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March 23, 2008 6:58 p.m. ACarlson

We came across a decent looking Volvo P1800 coupe at the Easter car show today with a FOR SALE sign in the window, and my girlfriend liked it. She said, 'I'd drive one of those.' So I told her to ask the guy sitting in it what they wanted for it. Well within reason - cheap, in fact. She's into it.(!) We're going to investigate further.

Thing is, since I ride to work 98% of the time, she'd be driving this thing, and she'll be driving about 100 miles a day come summer time, from our place in the city to her new job in the country. Mainly interstate, some city stop-and-go.

So, Volvo P1800: feasible as a daily driver? What should I look out for? Anyone know of owners' groups, that kind of thing?

Any advice appreciated.
March 23, 2008 7:39 p.m. Tim Baxter Online Editor

I'm no Volvo expert by any stretch, but...

I believe rust is a real killer on P1800s, especially on the early Jensen-built ones.

Drivetrains are typical bulletproof Volvo. Can't kill it. Overdrives can be flaky, just as they were when they were used in British cars, but often the problem isn't as bad as it first appears.

I think trim may be in somewhat difficult to find (not sure, could be wrong on that), and I'd be worried about modern bump-and-go traffic with the p1800's tiny bumpers, but it should be pretty reliable.

When new, they were known for a soft ride, good comfort and more room than the typical classic of the day, so those are all good things in a DD. Personally, a p1800es has been rapidly rising to the top of my list of DD classics lately.
March 24, 2008 12:02 p.m. IanF

In addition to what I posted to the same question in the GRM forum, it should be noted that 1800's have rather poor ventilation and can be hotter than hell in the Summer.

The Yahoo 1800list group is pretty much the best source for information about keeping one running. The Brickboard is ok... but I have yet to find any decent forum for them that bests the Yahoo group.

Like I hinted at in the other post, make damn sure your g/f drives the car before you go much further. I spend a fair amount of time driving one and it really does feel like a truck with a sporty looking body...

And now for some 1800 history:

P1800 - first 6K cars built in England by Jenson

1800S - Production moved to Sweden around 1964 due to generally poor build quality; some styling and drivetrain changes up to 1969; "P" dropped from model name; dual channel 4-wheel disc brakes repalced disc/drums in 1969.

1800E - ('70-'72) Styling similar; interior changes; Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection added; automatic option added; compression lowered in '72 to meet emissions.

1800ES - ('72&'73) Sport-wagon body style; mechanically the same as the '72 E (lower compression engine).

Random thoughts:

No 1800 had power steering, although some have adapted the system from the the mechanically similar 164 series with mixed results.

Air conditioning was a dealer installed option and marginally effective. Better in the coupes than in the more greenhouse-like ES.

Did we mention rust yet? Check for it: frame sections, floors, behind/under the headlights, radiator support frame; sway-bar mount; rockers under the doors; fenders and quarters; windshield.

The earlier cars had a rather stupd gas filler on top of the rear fender which would get clogged with debris, fill with water, rust and dump water into the gas tank. Later E cars have the filler on the side.

I could go on... I do love these cars... and I don't mean to disuade you... just be sure you and your g/f know what you're getting into.
March 24, 2008 2:54 p.m. rconlon

Any 30 year or older automobile is going to suffer mechanical weaknesses if used for 100 mile daily commuting. I don't think she will appreciate finding herself 50 miles from home with a broken ignition switch or the like. I recommend an appliance - Civic- or more modern sports car for this purpose - Miata. My good wife can tolerate me but not any sign of automotive failure.

Cheers Ron
March 28, 2008 12:10 p.m. Gary Card

I wouldn't recommend a P1800 as a daily driver. I had a '68 as a daily driver from '70 to '76. I survived the experience, but that was the "olde days" and who knew any better back then? The steering was heavy, the brakes not so great, the seating position uncomfortable (too close to the floor), poor visibility (like sitting in a pill box), and it had a tendency to develop vapor lock in the summer until I installed an electric fuel pump. But you can't beat the looks and that's why I bought mine. Gorgeous. So if you can pick it up for a good price, go for it. It'll make a great weekend driver.
April 13, 2008 5:42 p.m. Shinsen774

I saw one on SPEEDTV today on a show about Targa Newfoundland 2007. It came real close to clipping a wire that was holding up a telephone pole. The driver managed to miss it. Great looking car (wagon).
April 14, 2008 7:38 p.m. Nick Tallos

I've always liked the looks of the P1800's, though I know nothing of the real mechanical details. To me it was just another Volvo, but sporty, so what could be bad? My son's friend's mom has one since she told hubby how much she likes them so he found one for her. This is her's