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Comments:

Volvo P 1900.

 
 By: amanico : November 27th, 2014-14:26
This Convertible had a very short life. This is the first attempt of a sports car from Volvo, which was not very successful, to say the least.

Produced between 1956 and 1957, only 68 cars saw the light. It seems that Volvo messed ud a bit, as 2 Nr 20 were produced. wink

A tublular chassis, a fiber glass body, and a rather small engine ( 1400 cc ) delivering some 70 HP are the main characteristics of this car.

The front makes me think of a Facel Vega.

How many are still alive, it is hard to say. I never saw one in the real, and only a few pictures exist on the net.

So you can imagine my surprise and how excited I was when I had the opportunity to see it in the flesh!

I am totally in love with this beauty. There are many interesting détails, such as the steering Wheel, the wheels, the shock absorbers, the dahsboard, and the whole interior.

This car could have directly come from a cartoon!

Some pics from the owner:

 

 

 

 

 

And now, with the top on:

 

 

 

 

Some cool détails:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And my own pictures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The P 1900 announced a more known reference, the P 1800, which was made in collaboration between Frua, Jensen and Volvo.

The first proto came in 1958, and the production started in 1960.

The Proto ( credit picture: Automobile Mag )


Volvo assembled this reference circa 1963, which was the end of the collaboration with Jensen.

Isn't that a great car? The power was a bit limited, even for that time, but what a look!

Best,

Nicolas

Wow! I like it a lot...

 
 By: Emil Wojcik : November 27th, 2014-18:37
...never even heard of it. Thanks for the photos!

Emil

Styled by Tritt (of Glasspar/boat fame)

 
 By: BDLJ : November 27th, 2014-20:41

...who also did the prototypes.

 

Before the Volvo, in the late 40's/early 50's, he manufactured bodies for modded Jeep chassis' that carried V8s smile

Very early pioneer of GRP for automotive bodies...clever guy.

Image borrowed from Geoff Hacker (I think)

And a couple of brochure photos:

1963 G-3

He also made Ski-boats...This is the G3

 

 

Sorry for the thread hijack, Nico....

 

Not that much hijack, Ben. Very interesitng information. Thanks. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : November 27th, 2014-22:19
No message body

The P 1900 is one of the rarest cars I know. I had to share it! ;) [nt]

 
 By: amanico : November 27th, 2014-22:21
No message body

Love the face!

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : November 28th, 2014-07:27
It is very cartoonish and so adorable
It's perfect car for summer cruising through Istra
and I feel you are after it
smile
Best
D

If the price was more around a P 1800, I think I would have considered it.

 
 By: amanico : November 28th, 2014-07:29

But it is much higher, sadly.

I'll find a car to go to Istra.  wink

Best,

Nicolas

Strange car ...

 
 By: bimbeano : November 30th, 2014-02:27
.. but nonetheless pretty cool .. and extremely rare. I enjoyed seeing this car but there were soo many other ones i didn't make enough time to 'investigate' the P1900 .... .
Maybe next time, when we go picking up that Lancia for me ;-)

Filip

That would make an excellent reason to go back there! ;) [nt]

 
 By: amanico : November 30th, 2014-22:32
No message body

Very cool!

 
 By: Tony C. : December 2nd, 2014-15:36
Love the details on the steering wheel, in particular.

Thanks for looking, Tony. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 2nd, 2014-21:04
No message body

Nice and cool car.

 
 By: VMM : December 11th, 2014-05:15
Never seen it before, I like it. 



Thanks for sharing.




vte

Prestine condition...was it restored? I wonder if ...

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : December 11th, 2014-10:38

the owner actually driving it, looks so new....never knew such design existed from Volvo.

Nice alternative for a BMW 507, or Jag E-type.

Rgds

Raymond

I would rather see the P 1800 as a ( quiet ) alternative of these 2 monsters. ;)

 
 By: amanico : December 11th, 2014-10:43

Quiet, mechanically, but aesthetically, the P 1800 is a strong competitor!

Best,

Nicolas

Wow...that looks good...for me who prefer modern...

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : December 11th, 2014-11:17

I'll take this concept if they make it. Thanks for sharing, Nico, I learn something new today smile

Rgds

Raymond

I saw it some years ago, I mean on pictures, only.

 
 By: amanico : December 12th, 2014-13:24

I am not aware of a later production...

Best, my friend.

Nicolas