Volvo's Greatest Car And How The Brits Almost Killed it! Volvo P1800s 

Roger Moore not only bought one of them, but drove the car over a hundred thousand miles, all over Europe, signing up TV stations for his new show called 'The Saint' : He was a shrewd and clever Producer and owned a third of the rights to the books. He was in profit even before they began filming. He did exactly the same thing in late 1969, when he selected an Aston Martin, again, travelled across Europe and raised cash for 'The Persuaders' - at the time, the most expensive TV show in British TV history, at a cost of nearly $100,000 per episode. Again, as uncredited producer and part owner, they were in profit even before they began filming! Such was the respect and character of Moore, he went to Lou Grade of the ITC network to commission the show...and both men merely shook hands on the deal...there were no contracts or paperwork. They trusted each other and it paid off. Jay Leno currently owns the original car used by Moore in the early series of The Saint.

Here in the USA the ad agency for Volvo got cheeky. Pictures with prices: Aston Martin $12,500 Ferrari $12,900 BMW $10,500 Maserati $11,400 Facel Vega $12,990 Mercedes Benz $11,099 Then headline: What’s it like to own a $10,000 car? Followed by a profile shot of the P1800 and second headline: Find out for $3,995. Then the ad copy. Cheeky!

One of the prettiest cars ever imho... They are even more beautiful in the flesh. My local Volvo dealer displays his own 1800S permanently in his showroom, it's immaculate.

I owned one just like this, except it was a RHD UK car. In 8 years between 1996 and 2004 I covered around 50000 miles as a daily driver, including a trip to the Volvo factory at Gothenburg. I spent a fortune on fighting deep-seated rust in the bodyshell. Panels were expensive even then, and they have to be fettled, welded-in and leaded - true coach-building. Fantastic cars, but wow the price now! I paid £1750 for mine and sold it for £4000, having spent something like £25000 on it.

i bought a 1967 1800S when I was 21 in 1981 for 200 quid, but couldn't afford to repair it. It had Borg Warner overdrive. Swapped it for a 121 Amazon. Amazed at what they go for these days... I will always remember the first time I drove it at night, with those lovely turquoise clocks. happy days... lovely video, thanks

I did some business with a different branch of Volvo, and one of my counterparts pointed out that Volvo is not a car company, but rather an engine company. All of their other dovisions exist to move engines. This applies to cars, ttruck, industrial vehicles, as well as their marine engine group. So the fact that Volvo subcontracted ssembly to Jenson was incidental to Volbo's business objectives until Jenson didn't perform. Once I looked at it that way, everything became clear.

One of my favourite memories is in around 1972/73 we were camping at Byron Bay NSW a very beautiful part of Australia and Dad' friend arrived in one of these as it was his company car ( he worked for Volvo Trucks )to taking us to a grass airstrip to take up a Cessna for a joy ride. He parked the P1800 next to the plane on the strip taking off and landing next to it. It would have been an amazing photo opportunity for Volvo advertising. It was so cool even cooler today.

My car! I enjoyed this video as much as the one Jack did recently on my fabulous Lancia Flaminia GTL. It may surprise you to know that there are only 140 P1800’s of all variants currently road-registered in the UK. This makes my specific model very rare indeed. It could be for sale…

The Volvo P1800 are great cars. Many years ago I owned a mint condition 1961MY Volvo P1800 in white with red interior. I still miss that car. It was just wonderful sitting beside the car admiring the lines of the beautiful bodywork. To my eyes the early P1800 is one of the most beautiful cars ever made. I am of course a huge fan of Roger Moore and the Saint. Thank you for another brilliant and interesting video.

My uncle had one of these when I was a kid and I was very disappointed when he sold it to someone else before I could buy it off him. I still have surprisingly fond memories of a trip to Teeside with my aunt and uncle up front with 3 kids in the back seat.

Now the theme tune (or part of it) is playing in my head once again. I just love the P1800s and this one in white is spot on with the saint on the back. We have discussed it here before but it is a crying shame how the British car industry 'shot itself in the foot' and in this case it wasn't even the fault of Jensen that it lost the contract. It probably is Volvo's greatest car in terms of prestige and the Amazon 123 is not far behind. Who says Volvo builds boring cars? Thanks for another great review Jack. 👍👍

The first ones have some of the prettiest lines of any car ever made both inside and out. The dashboard is sumptuous!

Thanks so much for not having audio tracks. I love hearing the cars in their completeness. Engine, exhaust, suspension clunks. Great overall description. Next to add smell-o-vision. One of the best part of classic cars is the leather, petrol, oil, wood varnish smells.

