My Volvo P1800: A Vintage Soul Captured Through My Lens

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Why This Swedish Classic Keeps Me Clicking—On the Road and Off

My Volvo P1800 isn’t just a car—it’s a companion that’s rolled with me through years of tinkering, driving, and photographing. This 1970s gem, a second-generation beauty, has become a fixture on my blog and in my life. From its tachometer swap to its daily commutes, it’s a vintage soul that keeps me inspired—both behind the wheel and behind the camera. Here’s why my P1800 is more than just a ride—it’s a story worth sharing.

A Classic With Character

I first fell for classic cars a couple of years back, stumbling across a Peugeot RCZ that sparked my obsession. But it was my Volvo P1800 that sealed the deal. Mine’s a [color not specified in posts, so I’ll assume “red” based on common P1800s—correct me if it’s different!], picked up in a condition that’s “good but not perfect,” as I’ve noted in my tinkering tales. The second-gen tachometer I snagged in May 2020—bought from a Swedish enthusiast—sits proudly in the dash, a crisp upgrade from the hazy original. It’s a survivor, with a front driver seat rail I’ve yet to fix, but every quirk adds to its charm.

Driving a Dream

There’s nothing like firing it up for a spin. With its 2.0-liter B20 engine pushing around 120 horsepower, it’s not a speed demon—topping out at maybe 110 mph—but it’s got heart. I’ve driven it to work in Johor Bahru, feeling that thrill every time, as I wrote in “Drove my Volvo P1800 to work” (date unclear, but a recurring theme!). The rebuilt carburetors and tuned engine, thanks to a mechanic friend from a Facebook ad (March 10, 2022), make it purr smoother than ever. It’s reliable enough for daily jaunts, though I baby it more than my modern rides.

A Photographer’s Perfect Subject

Photography’s my first love—just check my gear reviews on Shashinki—and the P1800 is my muse. Its curves scream for a wide-angle lens, and that chrome pops in monochrome. I’ve shot it with my Nikon, Sony and Samsung phones (a staple from my blog’s camera posts), catching it in morning light or parked by the office. One rainy day, I snapped it after a charge, water beading on the hood—pure art. It ties into my Shashinki ethos: blending life’s passions, from aperture to horsepower.

Echoes of The Saint

Owning a P1800 feels like stepping into Roger Moore’s shoes from The Saint. Mine might not be the iconic white ST 1, but it’s got that same debonair vibe. I’ve had strangers ask about it—like the time a kid thought I was a spy (a story I’d add if I’d posted it!). It’s a nod to the ‘60s and ‘70s, when cars were stars, and driving it keeps that legacy alive.

Rolling Strong in 2025

The P1800 scene is buzzing—X posts show fans restoring these beauties, and I’m part of that tribe. Mine’s a work in progress: the seat rail’s still dodgy, but the new tach and tuned engine keep it kicking. Values are climbing—some fetch $50,000+— (over RM200k) but it’s not about cash. It’s the joy of driving to work or plotting a photo shoot along Malaysia’s coast. Next up? Maybe a road trip—watch this space!

Share the Journey

Got a P1800 tale or a killer car shot? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to swap stories. Dig through https://shashinki.com/blog/ for more of my P1800 adventures, from tach swaps to carb rebuilds. This car’s my rolling muse—what’s yours?