I’ve always found Volvo a fascinating vehicle manufacturer. Where some companies change models frequently or regularly perform significant updates to existing models, Volvo has a history of keeping models in production for extended periods with little more than evolutionary updates. That is the case with its iconic 1800S. Originally released as the P1800 in 1961, it rolled off the production line with only minor revisions until 1973. Our feature car is a 1966 Volvo 1800S that presents well. It has a few imperfections, but the new owner could address these as time and circumstances allow. Located in Olympia, Washington, you will find the Volvo listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has sailed past the reserve and sits at $12,100.

Volvo’s “1800” series could easily have been a car that appeared and disappeared from the automotive world without causing a blip on its radar. The company felt it lacked the engineering expertise and ability to produce a sports tourer of this caliber. When negotiations with Karmann broke down in early 1958, Volvo hunted for another manufacturer capable of rolling the vehicle off its production line. Eventually, it signed a contract with Jensen Motors to build 10,000 examples of the P1800 at its facility in West Bromwich, England. As business decisions go, this could best be classed as brave. The problem was that Jensen’s quality control system lacked two key attributes; quality and control. Early cars were plagued with problems that threatened to undermine Volvo’s carefully developed reputation, so the company canceled the contract after 6,000 cars had rolled off the line. Having been bitten savagely, Volvo brought production in-house to its Gothenburg factory. With this move came a new model designation, with the P1800 becoming the 1800S. Cosmetic changes and upgrades were evolutionary throughout its production life because the company believed it had hit upon a winning formula. Out feature car emerged from the Volvo factory in 1966, presenting well for its age. In keeping with the company’s conservative reputation, it wears a shade officially called “Red.” The seller admits it isn’t perfect, with a close inspection revealing chips, marks, and checking. Addressing these faults would be easy and could occur at the buyer’s leisure. The panels are straight, but the big news is this car’s lack of significant rust. Volvo developed its models to cope with the harsh Swedish winter, so its rust-protection strategies are sound. One of the few weak points in the 1800S is the front section of the rockers. This area is triple-skinned, and if problems develop, they require the attention of a professional to ensure the car remains structurally sound. There are no such problems with this classic, and the floors show no signs of issues. The seller indicates that the short cross-member has rust, but sourcing a replacement should not be a drama. The bright trim requires polishing, but the glass looks good.

This Volvo’s interior generally presents well, which is a relief. Interior trim and upholstery for the 1800S is eye-wateringly expensive. If one of these classics requires a complete retrim, it can leave no change from $4,000. The seller indicates that the seats wear non-original upholstery in cloth that a previous owner fitted in 1988. It remains in good condition for its age, with only a few wrinkles and minor marks. They believe the carpet is original, showing some wear and fading. A new carpet set retails for $450, which is above what you might pay for a similar item for other classics from this era. The dash pad is cracked, which could be a headache for a buyer seeking perfection. High-quality replacements are available, but like many interior trim items, they aren’t cheap. The buyer should budget $750 for a new pad, although cheaper ones are available if the wallet isn’t that thick. The seller admits the lower door trims are damaged, but with a pair costing $140, they are pretty affordable. The photos reveal the upper pads on the door trims are cracked, so the buyer needs to add $210 to the total for a new pair. The original owner ordered the car with air conditioning, but this doesn’t blow cold. The aftermarket radio/cassette player doesn’t operate, but the remaining electrical systems and lights work as they should. The buyer faces a few tasks whipping this interior into shape, but there’s nothing that they couldn’t tackle in a home workshop to minimize the costs.

While Volvo didn’t develop a reputation for producing high-performance engines during the 1960s and 1970s, its drivetrains have a reputation for being bulletproof. This car’s engine bay houses the 1,778cc “B18” 4-cylinder engine that produces 115hp and 112 ft/lbs of torque. Neither figure sounds impressive, but the 1800S uses it effectively. These engines continue to see service in Scandinavian domestic rallying and rallycross, and the owners rarely suffer mechanical failures in the heat of battle. The power finds its way to the rear wheels via a four-speed M41 manual transmission with the optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive unit. This Volvo is virtually a turnkey proposition for potential buyers. The engine demonstrates strong and consistent compression across all cylinders. The car runs and drives well, and the overdrive unit functions as it should. The only issues the owner identifies are low brakes and old tires. They believe that a new set of pads would address the brake issue, while the buyer should replace the tires before hitting the road in earnest.

During its thirteen-year production history, 39,407 buyers elected to hand over their money for a new Volvo 1800 Coupe. That number sounds respectable, but it is worth remembering that it represented worldwide sales across Europe and North America. In that context, the 1800S is a relatively rare creature. Some trim parts can prove expensive, but they have built a reputation for mechanical longevity. This car needs no exterior trim or drivetrain work, making it a straightforward restoration project as time and circumstances allow. You will struggle to find a decent example for under $20,000, while figures beyond $25,000 are common. Values have shown modest increases recently, although not as dramatic as other models in the current market. The bidding on this car hasn’t been as intense as you might expect, raising the possibility that its next owner could potentially secure it for under that magic twenty grand mark. If this happens, this 1966 Volvo 1800S could be a great buy.