Lot details Registration No: GHJ956L Chassis No: 3687 Mot Expiry: Sept 2007
Based on a design exercise by Pelle Peterson (though with some subtle reworking by both Ghia and Frua), the Volvo P1800 sports car was unveiled at the 1960 Brussels Salon. Not entering production for a year, its two-door monocoque bodyshell was equipped with independent front suspension, a coil-sprung 'live' rear axle and disc / drum brakes. Powered by a 1782cc OHV four-cylinder engine (complete with five-bearing crankshaft and twin SU carburettors) allied to a four-speed manual gearbox, it was capable of over 100mph. Initially manufactured in the UK, P1800 assembly was transferred to Sweden in April 1963 due to increasing concerns over fluctuating build quality. Never a major contender in the racing world, a P1800 did, however, finish second in class at the 1967 Daytona 24-hour race. Introduced in Autumn 1971, the P1800ES was arguably one of the world's first 'lifestyle' estate cars (a genre now typified by the BMW 3-Series Touring). Boasting notably greater luggage space thanks to its extended roof line and sharply raked glass tailgate, the model came with a more powerful Bosch fuel-injected 1986cc OHV four-cylinder powerplant as standard. Further benefiting from four-wheel disc brakes and the choice of either four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission, it lasted in production until 1973 by which time some 8,078 are thought to have been made.
Finished in metallic blue with black leather-faced upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "sound" (chassis), "solid" (chassis), "good" (three-speed automatic transmission, electrical equipment, paintwork, wheels / tyres), "very good / original" (interior trim) or "very good" (1986cc engine) condition. Though, he notes that the rear wheelarches are showing signs of "slight deterioration". Reportedly in the current ownership since 1994, 'GHJ 956L' is stated to have had six keepers from new (four male, two female). The subject of "a fuel-injection system service and set-up by specialists in 2001", the car was treated to a rebuild of its automatic transmission the following year. Believed but not warranted to have covered some 99,500 miles from new (though, just 68,182 of those are presently shown by its odometer), the Volvo is said to have been "regularly maintained" and to "run reliably". A stylish yet usable classic, 'GHJ 956L' is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until September 2007.
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