the British TV series The Saint. As British magazine MotorSport wrote, “The Volvo is a smooth-traveling, quiet car for long journeys, ideal for those who want a coupe smacking of a Ferrari and a top speed well clear of the ton ...”  

The 1961-1972 Volvo P1800 is featured on Hagerty's 2025 Bull Market List, which can be viewed here: 2025 Bull Market List: 11 Hot Rides on the Rise Right Now

Highlights 

• Extensive four-year restoration (1998–2002) under prior ownership 

• Upgraded with a 1972 Volvo B20 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine 

• Four-speed synchromesh manual overdrive transmission 

• Restored to Viper Red paint and black vinyl upholstery 

Features 

• Replacements under current ownership (since 2022) include: 

  • Continental tires  

  • Aluminum radiator  

  • Stainless exhaust and muffler 

  • Stainless bumpers 

  • Weber carburetor 

  • New battery 

  • All fluids flushed 

  • Tune up

Known Imperfections  

• Some paint loss on door sills 

• One inch of chrome peeling 

• Minor paint scratches 

• Tachometer and clock are inoperable 

 Included 

• Jack and lug wrench 

• Tool roll 

• Service manuals

• Numerous spare parts including driver’s door, bumpers, chrome trim and more 

Ownership History  

Originally a California car, this Volvo 1800S was totally restored from 1998-2002. The work included stripping the paint; removing doors, trunk, and hood; repainting in its original color; and installing a new dash and interior. It was also upgraded with a 1972 B-20 engine, four-wheel disc brakes, and Bilstein shocks. The consignor acquired the Volvo in 2022.