1962 Volvo P1800 Coupe

Best remembered for its role in the television series The Saint, with a young Roger Moore starring in the role of Simon Templar, the stylish Volvo P1800 was based on the rugged running gear of the 120 Amazon clothed in sleek sports coupe bodywork designed by the Italian coachbuilder Frua. Powering the P1800 was a new five main bearing version of the Swedish outfit's tough little four-cylinder unit, designated the B18B, developing 100 bhp and driving the rear wheels through a four-speed M40 gearbox. Initially, Volvo had the body shells produced by Pressed Steel in Linwood, Scotland (reputedly, the Swedish Company's Vice Executive Chairman insisted the cars be built in a country where he could play golf!), with final assembly taking place with Jensen in West Bromwich using platforms shipped over from Sweden. In total, some 6,000 P1800s were made in this manner before production relocated to Goethenburg in April 1963. Ultimately in production until 1973, Volvo later tried to broaden the P1800s appeal by offering a sports wagon variant and the series has gained a strong following around world over the years. In Australia, the P1800 owner is well catered for with a good support network of clubs, specialists and fellow enthusiasts.