Disguised prototype of classic P1800 is actually powered by a petrol engine and is not electric as previously speculated.
Last week Volvo was seen testing a mysterious disguised prototype version of the classic P1800 coupé. Contrary to previous speculation that the car was an electrified restomod, Automotive Daily’s exclusive content partner has now learned the car in question is actually petrol powered.
The source of the original images, taken at the company’s Hällered testing ground near Gothenburg in Sweden, made contact to confirm the P1800 actually sports a centrally-mounted exhaust. It’s just visible in the blurry rear shot provided (below).
A short video sent by the source (who has chosen to remain anonymous) reveals the prototype’s four-cylinder engine sounds similar to that of the original coupé. The exhaust mounting is in a different location to the original, however.
The camouflaged car sports a number of key changes over the classic P1800. Wider wings, a revised front apron with a new intake and modern wheels and tyres are visible behind the disguise. Although not officially confirmed, rumours suggest Volvo is looking to mark the P1800’s 60th anniversary next year with a ‘reimagined’ model, but it’s unclear if there is any low-volume production intent.
The car in question is registered as a red 1964 example owned by Mattias Evensson, head of engine development at Cyan Racing, the motorsport arm of Volvo parent company Geely.
Evensson purchased the car from Jonas Christian Dahl, the owner of the Polestar brand from 2004 to 2015, when it was taken under the wing of Volvo. Before that, the car belonged to the Polestar racing team itself.
The car’s close ties to senior executives could mean it’s a personal project or a one-off. However, the fact that the model has been seen road-testing in prototype-stage camouflage suggests there may be more to it.
When contacted, a Volvo spokesperson declined to comment on the sighting.
The P1800 was a 2+2, front-engined, rear-wheel drive coupé produced from 1961 to 1973. With Volvo initially unable to produce the car itself, it was first built by Jensen in West Bromwich, England, using bodyshells made by Pressed Steel in Scotland. Production moved to Sweden in 1963.
The P1800 gained fame through the hit TV series The Saint, in which one was driven by lead star Roger Moore.
Lawrence Allan