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Volvo 1800E Test Car B20E — 1971

A P1800 with a high-spec chassis and modern fuel injection that surpasses most. Originally sold new in California and imported back to Sweden in 2021. Upgraded with larger brakes, Öhlins suspension, electric power steering with rack-and-pinion, and modern electronic fuel injection.

Michael Luft
Museums & Collections
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Rebecca R Bengtsson
Case manager
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"Modernized for improved performance, handling, and drivability. This was part of a halted retro-outlaw project with ties to Volvo, aiming to build several modernized P1800s—both with petrol engines and electric drivetrains."

Bidding starts 30:th of May
LOT NUMBER
LOCATION
18043
BOHUS
ESTIMATED VALUE
RESERVE PRICE
330 - 380 000 SEK
Not reached
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Michael Luft
Museums & Collections
Send message
Rebecca R Bengtsson
Case manager
Send message

"Modernized for improved performance, handling, and drivability. This was part of a halted retro-outlaw project with ties to Volvo, aiming to build several modernized P1800s—both with petrol engines and electric drivetrains."

Description

This P1800 was originally sold new in California in 1971 and had three owners there. For a period, it was loaned to Swedish Hollywood star Peter Stormare, who drove it around Los Angeles. In 2021, the car was imported back to Sweden by a Volvo enthusiast in the Gothenburg area. Two years later, it was officially inspected and registered in Sweden. The car was then sold again and became part of a project aimed at small-scale production of modernized Volvo P1800s, built using restored original bodies.

This particular example was used by the UK-based company Special Vehicle Work as a development car for chassis testing, which explains its unique specification. Even before the development project began, more than SEK 200,000 was invested in upgrades including new bushings, brakes, modern fuel injection, electric power steering, a new steering wheel, and more. The chassis development work also included testing various tires, including their rubber compound specifications.

The chassis features a modified front axle with rack-and-pinion steering. Perhaps the most noteworthy technology is the car’s specially developed Öhlins dampers. While maintaining the original geometry, these dampers feature Öhlins' renowned DFV (Dual Flow Valve) technology. They were built at Öhlins' factory in Sweden—an exclusivity typically reserved for major car manufacturers. Only four sets of these dampers were ever made for Special Vehicle Work’s test cars before the P1800-n project was discontinued.

The exact cost of developing the dampers remains confidential, but the rest of the chassis work and the specially developed steering system alone amounted to over SEK 500,000. The team responsible for the chassis tuning has also worked on several vehicles for Volvo and Polestar. From the outside, the 17-inch wheels hint at the extraordinary nature of this P1800, in which more than SEK 1 million has been invested. From the driver’s seat, it’s clear—this car is remarkably well-balanced, handles beautifully, and feels agile and engaging to drive.

Technical data

  • Year
    1971/1971 
  • Registration date
    2023-10-31 
  • Mileage
    139425 miles 
  • Registration Number
    RAC35P 
  • Chassis Number
    184353034281 
  • Kw / hp
    88 / 120 
  • Fuel Type
    Petrol 
  • Transmission
    Manual 
  • Interior finish
     
  • Colour
    White 

Condition

  • Mechanical condition:

    Technically, the car is in excellent condition. Many of the chassis and braking components have been replaced with new parts. In addition, the engine has been upgraded with a modern fuel injection system. The fuel tank has not been replaced, which is something a new owner may want to consider. In our experience, old fuel tanks can cause issues due to rust and other deposits that may contaminate the fuel. Likely one of the best-handling and most responsive P1800s in the world when it comes to driving dynamics and road feel.

  • Interior condition:

    Considering its age, the interior is in typical, presentable condition for a driver’s car. There are visible signs of wear from many years and approximately 220,000 kilometers of use—see photos for details. The car has covered 134,000 miles, which is roughly 220,000 kilometers. The glove compartment shelf below the dashboard is missing, as it has been replaced by the control unit for the fuel injection system.

  • Exterior condition:

    Thanks to California's favorable climate, this P1800 has held up well over the years. However, as shown in the photos, the car is not entirely rust-free. There are rust bubbles at the front and rear ends of the sills—common in these areas due to open double-panel construction. It’s a relatively straightforward repair. The rubber seals around the doors and windows show signs of aging from prolonged sun exposure and should ideally be replaced.

