OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
Chassis No.
183451026181
Introduced as one of Swedens most stylish exports, the 1968 Volvo P1800S represents the sweet spot in the evolution of Volvos beloved sports coupe, balancing the early Jensen-built charm with the mature, in-house refinement of its later years. The P1800 project began in the late 1950s when Volvo sought to produce a car that could compete with European grand tourers like the Jaguar E-Type and Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint. Designed by Pelle Petterson under Fruas direction, the P1800 combined Italian flair with graceful lines, a sturdy chassis, and trademark Volvo durability. Initially, production was outsourced to Jensen Motors in England, but quality concerns prompted Volvo to bring assembly home to Gothenburg in 1963. These Swedish-built models bore the S suffix, denoting Sverige (Sweden). By 1968, the P1800S had evolved into a refined touring coupe, powered by a 1.8-litre B18 engine. Paired with a four-speed manual gearbox and optional overdrive, it offered smooth, long-legged performance ideal for grand touring. With its timeless design, remarkable reliability, and connection to popular culture, immortalized by Roger Moores *The Saint*, the 1968 Volvo P1800S remains a symbol of elegant endurance and Swedish craftsmanship. A fun and exciting piece of Swedish iron, this 1968 Volvo P 1800S has had just three private owners since new. The first owner was a college professor at Broward Junior College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who maintained this example for a few years before trading it in at Gold Coast Volvo in Pompano Beach. There, Kevin Ahlquist, the co-founder of the Minnesota Chapter of Volvo, would acquire this Volvo in March of 1973. His prized possession for 31 years, Mr. Ahlquist is said to have commissioned multiple restorations during his tenure, the last being a professional frame-up restoration in 2003. Wanting to race this Volvo, it was tastefully upgraded with a period-correct Volvo B20 F 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine thats equipped with dual SU draft carburetors, Bosch ignition, and new electrical parts such as a starter, alternator, and distributor. Backing the engine is a four-speed synchromesh manual gearbox with a Laylock overdrive unit, hydraulic clutch by Girling, and Dana Spicer 4.56 limited slip differential. Other upgrades include power front Girling disc and rear drum brakes, conventional A-arm front suspension with Bielstien gas shocks, and a Panhard IPD performance rear sway bar. The Dane Miller Estate Collection would acquire this Volvo 22 years ago from long-term owner, Kevin Ahlquist, and it has since been well cared for and stored in his climate-controlled car facility. The recipient of a complete restoration inside and out, this Volvo wears a stylish PPG TriPearl Coat Opera Red that nicely accents the smooth lines of the unibody design. Equipped with detailed chrome trim throughout, its sports car appearance is elevated thanks to the five-spoke Cragar wheels that are wrapped in Cooper Cobra Tires, an ideal set up for autocross. Inside, the seats, door panels, and carpets were supplied by Auto Mate, a JVC CD stereo and Obecon speakers with 200-watt capacity were installed, and one will be pleased to find the rare, and optional dealer-installed air-conditioning. Featured in various Volvo Sports America Magazine issues and the recipient of multiple awards at national Volvo meets, this P1800S stands as a well-sorted and thoughtfully prepared example of Volvos iconic sports coupe. Balancing period-correct performance upgrades with show-quality presentation, it represents an ideal blend of provenance, drivability, and enthusiast-focused charm. * Recipient of a professional frame-up restoration * Just three owners from new; Acquired by the Collection 22 years ago * Tastefully upgraded with various mechanical components and speed parts * Optional dealer-installed air-conditioning * Featured in various issues of Volvo Sports America Magazine From the Kruse Auctions
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