Years ago, my older brother owned a used Volvo P1800 like the one depicted here (same green color - could even be the same car? I drove it a couple of times before he sold it, and would give it an "A" for fun.)
Anyway, the P1800 (1961-1973) has an interesting history, and was designed by a Swede, Pelle Petterson, and an Italian, Pietro Frua, in the late 1950s. The German company Karmann was about to build it, but when their biggest customer, Volkswagen, heard about it, they threatened to cancel all their contracts with Karmann if they took on the car. VW didn't want a competitor to their planned Karmann Ghia.
Trivia: a white version of the car was driven by British actor Roger Moore in the TV Series "The Saint" (1962-1969).
Small volume sales, and stricter American safety and emissions standards eventually killed this beautiful car, and, sadly, Volvo never ventured into the sports car arena ever again.
Where are the Wagoneers?
ReplyDeleteThe Austin Healey is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteJust superb! As always! Thank you, so very much! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThat is one cool Volvo! How often do you hear that sentence?
ReplyDeleteYears ago, my older brother owned a used Volvo P1800 like the one depicted here (same green color - could even be the same car? I drove it a couple of times before he sold it, and would give it an "A" for fun.)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, the P1800 (1961-1973) has an interesting history, and was designed by a Swede, Pelle Petterson, and an Italian, Pietro Frua, in the late 1950s. The German company Karmann was about to build it, but when their biggest customer, Volkswagen, heard about it, they threatened to cancel all their contracts with Karmann if they took on the car. VW didn't want a competitor to their planned Karmann Ghia.
Trivia: a white version of the car was driven by British actor Roger Moore in the TV Series "The Saint" (1962-1969).
Small volume sales, and stricter American safety and emissions standards eventually killed this beautiful car, and, sadly, Volvo never ventured into the sports car arena ever again.
I’ll take the Saab! RIP
ReplyDeleteYes! Absolutely agree!
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