Volvo P1800

[Mosesatm]

A few weeks ago I saw a Volvo P1800 at a cruise-in and thought it was a great looking car.

Is anyone familiar with them? Good, bad, solid, cheap, will a 289 fit under the hood?

Thanks

 

[deestix]

I worked for Volvo for 31 years; used to wrench on these at the dealership when they were just "used cars".
I have no clue if anyone's V8 would fit; have never seen a conversion on an 1800, but have seen them on the full-size Volvos.
Off the top of my head:
Pro's:
* mechanically robust
* comfortable to drive
* easy to work on
* still relatively affordable
* most mechanical parts available
* good to great club support and aftermarket parts support
Con's:
* watch for rust
* body and trim parts unavailable or very pricey
* any needy car will have you upside down value-wise quickly
* slow, with a cast iron 4-cyl engine
* I think they drive like a tractor; don't expect it to drive like an Alfa
Bottom line: it's a Volvo, so think strong and durable, and not necessarily sporty. You won't see yourself coming and going at every cruise night. As they say in the magazines, buy the best one you can afford.

 

[sportyworty]

http://www.britishv8.org/Other/DaleRembold.htm

 

[candycal]

Hi Arlie,
They're a great car, the P1800E is an injected unit, prior to that they had carbies. Durability is certainly the key word, this article about a New Yorker's 2.5million mile P1800 says it all. I like 'em.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/10606206840/25-million-mile-volvo-40th-anniversary

They also shot to fame in Europe and here in Australia when one was used as the Saint's car in the TV series (Roger Moore who later became a James Bond):

http://www.saint.org/volvo.htm

The new Volvo C30's love it or hate it design is a tip of the hat to the P1800S.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/13349/2008-volvo-c30-s-review/

I really don't know about the 289 being hornshoed into one but it could be fun.:smile:

 

[Mosesatm]

http://www.britishv8.org/Other/DaleRembold.htm

OK, that looks like way too much work!