1968 VOLVO 1800S Coupe in Factory Dark Green RARE AND BEAUTIFUL -- NO RESERVE!

1968 Volvo Other Additional Info:

Year: 1968

Make: Volvo

Model: 1800S

Mileage: 89135 on odometer (TMU / total mileage unknown)

Body style: Coupe 2+2 seater

Engine: B18, 1800cc, 4-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves; 115 bhp at 5,800 rpm.

Transmission: M41 gearbox with electrically actuated Laycock de Normanville overdrive (D-Type)

Wheelbase: 2,450 mm (96.5 in)

Length: 4,350 – 4,400 mm (171.3 – 173.2 in)

Width: 1,700 mm (66.9 in)

Height: 1,280 – 1,285 mm (50.4 – 50.6 in)

Curb weight: 1,130 – 1,175 kg (2,491 – 2,590 lb)

SUMMARY

Presented for sale in this no-reserve auction is a1968 Volvo 1800Sin factory green with tan interior. Perhaps the most beautiful of all Volvos produced, it is a 2+2, front-engine, rear-drive sports car manufactured and marketed between 1961 and 1973. Total production of the coupe for all model years is 39,407. Only 2,800 were made for the 1968 model year, with only 852 in color code 94, dark green. This is a rare and “up and coming” collectible car with a European styling pedigree and solid Swedish Volvo reliability.

HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE

Styling of the 1800 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.

These cars were marketed as for touring rather than a sports car, and are recognizable in part because a white one was driven by British actor Roger Moore in the television series “The Saint” which aired in the 1960s. The 1800S is also famous for holding the record as the highest mileage private vehicle driven by the original owner in non-commercial service; Irv Gordon drove his 1966 over 3.25 million miles as of his death in 2018.

Earlier models were produced in the Jensen factory in England, but in 1963 production was moved to Volvo’s Lundby plant in Gothenburg, Sweden, and the car’s name was changed to 1800S (for Sweden). It was designed to withstand extreme northern European temperatures, and is noted for its reliability.

MODEL SPECIFICATIONS AND DESCRIPTION

The engine is the B18, which displaces 1800 cc, features dual SU carburetors, producing 115 bhp with a top speed of 109 mph. The B18 furnished the car with a strong engine boasting five main crankshaft bearings, matched with a M41 four-speed gearbox and electrically actuated Laycock de Nomanville overdrive. The D-type overdrive effectively gives the 1800S series a fifth gear, for improved fuel efficiency and decreased drivetrain wear.

I have owned this car since 2010, when I purchased it from a private seller through Volvo Centrum in San Francisco. At that time, the seller represented that it was a “California car” throughout its lifespan, and also represented that notwithstanding the 89135 mileage shown on the odometer (which stopped working), he did not believe the car to have been driven more than 100,000 miles. Since we’ve owned it, we have driven it fewer than 1,000 miles, and we’ve kept it at our home in the Northern California Central Valley throughout.

SERVICE HISTORY

This car has been maintained as a driver. The buyer of this car will receive a copy of Centrum’s computerized service records dating back to 2001.

Most recently, the car has had the following work performed: generator to alternator conversion; fully rebuilt SU carbs; electronic ignition added; removal of the old brake booster and replacement brake pads; restored radiator; restored fuel tank; new gas sensor; new headlamps; all new exhaust, new wheels and tires, new battery, new spark plugs, a complete tune-up, new trunk lid seal.

The car starts, runs and drives, but before anyone does any serious driving in it, I would suggest some attention be paid to the clutch and its leaky fluid line. As a 55-year-old car, fluid levels for the brakes, the clutch line, etc., need to be periodically checked.

OVERALL CONDITION AND PICTURES

The included pictures (taken December 4, 2023) accurately depict the overall condition of the car.

The factory paint color is green with tan leather interior. We tore out the front carpeting because it was in poor condition and a nuisance (buyer will receive a new black custom carpet kit for the car that can be installed if the buyer wishes to use it).

The passenger side door panel needs a little work and needs to be resecured to the door. Windows work, although the passenger window crank needs to be reattached (crank is included). The dash is not heavily cracked or peeling but shows some age and wear.

Speedometer, tachometer, and gas gauge – all original Smiths gauges – function while the other gauges and clock do not currently work. There are several online resources for rebuilding gauges and updating the electrical on these cars.

The car has a functioning AM/FM radio but the speakers might need to be replaced or reconnected, and it needs a replacement antenna.

Headlights, signal lights, brake lights, horn, and windshield wipers all function. The heater works.

The body is in good condition, but needs a little paint and adjustment at the nose.

Window seals will need to be replaced for any serious wintertime driving.

Trim is complete, but there is some pitting on the chrome and some light surface corrosion on the bumpers. There was also some rust which was repaired below the passenger door near the front wheel, which is a very common place for rust on these cars. It now needs to be painted at the site of the repair.

The underside is in good shape for an unrestored car; the floor panels are solid and there is only some light surface corrosion. As indicated, this car has spent its life on the West Coast away from salt on the roads.

SPARE PARTS AND DOCUMENTATION

At time of delivery, the successful bidder is welcome to take the carpet kit, brake booster, old wheels, an extra chrome grill surround, extra chrome fenders, the service records, and service books (books are aftermarket, not original to the car).

CONCLUSION

This car is sure to please the next owner with many more years of enjoyment as a driver and would be a wonderful restoration candidate. The successful bidder will receive delivery of a clean California title.

The car is being sold as-is, where is.

I am happy to answer any questions or inquiries, and can supply additional information or pictures. Please resolve any questions before committing to a bid.

Following the auction, a deposit will be required from the successful bidder to secure the sale. Buyer will need to make arrangements to take delivery about one hour north of Sacramento, California.

Good luck and happy bidding!