Volvo P1800 – Jensen Motors, England built Model –Type ‘A’

Chassis No: up to 6000 – Production Years May 1961to March 1963 – 6000 Units

As already said, the Jensen built 1800 is the rarest, second hand parts are hard to come by and are not cheap when found due to their scarcity. Some parts are not available at all new i.e. Curved heavy chrome trim on doors, front cow-horn bumpers, rear wrap around bumpers, front upper & lower wishbones and main front suspension crossmember (although later type can be fitted as a complete unit) and heavy aluminium egg-crate style grille (may be reproduced in the future but will be very expensive) and chrome nose cone. The chrome nose of the P1800 being a different profile to those on later cars – See photo in Gallery and wheel trims. Body panels on these cars also differ. This includes front wings; front panel and also wheel arches were different profiles. Replacement new panels will fit with work; they are actually pressed from late production vehicle e.g. 1800E & 1800ES but are not correct for the purest so be careful if you decide to undertake a total restoration of this model. Try to check availability of Spares before you part with your money. Remember the Volvo Enthusiasts Club can help to source any parts you may require for this and other 1800 models.

Volvo 1800S – Volvo Sweden built – Type ‘B’

Production Year April 1963 to July 1963 – 2000 Units produced.

Due to production problems production in 1963 was moved from Jensen in West Bromwich, England although they continued to provide parts e.g. the interior for this model -. The 1800S (1963) from Chassis No: 6001 –7999. This was the first of the 1800’s to be built in Sweden, hence the ‘S’ after the number and retained many of the early Jensen features including the same body shell and interior, although different materials were used for the trim (other than the front seats). The car lost the Built in England by Jensen Motors Chassis Plate, which is unique to the Jensen cars, although the ‘Pressed Steel Ltd’ painted plate still remained on the vehicle. Bodyshells for the 1800 were in fact built at Linwood, Scotland for ALL 1800’s up to 1968. The 1963 1800S also lost the large full wheel trims, these being superseded by a smaller round chrome caps with a red ‘V’ in the centre and a chrome outer ring – often referred to as ‘snob rings’. These trims had previously been used on the Volvo 120 and PV models. Some 230 of these cars retained the ‘Jensen ‘C’ Post Badge, while All gained a new 1800S badge on the rear panel. Cars were now painted in Volvo standard colours, vehicles being available in Red, White and Graphite Grey. These cars are rare in terms of production numbers but in terms of cars surviving there are many more examples of this model still on the road.

Volvo 1800S – Type ‘D’

Production Years – August 1963 to July 1964 – 4,500 Units Produced

For the 1964 Model the 1800S gained an all-new Bodyshell, with different doors, glass which would remain in production until 1966 when a new rear axle mounting system would be introduced. The Type ‘D’ retained the heavy egg-crate front grille and solid wheels and large red ‘V’ hubcaps. Other changes included a new air intake grille for the heater just below the windscreen – the heavy cast unit was replaced with a lighter more flat unit. Internally the car received a new style interior, which would remain with only minor modifications, for the remainder of 1800’ an 1800E production, This vehicle also received new front suspension design and a new heater. Engine performance was increased to 108 bhp.

Volvo 1800S – Type ‘E’

Production Years – August 1964 to July 1965 – 4,000 Units Produced

The 1965 Model lost the famous Front Cow-horn Front and rear wrap around bumpers, to be replaced with flat rubber edged bumpers – same front and rear. These would remain on all models including the 1800ES to the end of production. Wheels were also replaced with a slotted style as used on other Volvo models (although wider) and a new smaller black ‘V’ hubcap. The front Grille was also replaced with what is referred to as the flat grille and a new chrome nose. This model year also saw the end of chrome on brass trim around the front and rear screens and the chrome on brass trim on top of the doors. Other smaller items of chrome were changed to cheaper anodized aluminium.

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