Author Description

In this Gold Portfolio you will find not only most of the important stories contained in our original Volvo 1800 book, but also 109 additional pages of road tests and other material which appeared in the automotive press during the 1800's production life. Attractive styling is not one of the features generally associated with Volvo cars, but the 1800 range undoubtedly had it. Allied to the traditional Volvo strengths of durability and strength, it resulted in a car which stood out among the Swedish manufacturer's products and which is deservedly seen as a "classic" today. It is not surprising that the 1800 looked different from other Volvos, for the company sought outside help with its styling. The Italian stylist Frus was the first to be consulted, but in the end the shape chosen for production was not Italian but the work of Swedish yacht designer Pelle Pettersen. The new car was introduced in 1961, perhaps an unfortunate date as it was initially rather overshadowed in the glamour stakes by another 1961 introduction, the Jaguar E-type. For the first two years, 1800 bodies were built in Britain by Jensen, but increased manufacturing capacity at Volvo's Gothenberg plant allowed production to be transferred to Sweden in 1963. Looking through the articles reproduced here, it is sometimes hard to understand why fewer than 50,000 Volvo 1800s were made. They were undoubtedly, very good cars.Fortunately for enthusiasts, their robust contstruction has ensured that a large number still survives to be enjoyed today. Compiled by R. M. Clarke. By Brookland Books