Volvo P1800 History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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The P1800 debuted at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1960 and went on sale in 1961, initially built by Jensen Motors in England before production moved to Sweden in 1963. Styled by Pelle Petterson under the influence of Pietro Frua, its flowing lines were a dramatic departure from Volvo's boxy mainstream cars. The P1800 became internationally famous when British actor Roger Moore drove one as Simon Templar in the television series The Saint (1962–1969).
An 1800S (Swedish-assembled) and a fuel-injected 1800E followed before Volvo capped the line with the glass-tailed 1800ES shooting brake in 1972 — a gorgeous two-door estate with a frameless all-glass tailgate. Production ended in 1973 after 47,492 total P1800s were built. Owner Irv Gordon accumulated over 3.25 million miles on his 1966 1800S, one of the highest odometer readings ever documented on a privately owned car.
Body styles
- 2-door coupe
- 2-door shooting brake (1800ES)
Notable special editions & performance variants
1800ES
A two-door shooting brake with a frameless, all-glass tailgate — Volvo's most stylish body and a beloved collector car today.
Related models
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