1963 Volvo P1800S

Highlights

• Early ‘cow horn bumper’ example of the classic Swedish two-door coupe
• Restored under previous ownership
• Winner of ‘Best Restoration’ from Volvo Enthusiasts Club in 2017
• MOT-exempt, but tested anyway with valid MOT until July 2026
• ULEZ-compliant

The Appeal

Forever associated with the hit television series The Saint, the Volvo P1800 is one of the most elegant and distinctive grand tourers of the 1960s. Combining sleek Italian-influenced styling with proven Volvo engineering, it offered a compelling blend of performance, comfort and usability, helping to establish the marque as a producer of desirable sporting cars as well as dependable family transport.
The model also earned a reputation for remarkable durability. Perhaps the most famous example belonged to an American schoolteacher, whose P1800S accumulated more than three million miles during his ownership, securing the model’s place in the record books and cementing its status as one of the most robust classic cars ever built.
This early ‘cow-horn bumper’ example has been in the seller’s ownership since 2023 and was previously the subject of a comprehensive restoration, encompassing bodywork, paintwork and mechanical refurbishment. The quality of the work was recognised with the Volvo Enthusiasts Club’s ‘Best Restoration’ award in 2017.
Now offered for sale, this handsome P1800 would make a worthy addition to any collection and is sure to attract admiration wherever it appears, whether at marque gatherings, concours-style events or classic car shows.

Key Information

• Mileage: Unknown
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT-exempt, but MOT valid until 1 July 2026 (advisory for corroded inner sill)
• Technical specs: Twin-carburetted 1.8-litre inline-four, four-speed manual gearbox
• Paperwork: V5C registration document, photographs of the car, original sales brochure, historic MOT certificates, various invoices

The Detail

• Resprayed in Ferrari Rosso in 2015
• Black vinyl-trimmed interior complete with red piping
• Embossed rear seat
• Opening front quarterlight windows
• Wooden-rimmed steering wheel and wooden gear knob
• SEV Marchal front fog lights with covers
• Restoration included new copper and nickel brake pipes, a copper and nickel clutch pipe, a new fuel tank, electronic ignition, a refurbished brake servo, refurbished and tuned carburettors, a new radio and speakers, new seals, a refurbished radiator and heater fan, new water pipes and bushes, new suspension, a new centre console, stainless-steel bumpers, new callipers, refurbished rear brakes, and a new headlining and door cards
• Very minor pin dent present above the offside rear wheel

BEFORE YOU BUY

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