It feels great just to sit in, very nice and tight, like a 1955 Mercedes Benz 300 Gullwing. Jaguar told the Saint people they could not only NOT supply the XK-E because of backorders, but the rep told them that a Jaguar would 'never' appear on on a 'television' show only for the XJ-S to make its world debut on RETURN OF THE SAINT with Ian Ogilvy, a disgustingly underrated series. The Corgi diecast version of both are also great and Roger Moore got a new one for he show each season, plus who knows how many others. It is one of Volvo's greatest cars, doing for them what the 1979 M1 did for BMW, keep them ahead of their time and endure as long as they have. We'll see how north companies do in the next few years after some production issues. Thanks for yet another excellent, priceless video!

Morning Jack! One went for auction last week here and reached $35,000. Very tidy. I was a kid and loved watching The Saint. The 60s for me were glamourous, lashings of chrome tasteful interior designs etc. when i look at the lumps of plastic made by Volvo,BMW etc today. Theyve all the style of an electric toothbrush

Ahhhh, it never loses its looks....wonderful design; in- and outside.

Such a pretty car. While it may not be Volvo's greatest car, the fact that it holds the world record for miles driven says a lot. Someone actually had to sit in the car for that many miles, which means it's a very cozy & comfortable place to be. And somewhat reliable.

This. Brings back memories…. I had a 1970. Fuel injection electric overdrive…. Sailing down the highway at 110 MPH. hit the overdrive. Float along at 125 MPH. AWSOME UNIT. !!!

That car is the epitome of COOL. Absolutely beautiful aesthetic, a real neat GT. Love it.

Time for a cold beer accompanied by another great and relaxing video from Number 27. Life's good. Greetings from the Netherlands

One of my favourite cars. Roger Daltrey had one back in the day, not what you'd expect from the 'horrible 'oo

Thanks Jack! 🙏🙏 Enjoy going down the Volvo rabbit hole, they're quirky and underrated!

Excellent video, I turned down an offer to purchase an 1800ES in the early 80s', I have regretted that decision ever since!

My wife had the estate version of the 1800 for a few years, and it was fun, and in IMO even more attractive than the coupe. As you say they are a bit lumbering to drive with very heavy steering, so the designs to an extent write checks that the performance can't cash. But it was quite reliable - the engine only has about 12 moving parts and only takes up about half of that massive hood :) She sold it as it was just very difficult to get parts for in the US at the time (20 years ago or so)

Don’t forget the P1800 ES, which was the ‘Estate Version’ and probably the most beautiful estate car ever built with its all glass tailgate. I owned the coupe back in 1977 and only wish I’d had the foresight to put it away in storage because I would love to have one today, so many years later.

I came close to buying a P1800E in the late 1990s, I intended to fit it with an Oldsmobile 215 engine. At the time installing Ford 289 engines was a thing, there was a how-to book out on the subject. I actually had the engine and had the car in my driveway for a few weeks, other events put the kibosh on the project. They are beautiful cars, one view of them I really liked was of the rear fin from the side mirror.

What a cool car! I'm pretty sure there was a p1800 that ran for something like a million miles on its original engine etc.... cracking stuff as always Jack buddy 👍

I had a white Jensen built '62 P1800 from the early 90's. Lovely car to drive, so relaxing and softly sprung. The overdrive worked on all gears on my one, don't know if they were all like that. It caught on fire one day but I managed to put it out before any real damage was done, just some burnt wires and fuel lines. I kept it parked up for a further 10 years. The passenger side floor split due to rust and I finally sold it as a non runner for £1000. After seeing this video and what they're worth today I wish I'd held on to it longer.

I ran a LHD 122S estate for many years (almost 30) The P1800 is on a very similar floorpan and suspension setup. The steering is not rack and pinion, it's a box with all the balljoints and play that implies. Whilst i've not owned a P1800 and only driven a couple over shortish trips, I found the 122S or "Amazon" as it's fans call, it to be unequalled by ANYTHING, including my track prepared Triumph GT6 MkII, at a cross country A and B road hustle. At least once you got familiar with it. My 122S was a little vague and sloppy around the straight ahead position, not enough to fail an MOT, but it was there. So I tried to adjust the steering box (at around 140K miles it was no spring chicken) and found what you have got there, the steering off center became stiff and ponderous for only a minor gain in straight line positivity. I put it back how it was and never worried about it again! That 1 owner 1964 LHD estate was the best £100 (in 1982) that I ever spent in my life. Used it every day as a mobile workshop, towed heavier cars than it was on a 4 wheel flatbed trailer all over the country, brought both my kids home from hospital in it, you name it, it did it and never failed to start or perform. The best thing I did was buying it and the stupidest thing I ever did was selling it! I'll never be able to afford another!

