When introduced in 1961, the motoring press looked at the Volvo P1800 as a certain kind of “semi-sports car” that elicited praise from the motoring press, particularly from the purist wing. It was thought of as an elegant but “effete conveyance” until the car got the needed boost to over 100-hp and Car & Driver marveled that: “We can’t recall ever giving a car such a thrashing for an ordinary road test. We also can’t remember having so much sheer uninterrupted fun with an automobile.” They also conveyed that the seating is “almost therapeutic; your arms are nearly straight and you already feel like Ascari.”

The Volvo P1800 was built from 1961 to 1973 and first became popular when it was featured as the main car driven by Roger Moore as Simon Templar in the hit television series ‘The Saint’ which aired from 1962 to 1969. In 1963 production was moved to Volvo's Lundby Plant in Gothenburg and the cars name was changed to 1800S, with the S standing for Sverige; Sweden in English.

This example runs the 1,778-cc, 115-hp inline four-cylinder unit with twin carbs and a manual transmission. Smiths instrumentation adorns the dash, which is described as “original” as are the seats and headliner. The paint is described as “good condition” while the carpet is new from the cars cosmetic restoration. The Volvo also has an AM/FM/cassette and rides on factory steel wheels with the appropriate center caps.