Volvo P1800 1969–1972 car dimensions: 4350 mm long, 1700 mm wide and 1285 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,155 kg. Boot space with the seats up is 200 litres.
Leather-upholstered multi-way adjustable front bucket seats include lumbar support and headrests for long-trip comfort. The cabin has a wood-trimmed instrument panel with full gauges including tachometer, lockable center console, full carpeting, flow-through ventilation, and a thermostatically controlled heater with two-speed blower plus electric rear-window defroster. Tinted glass is standard and air conditioning is optional. Occasional rear jump seats fold flat. No electronic driver aids are fitted.
The trunk offers about 200 litres of luggage space, more than many sports cars of the era, though the spare wheel takes a good portion. Folding the rear jump-seat backrest creates a flat area behind the front seats for extra bags, secured by straps.
Leather-upholstered bucket seats adjust seven ways including fore-aft travel, height, rake and firmness with good lumbar support and built-in headrests. Flow-through ventilation plus dual fresh-air intakes and a thermostatically controlled heater with two-speed blower keep the cabin comfortable for long drives. Tinted glass and an electric rear-window defroster are standard. The ride soaks up bumps well.
Electronic fuel injection gives better economy and lower emissions than carburetted versions.
Oil changes every 6,000 miles after initial service. no regular chassis greasing needed.
Four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with dual circuits each covering three wheels.
Factory three-point seat belts on front seats with snap locks.
Laminated high-impact windshield standard.
The B20E 2-litre engine with Bosch electronic fuel injection delivers 130 bhp and is designed for lower fuel use plus cleaner exhaust than earlier carburettor models. Makers note better economy overall. Premium fuel is recommended. Tank holds about 12 gallons.
Servicing is straightforward. After the first 3,000 miles, oil and filter changes come every 6,000 miles. No greasing points on the front suspension or drive shaft for the life of the car. Transmission and rear-axle oil checks follow the same interval.
Safety kit centres on four-wheel discs that are power-assisted and self-adjusting, plus a dual-circuit system that keeps 80 percent braking if one circuit fails. Rear pressure-relief valves aid stability. Three-point belts are fitted up front. lap belts go at the rear. The body uses integral all-welded steel with boxed members around the passenger compartment and is fully rust-proofed.
Keeping the car means regular oil changes and filter service. The sealed cooling system has a transparent expansion tank. High-speed radial tyres sit on alloy wheels. Unit construction and undercoating help longevity.
Length 4350 mm, Width 1700 mm, Height 1285 mm, Wheelbase 2450 mm (P1800 1969–1972)
Sources: manufacturer data, Volvo 1970 1800E international brochure, additional brochure/published specs.