My 66 sucuumed to rust, as so many did, but before it did I had the engine rebuilt and then I drove it in the mountains above Boulder, CO. The car was perfect for that environment and was exciting to drive.

I really enjoyed this presintation Jack and learnt a lot more about the P1800. Things not covered in other presintations such as being built in England. Thank you.

I used to watch The Saint as a kid. It’s such a pretty car.

I used to own a beautiful Californian 1971 1800E coupe, manual with O/D in mustard yellow in amazing original condition (.....manuals and tools). A total barn find in Los Angeles when they were not worth much. Think I paid US3500 in about 2000.......sold it to friends in San Francisco in 2003 when we moved back to Australia. They went on to win some local car events (best original un-restored 1800 I think). Great car, drove really well with 350K original miles on it. It just looked great from any angle - regret selling it to this day - and now they're worth lot$$$$

Ah the memories. My late dad had one in red. Still have some parts from it at home. ❤️❤️🥰

I was going to say, it sounded like you were coasting half the time you were speaking. Very quite inside indeed. GT indeed.

I have to admit, that Volvo P1800 looks so awesome and gave me The Saint vibes!^^ As always, I really enjoyed the video on the car so much, Jack.^^

Thank you Jake for another brilliant history lesson. I have always liked the P1800s and you have stirred something deep inside me. Keep up the great work.

Ahhh a drive thru the beautiful British country side surrounded by rows of queen ann lace flowers driving a mechanical work of art. A little taste of heaven on earth.

Still a car I love. A very understated elegance, with a nice engine. Roger Moore used his own car in the series. Which was a commitment to a vehicle he enjoyed to drive, Even the fins were fitting for the design, without any excess.

Drop dead gorgeous ! The P1800 became better known in France yaers after The Saint ended. Thanks to a TV host (namely Frédéric Taddeï) who turned into an almost co-star in the show "Paris dernière", visiting Paris nights from inside one.

Wonderful video (as ever) from Jack. To my knowledge, there's an additional, even more surprising Goldfinger-connection: The DB5 interior scenes in Goldfinger were shot inside a P1800 (and indeed apparently one of the Saint-cars).

Oddly I was always told it was Aston Martin that had spurned the offer opening the door for Volvo. Lovely car, always wanted one!

It is a timeless design and still looks great! That car is a beauty!

Hi Jack, I would love to hear(and see) a review on the Lotus Elite (the original 14)

What a style icon in coupe design. They look so cool when you see one in the metal.

My mate Dave and his brother were taken to dinner by Roger Moore as young kids in this car, he never forgot Moores kindness

The body shells were actually made by Pressed Steel Fisher in Linwood , Scotland , and I used to see them stacked up , ready for shipping back to Sweden , in Grangemouth docks , this was when The Saint was already on TV and well known .

The 3.2 million mile Volvo was built in Sweden three years after Volvo had ended the contract with Jensen early because of quality issues. The Swedish-assembled models are known to be much better built than their British brethren. Jensen only built the model between 61 and 63. Approximately 6,000 were built by Jensen and that number only amounted to a little over 12% of production.

I read that the back story was that Volvo management had decided on a Italian designer for the new sports car and Pelles design was kind of sneaked in and caused some upset since they had gone to the Italians and anyway got a design from a Swede… From what I read the design story was unique even for the 60's since every detail was designed by Pelle, from doorhandles to exterior lines - the proper design houses would have junior designers for some mundane elements.

Had one of these back in the 80’s. Same color combination. Never should have sold it 🤦‍♂️. Most difficult thing back then was getting the carbs to balance. Otherwise, the car was bulletproof 😃

The Volvo P1800 and the Volvo Amazon should have been available with the B36 petrol V8 engine as an option. This was a 3.6 litre, 3,559 cm3 (217.2 cu in) petrol V8 that was originally meant for the 1952 Volvo Philip American inspired four door sedan concept car. The B36 engine was later used in the Volvo Snabbe and Trygge trucks of 1956-1966.

Great looking car, very reliable I heard of one doing 3 000 000 miles still going ❤❤❤❤❤

If you stand next to a Volvo P1800S very quietly, you can hear it rust. Neglected it can rust so badly, it definitely qualifies as a British car.

Definitely one of the best looking cars of the 1960’s.

