Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Volvo 1800 S 2.0 (118 Hp)
Overall Rating
Volvo 1800:
The Volvo P1800 is a 2+2, front-engine, rear-drive sports car manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars between 1961 and 1973. Originally a coupé , it was also offered in a shooting brake configuration toward the end of its production. Styling was by Pelle Petterson under the tutelage of Pietro Frua when Frua's studio was a subsidiary of the Italian Carrozzeria Ghia, and the mechanicals were derived from Volvo's Amazon/122 series.
Marketed as a touring car rather than a sports car, the P1800 became widely known when driven by British actor Roger Moore in the television series The Saint, which aired from 1962 to 1969. In 1998, an 1800S owned by Irv Gordon was certified as the highest mileage private vehicle driven by the original owner in non-commercial service—having exceeded 3. 25 million miles as of his death in 2018....(Read more on Wikipedia)
S Overview:
Volvo 1800 (S). With 167 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1100 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Volvo 1800S predates modern crash testing standards like Euro NCAP. While built with Volvo's reputation for safety in its era, it lacks contemporary safety features such as airbags or advanced driver-assistance systems.
2.0 (118 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 2.0L B20 engine provides a respectable 118 Hp, offering solid, reliable performance suitable for comfortable cruising and spirited driving for its era. It's a well-regarded classic engine.
Fuel Economy
As a carburetted engine from the 1960s, fuel economy is moderate by modern standards, typically around 20-25 MPG depending on driving style. Not its strongest suit but acceptable for a classic.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, elegant styling and iconic design.
- • Legendary B-series engine reliability and durability.
- • Comfortable grand touring capabilities.
- • Strong classic car market appeal and investment potential.
- • Engaging driving experience for a classic.
Cons:
- • Lacks modern safety features and crash protection.
- • Fuel economy is poor by contemporary standards.
- • Performance, while good for its era, is modest compared to modern cars.
- • Rust can be an issue if not properly maintained.
- • Parts availability can be challenging for specific trim pieces.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(S: 1963 - 1965).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volvo |
| Model: | 1800 |
| Generation: | S |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 (118 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1965 |
| End of production: | 1969 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 118 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 59.4 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 167 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | B20 More details about the engine B20 |
| Engine displacement: | 1986 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.75 l |
| Coolant: | 8.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 88.9 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.3 kg/Hp, 107.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.6 kg/Nm, 151.8 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1100 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 45 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4400 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1700 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1285 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2450 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1315 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1315 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 155 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Tires size | 165/80 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 4.5J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
What’s the best feature of the Volvo 1800? Tell us in the comments!