Volvo 1800S
The 1963 Volvo 1800S marked an important transition in the P1800's production history. The 'S' suffix indicated that production had moved from Jensen Motors in England to Volvo's own factory in Gothenburg, Sweden. This change addressed quality control issues that had plagued the Jensen-built cars and established the 1800S as a more refined and consistently built product.
The B18 engine, displacing 1,780cc, produced 108 horsepower at 5,800 rpm with twin SU HS6 carburetors. While not the most powerful engine in its class, the B18 was remarkably robust and smooth, characteristics that Volvo prioritized over outright performance. The engine drove the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox with electric overdrive on third and fourth gears, providing relaxed highway cruising at reasonable RPM.
The body was identical to the earlier Jensen-built P1800, with Pelle Petterson's elegant design featuring a distinctive shoulder crease, egg-crate grille, and flowing fastback roofline. Build quality improved significantly with the move to Swedish production — panel gaps were tighter, paint finish was better, and overall fit and finish met Volvo's high standards.
The interior was comfortable and well-appointed, with leather-trimmed bucket seats, a comprehensive instrument panel, and good visibility through the large glass area. The cabin was designed for long-distance touring rather than track-day heroics, reflecting the 1800S's grand touring character.
The chassis provided safe, predictable handling. Independent front suspension with coil springs and wishbones gave good front-end control, while the live rear axle on coil springs with radius arms provided stable rear-end behavior. The steering was somewhat heavy but accurate, and the front disc brakes offered reliable stopping power.
The 1800S in 1963 specification with the B18 engine represents an accessible entry point into P1800 ownership. While less powerful than the later B20-powered cars, the B18 1800S offers the same beautiful design, excellent build quality, and extraordinary durability that has made the P1800 series one of the most collectible Volvos.
Body condition is primary — check floor pans, sills, front inner wings, spare wheel well. Swedish-built cars are generally better made than Jensen-built examples. B18 engine is extremely reliable. Verify overdrive function. SU carburetor condition matters. Chrome and stainless trim should be complete. Original colors add value.
Produced at Volvo's Lundby factory in Gothenburg, Sweden from 1963. The move from Jensen to Volvo production improved quality control significantly. The B18 engine was used until 1968 when the larger B20 replaced it.