Sounds and drives like the 1950’s car it really is. Unique styling is a plus.

Love your videos, never miss one, one of the best reviewers on the internet, outstanding, many thanks. It's wonderful to see these older highly interesting cars.

For me this is far better looking than an E-type coupe.

American watching from the State of Rhode Island in the U.S.-Never owned a Volvo-or any foreign car for that matter-but-have-seen one of these around from time to time-I can count on one hand how many in my life-and always in well-used condition-and always-with just a simple black interior-didn't even know you could get colors-often been curious to know more-fun/interesting review-answered all my questions-including my long-held suspicion that though it said-Volvo-Gia was involved somehow.

My dear mom loved the SAINT… and that Volvo was a real hit with everyone! Memories… iconic car… and actor!

Toyota imported a similar car to America called the celica gt. Really looks like they borrowed some of the lines in the 70s

Hi Jack, I have really liked that car since they were new. My wish would be that they had contracted with BMW to tune the suspension and steering. They also could have put more effort into hiding the windshield wipers a bit. Love the interior and exterior. I would like one in the same color as your example as it looks great.;

Great to hear the history of one of the best looking cars ever.

They have the ACTUAL Simon Templar/Roger Moore car on display at the Volvo Museum in Gothenburg. I've seen it and it's stunning.

Thanks a car I enjoyed having you review

In years past, I’ve owned three 1963 cars, an MG midget, an E-type Jaguar, and a P1800s. Back then they were slightly rough used cars. All three together cost me under $4,000!

I got a 68 in 1984, still have it. I got it cheap because the engine was shot. I got a used B20 for $600 and although old and showing it's age, still runs and I love to take it out to West Marin County in California coast roads. Not a freeway car but great on the B roads here.

Im driving my 122s with a 2l and twin Weber's today. Stock doesn't sound as nice as mine, but the p1800 is a beautiful car.

Best explanation of the 1800s I’ve heard. Nice job!

Yes, the design language does look Italian rather than Swedish. Volvo’s are typically shaped like refrigerators with four wheels attached; this, on the other hand, has curves and elegance and is a thing of beauty. It is the Sophia Loren of motor cars.

I wasn't a Saint TV fan but saw a photo of a red p1800 racing Ken Miles' Ford GT 40 on front page of MotorSport magazine from March 1966 at Daytona....from the picture you could tell the GT40 was going way faster......but over 24 hours the Volvo was still going and due to fewer fuel stops than the larger engined cars and not breaking down.....came in 13th overall! This is the reason I ended up buying a P1800s and also by deduction of must have.....classic car with rear seat (for small child), not too common, but currently under valued, a gear stick, a great dashboard...has to be the blue dials...well thats what you spend most time looking at and classic lines. It just needs the handling sorted and then engine stroked and all will be perfect.....and still 25 x cheaper than the P1800 Cyan...although that is the ultimate restomod! They look like a different car without the bumpers. Great video, shame you missed the Aston Martin four cylinder engine trial p1800 only one made, and the chap currently racing a p1800s on the classic touring circuit....i think he is still the only one....i think a drive in that care would be a revelation!

Always liked the later ‘estate’ version - practical and the rear was just sooo stylish!

Please test Ford Osi 23Mts ghia and Fiat 2300S Coupe Abarth

Great car~ Had 2 of them~ The E was the best and fast!

Really suits you, not difficult to imagine the halo over your head.

Some body parts were pressed at the Pressed Steel factory in Linwood

In the late 60 early70s I was mad about boats n fuel consumption was astronomical on 2 stroke outboards, I col not effort this but someone I knew had a marinized P1800 installed into his boat driving a Castoldi jet unit from Milano his fuel was cut to almost half as the specific fuel consumption of the P1800 was about the best you could get at that time, years later I also got a bluebird with an 05 Castoldi jet driven by a Ford V6 Essex Castoldi marinized engine not as fuel efficient as the P1800 but more powerful, all very SH of course with my wages lol nice one Jack thanks for the upload

Some of the body panels / shells were made in Linwood, Scotland. Irv Gordon drove a Volvo P1800 for 3 million miles.

I had one. The styling was beautiful

There's one for sale not far from here. I'm in Quebec Canada. It is a project car.

I had a 63 P1800s in the 1980s. Of all the cars I’ve owned, it’s the only VIN I remember: 6030. Apparently the 30th made in Sweden.

There's a bloke in New York state who has done 1 million miles in his P1800

A local pal (Lizard Retro Classics) down in Cornwall restored a brilliant white one a few years back. Forgive me if it's a stupid question but, do I recall Smith's gauges or am I miss-recalling?

