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Volvo 1800S – Type ‘F’

Production Years – August 1965 to July 1966 – 4,500 Units produced

There were little changes for the 1966 Model. Engine output increased to 115bhp and the rear axle received a new mounting system. Two torque rods to replace the earlier large pressed arms which wrapped around the rear axle and a torque rod.

Volvo 1800S – Type ‘M’

Production Years – August 1966 to July 1967 – 4,500 Units Produced

For the 1967 Model there was only two major changes. These were both to the exterior. Firstly the 1800 lost the heavy chrome side trim on the doors (known as hockey sticks) and front wings (wing spears). These were replaced by a thin straight trim along side of car.

The second change was a new front grill with multiple bars made from polished anodized aluminium.

Volvo 1800S – Type ‘ P’

Production Years – August 1967 to July 1968 – 2,800 Units Produced

This was to be the last 1800S model to be fitted with the B18B 1778cc engine. There were no major changes to this model except that the two spoke steering wheel was replaced with a three spoke all plastic wheel. This new steering wheel would remain in use on all 1800’s to the end of production in 1973.

Volvo 1800S – Type ‘S’

Production Years – August 1968 to July 1969 – 1,693 Units Produced

This model is often referred to as the 2 litre ‘S’ having been the first model to be fitted with the new B20 1986cc engine. This was to be the last 1800S and the last cars to have body shells produced in Scotland by Pressed Steel. The model had many of the parts that would soon be found on the next 1800 the ‘E’. This model was also the last 1800 to be fitted with Carburetors. Both SU and Stromberg Carbs were fitted to this model and it would appear that there was no pattern to their use, just what was available at time vehicle was assembled. The car was also fitted with an alternator and improved twin circuit brakes, although the vehicle still had drum brakes on the rear. Only 1,693 of these cars were built and next to the Jensen built cars are the rarest of the cars easily found. Be careful if buying this model that it is actually a 2 litre ‘S’ and not an earlier car fitted with a 2 litre engine, which will fit ALL 1800 cars.

Volvo 1800E – Type T’

Production Years – August 1969 to July 1970 – 2,799 Units Produced.

Volvo launched the 2 litre fuel injected engine, re-naming the car the 1800E for fuel injection. The car got quite a face lift at this point and in fact was an all new body shell, production of which was in Sweden. Changes to the interior included, a new imitation wood facia for the dash, instrument changed in style and became black with white dials and the front seats gained head rests.

Externally, the fuel filler was moved from the top to the side of the rear wing. A good move as earlier cars had often suffered from water getting into the fuel if the drain had become blocked. The rear wings also gained air vents, which were an attempt to improve air circulation – one of the few criticisms of earlier cars. The front grill was the same as the previous model was now pained matt black.

Other major new features included disc brakes all round and new style wheels which were a combination of a steel rim with an alloy hub. The p.c.d. of the wheel studs also changed to metric, which allows the owner to use wheels from later produced models e.g. 240, 740 etc. An automatic version of this model was available but non-are believed to have been produced for the UK market.