When I was stationed at Mather AFB in the early 1960’s, I bought part ownership in a 1961 Volvo P1800. Pearl white with red leather seats, it had a 100hp engine, twin carbs and a 4-speed gear box that gave us a top speed between downtown Sacramento and Mather Field of 118 mph. All that and classic sports car lines to boot.

With three “partners” in the car, I only got to drive her one week a month and, as I probably should have foreseen, the partnership was short lived — one partner was discharged and “took” the car with him, never to be seen again. But what a beautiful automobile she was while we had her. Every now and again I see a white P1800 and wonder…

The P1800 was produced in Britain by Jensen Motors until 1964 when quality control issues forced production to be moved to Sweden after only 6000 units had been produced. The improved model was dubbed the P1800S, the “S” designating Sweden. In 1972, Volvo introduced a hatchback version. The ES failed to capture the hearts of buyers as had the coupe and, in 1973, production of the 1800 series ended. Today, the P1800 lives on in numerous auto clubs throughout Europe and the U.S.

A white Volvo P1800 with licence plate ST1, driven by Simon Templar (played by Roger Moore), was featured in the TV series The Saint beginning in 1962 and played a prominent role throughout the entire run of the show. 

I’ve owned a lot of cars since then, even a few race-bred roadsters, but there will always be a special place in my heart for that little P1800, my first sports car. I can still remember the smell of the leather, the whine of the engine and the sheer exhilaration that only a true sports car can provide…