That Bond link is the most tenuous thing I have ever heard.

I love the interiors in these cars. They are really rather elegant.❤

A lot of Volvo forgings used to be produced in the UK at Kirskstall Forges Leeds

Fascinating. Thank you -- and for mentioning the Amazon rarity which is much treasured in Sweden. I only got to drive a P1800 for a day way back in my 30s and have to say that the wobbly steering and lack of raw power from 'flooring it' was disappointing. The one I tried out was rt hand drive and had the Laycock overdrive familiar from MG and Rover of the time. I wonder if it would have had overdrive at all without Jensen's involvement. Without it the result would have been a thirsty dog of a car -- pedigree maybe but more docile great Dane than greyhound. Properly built and tuned MGs and Triumphs were far superior, unless one really needed plastic rear seats.

I remember the first time I saw this car. My dad was buying a Porsche 914 and I thought this car was much more attractive. That being said the 914 was a remarkable handling car and a real sport car. Volvo would kill it if they brought out a modern version of this car with proper styling, modern suspension and even an electric version or hybrid.

Gorgeous - looks like the inspiration for the Beta Coupe

Would absolutely LOVE to see the P1800 body thrown onto a modern Mazda MX-5 frame & drivetrain!!

My brother had a filling station and garage on Elstree Way neat the Thatched Barn hotel about five mins drive from Elstree Studios. He garaged film equipment like camera cranes etc. Plus the police Wolsey used in the Saint, when parking was tight at the studio he also parked film crews cars and one day I called by and was asked to return the Saints Volvo. I walked to the set and handed Roger Moore the keys, he thanked me and offered me a coffee, we chatted for maybe 10 mins and he went. Years later I got the job of transport managing the caters, lighting and camera trucks on The Spy Who Loved Me. After the Sardinia location the convoy set off from Pinewood Studios to Venice, across the Med to Alexandria on on down to Cairo. While filming at the Pyramids sound and light open air theater, Roger Moore grabbed my arm and just said, we've met before haven't we. I offered him a coffee and he snapped his fingers and said you returned my car didn't you. While on location at the Velley of the Kings we all stayed at a hotel on the other side of the Nile. Just as we were finishing dinner the lights failed, shouts went out for the units sparky and generator driver in good old UK humor. The piano started playing old London songs and we all joined in, when the lights came back on it was Roger Moore at the piano. So watching you video has brought back some great memories, thank you very much. PS: Brother also built the last 37 Elva Couriers for Trojan Motors, they were all for export to the US.

A surplus of 1800S engines may well have been the reason for the 123GT, but Jensen had long before ceased production of the P1800 (only those early cars bore the moniker "P", BTW). I recently let go my 65,000 mile 1800ES to make garage space for my Last Car, which will be a 4.4 BMW E34. "Sweet P" was the planned partner for my 740GLT wagon, but I have since become a BMW guy and she was just not sufficiently fast nor sprightly on her toes.

I love these cars. Roger Moore, my favourite Bond and all round good egg, drove one in real life. I have a black and white framed picture of Roger Moore sitting on the bonnet of his playing Simon Templar, hanging over my staircase.

Competitors back in the day (here in the USA) would've been the 105 series Alfa GTVs, Lancia Fulvia, BMW 1600/2002s, Ford Falcon Sprints and early Mustangs, highly-optioned Corvairs, maybe a Lotus Cortina or an MGB/GT. The XKE or Sunbeam Tiger would've been too expensive. The very rare Olds Jetfire, with its turbocharged Buick 215 (later Brabham-Repco and Rover) aluminum V8, would've been an interesting alternative.

I have always loved these from the moment they were introduced. Unfortunately I have never had one. The Minilite wheels on this one look so much better than the originals, Chrome wires look pretty good too. Your comments about the interior are interesting although the later models are quite different and probably not quite as nice. They would have been sensational with a "better" engine but each to their own I guess.

The E-Type was launched at the Geneva Motor Show, not Earls Court

Volvo we're very keen to assist with the saint, offering 2 cars and an cockpit mock up for the interior scenes.

That's one of the nicest looking classics.

Actually it is very pitty that Pelle Petterson did not get to design more cars. He was actually only an apprentice down in Italy when he designed the P1800, and Volvo management really did all they could to keep hes name hidden. Only much later did he get the appreciation he so fully deserved. As you may know Pelle went on to design boats, and was very successfull there too.

Very pretty indeed.

For me one of the most beautiful cars ever made....!