    The paint is in typical driver condition and was resprayed in the original color approximately 20 years ago. One trim ring around a front indicator is missing, and the lens for the right front U.S.-spec side marker light is also absent.

  • General condition:

    The car is enjoyable as it is, but above all, it serves as an excellent project base for body and interior restoration. With the updated technology already in place, it has the potential to become a truly impressive P1800—at a reasonable cost. That said, it's also perfectly fine to drive and enjoy in its current condition.

MOT (tech. insp.)

Fordonsstatus: Avst 2024-10-08
Ursprungsbesiktning: 2022-12-09 (regbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 2023-10-31 (710101)
Senast godkända besiktning: 2022-12-09
Besiktningsbefriad: Ja
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 1

Facts about the model

Pelle Petterson was the son of Helmer Petterson, who was in charge of design at Volvo. In the late 1950s, Pelle interned at the Italian design firm Frua. His sketches were ultimately chosen by Volvo when they commissioned Frua to design an elegant GT car to succeed the Volvo Sport (P1900). The P1800 was unveiled to the public at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1960 and was produced until 1972 as a coupé. Production continued for another year and a half with the shooting brake version, named the P1800 ES.

In the early years, the body panels were pressed in the UK, and final assembly took place at Jensen under license. In 1964, production was moved to Gothenburg, and the model name was updated to include an "S" (P1800S). In total, approximately 30,000 units of the P1800, P1800S, P1800E, and P1800 ES were built.

The 1800E, featuring Bosch Jetronic electronic fuel injection, was introduced in the fall of 1969. With the fuel injection, a revised camshaft, and larger intake valves, output reached 130 hp SAE. It also featured the same ZF gearbox as the new Volvo 164. But the changes didn’t stop with the engine. The 1800E came equipped with four-wheel disc brakes and high-speed tires—modernizing the model significantly. Inside, the dash featured matte-black instruments surrounded by wood trim. Improved ventilation was added via side vents, and the fuel filler was relocated from next to the trunk to the car’s side. The grille was now matte black, and new alloy wheels gave the car a more aggressive appearance.

In August 1970, the next model year was introduced, and Volvo’s sportiest car could now be ordered with the Borg-Warner three-speed automatic transmission (BW35). The manual gearbox reverted to the older M41 unit, now reinforced to handle increased torque. A new hood emblem was also introduced.

In the fall of 1971, the ES shooting brake model was launched, featuring a distinctive all-glass rear tailgate. The coupé body style remained available, and updates for both versions included a new grille with vertical slats, tinted windows, a new emblem, and new wheels. In 1972, new front seats with integrated headrests and a redesigned rear seat were added. That same year, the engine output for Swedish models was increased to 135 hp SAE, while U.S. models with the emissions-regulated B20F engine produced only 125 hp.

The final P1800 was built on August 22, 1972, although the ES model remained in production for just under another year. By the time production ended, Volvo had manufactured a total of 47,462 units of the P1800, 1800S, 1800E, and 1800 ES.

Location and viewing Information

Location: Bohus

For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:

Michael Luft
+46 708-20 21 13
michael@bilwebauctions.se

Pick up

Collection must take place before: 2025-06-19.

NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.

Auction information

General information about the condition of the vehicles .
  • At this auction, many vehicles have been included in car collections and have been stored (mothballed) for a long time. For this reason, they are described from a collector's perspective and may need technical reviews and maintenance service - oil, battery replacement, new tires, brake review, etc. - before they can be used. .
  • During the auction days information about a vehicle may be updated up to the day before the auction ends. When you bid at the end of the auction period - and also if you have made an earlier bid - we therefore ask you to read the descriptions carefully, in case something has been changed due to new information.
Important to know before placing your bids!
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  • When you need to retrieve a called in object we want you to examine it carefully. If you consider that the item does not match our description you do not need to complete the purchase. In this case the deposited purchase sum and the entry fee are refunded.
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  • Your shipping costs and other costs are not reimbursed when the right of withdrawal is exercised. Swedish court applies.
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