This is the result of six months effort to bring back this 1962 Volvo P1800 that was sitting for over 20 years.
Pelle Petterson penned the lines of this car back in 1957 when he was in school at the Pratt Institute in New York. Back then, space travel and fins were all the rage. It’s a good thing as this design turned out to be timeless.
An unmistakable profile. The original owner Corky bought the car new in Oregon in 1963 with 12 miles on the odometer.
I kept all the badges in the grille as they are part of the car’s history. Early cars had white/clear parking and turn signals.
New carpeting and detailed pedals.
The early cars had a straight part on the seat belt loop and later cars got more of a rounded style. This one was replated.
The c-pillar lights illuminates the interior when the doors are opened or they can be activated by the driver via a switch under the dash.
Original seat belts are not retractable but hey…they are original so I can live with that.
The office: Not a bad place to be in a 60 year old car. Type code 301 calls for red seats with grey carpet.
I ain’t got no stinkin’ Bluetooth, Apple/Android car play or hands-free stuff! I have ALL TRANSISTOR MOTOROLA!!
The original “Jensen” wheel cover were polished and detailed. Rims were dark gray on the Jensen cars and new Michelin 165R15 looks correct on this car.
Corky made this license frame as he was proud to own one of 6,000 Jensen cars. All US market Jensen cars got slash cut exhaust extensions.
100,000 mile badge. Corky was almost apologetic when he said that the odometer had been around…once. I think it will run a bit longer.
Normally my OCD will force me to remove all club stickers and other personal items from a car but but just like the grille badges, they are part of the car’s history.
The decision makers at Volvo were hesitant to use the Swedish flag in the emblem as they felt it was “regal appropriation” but in the end decided to keep the design. Good thing!
Well, there you have it…a very presentable Volvo to be enjoyed and shown again.
This car is now for sale on Bring-a-Trailer