The car was initially planned to be manufactured at Kharman in Germany, but VAG wasn't cooperative and it was instead Jensen in the UK that got the work.
The engine was the B18 with dual carburettors with the M40 gearbox. The engine produced 100 hp.
The first public pictures were released in 1959. Jensen had problems with the quality and in 1963 the production was moved to Gothenburg and was succeeded by the designation 1800S and the engine now gave an aditonal 8 hp. In 1966 the engine was updated to 115 hp. In 1969 the B18 engine was replaced witht the B20 giving 120 hp, though it kept the designation 1800S. For 1970 numerous changes came with the fuel-injected 1800E. In 1971 came the last model, the 1800ES, an estate or station wagon version with an all-glass tailgate. In 1972 the engine was upgraded to 124 hp and a top speed of 185 km/h. For the last model year, 1973, the 1800ES only was produced. Total production of the 1800 line from 1961 through 1973 was just under 50,000 units. Production ended on June 27, 1973 although Volvo was in negotiations with Coggiola concerning a possible P1800ESC.
While Volvo never produced factory convertibles of the 1800, these were produced in the aftermarket. A Long Island, NY (USA) dealer, Volvoville, advertised a convertible version.
A white Volvo P1800 driven by Simon Templar, played by Roger Moore was featured in the 1962 TV series of The Saint.
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