FROM P1800 TO 1800S

Early P1800 sales were modest, averaging around 2,700 units a year — well below Jensen’s ultimate capacity. Nonetheless, the publicity the coupe generated probably contributed to Volvo’s continuing robust growth. By the end of 1962, annual automobile production had reached nearly 80,000 units, prompting Volvo to expand production with new plants in Torslanda (west of Gothenburg) and the Belgian town of Alsemberg.

The additional capacity meant that Volvo now had room to bring P1800 production in-house, which they were more than ready to do. Volvo engineers remained dissatisfied with Jensen’s quality control and Gunnar Engellau can’t have been pleased by press reports that the P1800’s workmanship didn’t meet Volvo’s customary standards. In early 1963, P1800 production was transferred to Volvo’s Lundby plant, even though the move obliged Volvo to pay Jensen an early termination fee; the British company had so far built only 6,000 of the 10,000 units originally contracted. Pressed Steel would continue to produce the body stampings through 1969, but Volvo would now assemble the cars itself.

A 1964 Volvo 1800S model D, distinguishable by its wheel covers (borrowed from the 122S) and the absence of the Volvo emblems on the C-pillars. The B18B engine now had 10.0:1 compression (up from 9.5), a hotter ‘C’ camshaft, and stiffer valve springs, raising output to 108 gross hp SAE (81 kW) and 110 lb-ft (149 N-m of torque. (Photo circa 1963; copyright and courtesy Volvo Car Corporation, Public Affairs)

The initial Lundby-built cars were little changed, but for the 1964 model year, Volvo made a host of minor changes to address previous quality complaints. Visible changes of the new models, known internally as model D, were limited to “1800S” badges, new wheel covers, amber turn signal lenses, new seats, revised upholstery, and proper (if still tiny) folding rear seats. Under the hood, the 1800S was up to 108 gross horsepower (81 kW), maintaining its advantage over the 122S sedan, which was now available with a 90 hp (67 kW) single-carburetor version of the same engine. These improvements were welcome, but they weren’t free. Swedish cars were up to 21,000 SEK (about $4,050), U.S. models to $3,995 POE. (In the U.K., base prices were up commensurately, but a reduction in purchase tax rates actually lowered the out-the-door cost by a nominal £11.)

The taillight, rear fin, and emblem of a 1966 Volvo 1800S. Some period tests describe these cars as “P-1800 S,” but the question of whether the P prefix was still correct for Swedish-built cars still arouses the same sort of controversy as calling a Jaguar E-type an “XKE.” Volvo apparently used the P internally on at least some occasions, but we don’t believe the cars were registered that way, nor have we seen any marketing materials using the “P-1800 S” or “P-1800 E” designations. (Photo © 2011 Tyler Brand; used with permission)

Over the next five years, the Volvo 1800S underwent the sort of gradual evolution familiar to Porsche and Volkswagen owners. For the 1965 model year, the distinctive ‘cow horn’ front bumpers were replaced by a simpler horizontal unit, perhaps as a cost-saving measure, allowing front and rear bumpers to share the same tooling. The 1966 models, introduced in August 1965, brought a new grille, a brake proportioning valve (to delay rear lockup in hard stops), and more power: now 115 gross horsepower (86 kW) and 112 lb-ft (151 N-m). (Net output was up to 103 hp DIN (76 kW).) The extra power trimmed 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) times to less than 12 seconds and increased top speed to around 110 mph (160 km/h), more competitive with cars like the MGB. The 1967 models, meanwhile, updated the car’s nose with a more complex aluminum grille and replaced the curved ‘hockey stick’ body side trim with straight chrome strips.

Top: A 1966 Volvo 1800S showing off the restyled grille, straight bumper (here missing its rubber inserts), and plain hubcaps. This was the final year for the curved chrome trim on the door, although all 1800s retained the curved door molding until the end. (Photo © 2011 Tyler Brand; used with permission) Bottom: A 1967 1800S, with a subsequent grille design and the new straight-through rub strip, which no longer follows the curved door molding. The rubber bumper inserts on this car would normally be found on the ’66 model, as well. (Photo © 2007 Murilee Martin; used with permission)

If that wasn’t enough, in 1966, Volvo dealers introduced a performance kit for the B18 engine based on the competition package developed for the Amazon. The kit included a new cylinder head with bigger valves and 11.0:1 compression, a lightened flywheel, a new cam, re-jetted carburetors, and a new tubular steel exhaust manifold. The changes were good for a claimed 135 hp SAE (101 kW), which provided much better performance with little sacrifice in drivability. However, with a price tag of $299 plus installation, the kit was an expensive addition to an already expensive car. We don’t know if many were sold.

For the 1969 models, known internally as model S, Volvo bored out the B18 engine from 84.14 mm to 88.90 mm (3.31 to 3.50 inches), increasing displacement to 1,986 cc (121 cu. in.). The new B20B, as the engine was called, was otherwise little different than the B18B, although the compression ratio was lowered half a point, to 9.5:1, and the oil cooler was deleted; Volvo concluded that improvements in motor oil had made it unnecessary. Power was up only slightly, to 118 gross horsepower SAE (88 kW), or 105 net horsepower DIN (77 kW), but torque improved by about 10%, from 112 lb-ft (151 N-m) to 123 lb-ft (166 N-m). Other useful additions were an alternator, replacing the previous generator, and Volvo’s unusual 3×2 dual-circuit brake system, which ensured that both front brakes and at least one rear brake would work if one circuit were lost.

The Volvo P1800 and 1800S were well-appointed for their era, with very comfortable seats and leather/vinyl upholstery, but the high cowl and beltline made the cabin a trifle claustrophobic. Ventilation was never great and with no glove box, interior storage was skimpy. One interesting feature was three-point seat belts, something Volvo had pioneered in 1959. Three-point harnesses were nominally standard from the beginning of production, but obscure regulatory issues initially forced their deletion in some U.S. markets. (Photo © 2011 Tyler Brand; used with permission)

The 1800S was never a runaway sales success, but it found a unique niche, abetted by its television exploits (see the sidebar above). The coupe sold well through the middle of the decade, typically accounting for around 4,500 units a year. By 1968, however, sales were slipping, falling to a disappointing 1,693 units for 1969. Performance had never been outstanding to begin with and the 1800S was increasingly pressed by cheaper rivals like the MGB GT. To survive, the 1800 would need more extensive changes.

The dash of the Volvo P1800 and 1800S was attractive, but many period reviewers criticized it as a triumph of style over function. The gauges between the tachometer and speedometer are for water and oil temperature; the three pods to the right of the wheel are the fuel gauge, oil pressure gauges, and clock. On early cars, the overdrive was controlled by a toggle switch on the dash, which on LHD cars was immediately to the left of the ashtray. On the 1800S, Volvo moved it to the right-hand steering column stalk, which had previously controlled the second horn for highway passing. (Photo © 2011 Tyler Brand; used with permission)