- Original "sun" hubcaps
- FFVE certificate
- Clean MOT
- Excellent mechanical condition
Designed in 1957, the Volvo P1800 Jensen is the result of an alliance between Swedish carmaker Volvo and British coachbuilder Jensen Motors. Presented at the Brussels Motor Show in 1960, it stands out from Volvo's usual production line. Production ran from 1961 to 1963, producing 6,000 units. The model was equipped with a 100 hp B18 engine and a 4-speed manual transmission.
Launched in 1961, this Volvo P1800 Jensen's history remains a mystery. The number of owners and its origin are not known. It passed through the hands of a French owner from 1998 to 2023, before being purchased by its current owner in March 2023. The car is in generally good condition. It is chassis number 530 of the 6,000 produced between 1961 and 1963. The burgundy-red bodywork is in good overall condition. The paintwork, which was redone a few years ago, needs to be repainted twice on the doors to correct minor imperfections. Apart from this detail, the paintwork is bright and deep, and there are no scratches or impacts. Inside, this Volvo P1800 Jensen boasts a boat-white interior, typical of Jensen models and in keeping with the original. The door interiors, front and rear seats and dashboard are in excellent condition. The on-board instrumentation is functional, apart from the tachometer, which will be replaced for sale.
Mechanically, this Volvo P1800 Jensen benefits from a thorough overhaul carried out in July 2023 by the French specialist in the model. Here are some of the work carried out: overhaul of front and rear brakes - replacement of mastervac - refurbishment of rims - carburetor dismantling and rebuilding - replacement of fuel pump, tank and gauge - steering flector - axle straps - engine, gearbox, axle and over-drive drain - complete exhaust system - replacement of hoses - replacement of battery. The car has 110,075 kilometers on the odometer (not guaranteed, but consistent with its overall condition) and is in excellent mechanical working order. The engine runs normally and there is no noise when driving. The water and oil temperature gauges are in good working order, which is notable for these examples.
Maintained by a model specialist, this example has a complete history going back several years, allowing you to consult the work carried out. The tires are new and the brakes were rebuilt in the summer of 2023.
The Volvo P1800 Jensen represents a remarkable chapter in automotive history, especially in the sports car segment of the 1960s. The result of a collaboration between Swedish carmaker Volvo and British coachbuilder Jensen Motors, this model embodies a fusion of elegant design and mechanical robustness.
Originally designed in 1957, the P1800 was the result of a collaboration between Swedish designer Pelle Petterson, then employed by the Italian design studio Carrozzeria Frua, and Volvo. The model was first presented to the public at the Brussels Motor Show in 1960. Its distinctive exterior design, marked by flowing lines and a sleek profile, contrasted sharply with the more conservative Volvo models of the day.
Production of the P1800 began in 1961 in the UK, subcontracted to Jensen Motors, a decision prompted by Volvo's lack of production capacity in Sweden. The first units were assembled in West Bromwich, with mechanical components shipped from Sweden. This production phase lasted until 1963, when around 6,000 units were produced. Mechanically, the P1800 was initially equipped with a B18 four-cylinder 1.8-liter engine, capable of producing 100 horsepower. This engine was coupled to a four-speed manual transmission with optional overdrive, or to a three-speed automatic transmission. The car was fitted with disc brakes at the front and drums at the rear, a typical configuration for the period.
The P1800's interior reflected a simple yet functional approach, with comfortable seats and a comprehensive instrument panel. Although the vehicle was not designed as a high-performance sports car, its road capabilities were respectable, with a top speed of around 170 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in around 11 seconds. In 1963, Volvo used quality issues with the bodies produced by Jensen as an excuse to transfer production to its own plant in Gothenburg, Sweden. This marked the end of the P1800 "Jensen", although production of the P1800 continued in various forms until 1973. Today, the examples produced by Jensen appear more qualitative than those built later, as Volvo streamlined production, many small details disappeared, the interior became commonplace, and the front bumper lost its characteristic whiskers.
The Volvo P1800 Jensen gained particular renown thanks to its appearance in the TV series "The Saint", in which actor Roger Moore drove one of these cars. This media exposure greatly contributed to the model's popularity and iconic image. Today, the Volvo P1800 Jensen is considered a classic, sought-after for its distinctive design and unique place in the history of Volvo and 1960s sports cars. One P1800 holds the world record for distance covered, with over 5 million kilometers on the clock until the death of its first owner in 2018.
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