Volvo P1800 (1961-73)

This is most likely the 1800S, manufactured from 1963-79. The “S” denotes it was manufactured in Sweden, after the company took over production from it’s contract builder, British sportscar manufacturer Jensen. 

If you can’t tell already, I have a soft spot for these cars, How can you not? To me, it proves that a company known more for practicality and endurance can have a little fun as well. On one hand, the low roofline and sweeping trim give it an aggressive stance, but the eggcrate grille is the automotive equivalent of Mona Lisa’s smile; you can’t exactly be sure if the designers were trying to make it look serious or playful.

This one’s for sale, but surely out of my price range.

Seen in SE Portland

Volvo 1800ES (1972-73)

One of only 8,077 examples ever made, this variant of the P1800 is by far my favorite. Born from an Italian proposal to Volvo, it was deemed too radical and thus was restyled in-house to the car we know today.

Sun faded, primered and missing a wiper (who needs those in LA anyways?) it looks right at home in sunny California.

Seen on a recent trip to Los Angeles

Volvo Amazon Station Wagon (122S, 1962-69)

My best guess is that this is a ‘63-64, but there’s some details that suggest it may have picked up a few newer parts along the way.  

Regardless of it’s age, this estate sums up Portland’s love affair with the Amazon quite well. Loaded with stickers, moss encrusted, and left outside (because they’re meant to be driven). Oh yeah, and its loaded with junk to the point that the driver’s side is the only useable space. Throw in a Rogue Brewery vanity plate and its pretty much perfect (well, I’d probably clean the junk out, estates are best enjoyed with friends).

Seen in SE Portland 

Volvo PV 544 (1958-66)

This PV is by no means the nicest spotted in Portland, but the most down and out models tend to draw me in.  It looks like this one is still driven occasionally, and the interior was a sight to see. 

Almost as eccentric as the house behind it.

Seen in SE Portland

Volvo PV 445 Duett (1953-69, this is a ‘57)

While yesterday’s PV 444 is one way to maintain a classic, I’ll take patina over perfection any day. Though rust is never a good thing, this car has some amazing character.  There are so many great details on this workhorse, my most favorite has to be the vintage University of Oregon Parking sticker affixed to the rear bumper.  

The Duett was meant to be just that-dual purpose.  It’s both a load hauler and a (moderatley) comfortable passenger car, and probably the only Volvo passenger car to sport a ladder frame.

Both yesterdays and todays posts are owned and maintained by the same family, and if you’d like to see more pictures check out their Flickr page for some great shots:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/volvorelix/

Seen in Beaverton, OR

Volvo PV 444 (1943-58, this is a ‘57)

This eye catching 444 was really Volvo’s AB’s sole offering at the time (aside from the Duett in the background which I’ll post tomorrow).  This one looks to be thoroughly overhauled with a close eye on the details (the light configurations and suspension setup are especially great).

The license plate is classic, as the PV-series were extremely versatile design while still being a balanced and competent road car, a trait that seems to be one of Volvo’s hallmarks.

A beautiful find in Beaverton, OR

Volvo 240 GL Sedan (1980-85)

Though not particularly beautiful or rare as a configuration, this 240 is painted in beautiful Light Green Poly, similar to the shade of this Volvo owners envy.

Seen in SE Portland

Volvo 122S (Amazon, 1959-70 in the US, this is a ‘66) 

Happily spotted this beautiful example of a classic 122S in Light Green 91/Black exterior colorway. Though two tone paint jobs were phased out in ‘62, I think the owner did a great job, you don’t see many this way.  Equipped with accessory mudflaps, gold “Volvo” lettering and just one little rear view mirror make this a true period piece.  

Would love to take a Sunday drive through the Gorge in it.  

Seen in SE Portland

1976-77 Volvo 245 in a lovely shade of dark brown.  While the double round sealed beams probably win an award for worst front end configuration of any 200 series, it just seems to work on this one.  

Seen in SE Portland

Volvo Amazon (1956-70). This one is strange.  All black trim and a “Special” badge on the decklid probably aren’t original, I can find no information on a special edition.  The fender mounted mirrors are unique as well.

A mystery in NE Portland

Volvo PV 544 (1958-66) put out to pasture in SE Portland.  

Volvo 1800 ES (1972-73).  One of 8,077 ever built, and the originator of the best rear window design ever.

Seen in NE Portland